The Challenge of Open Defaecation (OD) and Community-led Total Sanitation (CLTS) in Nigeria– A brief Review

Abstract

According to a recent World Health Organization report, Nigeria ranks second (2) in the world in terms of open defaecation (OD). This is recognised as an environmental hazard that has drawn the attention of both government and non-governmental organisations over time (NGOs). Academia and corporate organisations working in the environmental and public health domains have shown no less concern as part of their social responsibility. The adoption of the Community-Led Total Sanitation (CLTS) principle is one of several responses from the Nigerian government and other stakeholders.   The goal of this review paper was to examine this critical subject matter and to look at the enormity of the challenges and efforts made so far in the country. A thorough review of peer-reviewed journals and published work on OD in Nigeria was carried out. This study sought to determine (a) the extent to which OD has posed a public health risk in our communities. (b) What common practices within Nigeria's existing sociocultural norms are the primary drivers of OD?  (c) What are the most common barriers to combating OD in Nigeria? A conclusive review indicates that one of the proven strategies often deployed at community and programme level, Community-Led Total Sanitation (CLTS) or the Community Approach for Total Sanitation (CATS) as examined in the Nigerian context– its adaptability, effectiveness or otherwise. A few models were scrutinized, and pertinent recommendations were made.