Assessment of Sanitation Infrastructure and Open Defecation in Rural Communities of Anambra State

Open defecation in rural areas of Anambra State, South East Nigeria, persists despite significant public health advocacy, reflecting inadequate sanitation infrastructure provision and low community uptake of improved sanitation facilities. This study assesses sanitation infrastructure availability and the prevalence of open defecation in five rural communities in Awka North, Oyi, and Anambra East LGAs. A descriptive survey covering 200 households assessed latrine type, usage, and condition using the JMP service level ladder. Field inspection verified self-reported latrine ownership and functionality. Water quality testing of drinking water sources provided an indicator of faecal contamination reach. Community leader and health worker interviews provided contextual information on sanitation behaviour and past programme history. Results indicate that improved sanitation facility coverage is 48 percent across surveyed communities. Of those with latrines, 38 percent are structurally deficient (collapsed slabs, full pits, damaged superstructures). Open defecation is practised by 35 percent of households, predominantly in communities with no previous sanitation programme exposure. Faecal coliform contamination in drinking water is significantly higher in open-defecation-practising communities. Willingness to pay for latrine construction materials is moderate (mean: 4,500 naira), with affordability identified as a primary barrier. The study recommends a targeted community-led total sanitation programme focused on the three worst-performing communities, including subsidised latrine construction through the Anambra State Ministry of Environment.

Keywords: sanitation infrastructure, open defecation, rural communities, Anambra State, South East Nigeria