Assessing the sustainability and utilization of CLTS facilities in rural Ghana: evidence from the Daffiama-Bussie-Issah District

ABSTRACT Community-led total sanitation (CLTS) has improved sanitation and reduced open defaecation in rural areas, but its long-term sustainability remains underexplored. This study examined the viability of sanitation facilities and practices in CLTS beneficiary communities in Ghana's Daffiama-Bussie-Issah District. Using a cross-sectional survey with probability sampling, 55 households across three communities were surveyed. Analysis with SPSS revealed that 74.5% of respondents now use ventilated improved pit latrines, showing notable behavioural change. Education emerged as a strong predictor of improved latrine use (p = 0.021), faecal sludge management (FSM) knowledge (p = 0.019), and capacity to rebuild latrines (p = 0.082). Structural durability was enhanced by plastered latrine walls (p = 0.015), while external support influenced reconstruction (p = 0.039). Despite limited FSM knowledge, acceptance of faecal-derived fertilizer was high (96.4%) across groups. The study concludes that while CLTS promotes positive outcomes, sustainability is threatened by technical fragility, weak FSM knowledge, and financial constraints, requiring strengthened education and support.