The effective implementation of ecological ventilated improved pit within the Capricorn District, Limpopo Province South Africa

ABSTRACT The concept of the ecological ventilated improved pit (EVIP) toilets is aligned with the ecological sanitation approach which is resource-minded and represents inclusivity towards ecological and economically sound sanitation. The underlying aim is to close the gap between sanitation and resource use whereby recovery and recycling of human waste creates a valuable resource for agriculture and energy generation. Ecological sanitation systems that allow safe reuse of nutrients from human waste have been introduced within schools in the Limpopo Province, South Africa. However, little is known about the success of the implementation in terms of both sustained use of the toilet and the reuse of human waste. This study assessed the effective implementation of the EVIP at 108 schools within the Capricorn district through self-administered surveys and observations guided by the following key concepts: reuse and benefits of human waste, condition of the toilet, and induction and the assertiveness of proper usage. A Chi-square test was used to measure the correlation between variables. The study recommends awareness and thorough user education, exposure, and practice to yield positive results of the sanitation technology.