Study to identify appropriate approach and strategies for sustainable sanitation intervention in Terai

This study identifies good practices, barriers and challenges for promoting hygiene and sanitation in the Terai region of Nepal in the context of the ongoing open defecation free (ODF) movement and recommends appropriate intervention strategies and approaches for further improvement.

More specifically the study examines:

• policies and programmes in the area of water supply, sanitaton and hygiene (WASH) and ODF communities specific to the Terai region
• social beliefs, norms and perceptions towards open defecation and the opportunities for creation of new ODF norms in the Terai region, including existing good practices and barriers
• current interventions supported by various government, national and international actors to improve WASH and to promote particularly ODF communities in the Tera region; and
• possible future approaches and strategies for sustainable sanitation interventions in the Terai region.

In addition to a literature review, the research team consulted a range of key stakeholders Focus Group Discussions (FGDs), Dynamic Interaction Sessions (DISs), key informant interviews, consultation meetings, and transect walks at the community level.

The study covered the 8 districts of Terai which have been termed by the WASH sector as "Sanitation Dark Districts" namely - Siraha, Saptari, Dhanusha, Mahottari, Rautahat, Sarlahi, Bara and Parsa. Of them, three districts namely - Saptari, Siraha and Parsa were selected purposively for in-depth field study. The field study was carried out from December 2013 to March 2014.