How Has Urban Community Led Total Sanitation (U-CLTS) Affected Open Defecation in Urban Communities in the Tamale Metropolis

Abstract The study assessed the impact of Urban Community-Led Total Sanitation (U-CLTS) on open defecation in Tamale Metropolis. The objectives of the study were to assess frequency and reasons for open defecation and to assess the factors that influence the implementation of community-led total sanitation in the Tamale Metropolis. The study obtained data from 398 landlords and interviewed some officers of Civil Society Organisations (CSOs) and United Nations International Children Education Fund (UNICEF), some Opinion Leaders and Landlords. The study used structural equation model to determine the factors that influence implementation of U-CLTS at each stage. T-test was also used to determine the effect of U-CLTS programme on open defecation. Interview responses were also transcribed to complement the inferential analysis. The findings indicated that reasons for frequent open defecation before CLTS include poor maintenance of public and private latrines, financial hardship and social norms problems. The study also found that CLTS has significantly reduced open defecation in the Tamale Metropolis. Policy environment, community participation and implementation quality significantly affected effective implementation of U-CLTS. The study recommends that CLTS should be scaled-up in other communities where open defection is rampant.