Participatory assessment of French Reed Beds (FRB) as a nature-based solution for rural sanitation in arid environments: insights from the Ouijjane project in Morocco

ABSTRACT Rural improved sanitation remains a major challenge to achieving the UN SDG 6 goal. In this regard, this study evaluates, with local stakeholders, an operational rural sanitation project in Ouijjane commune, Morocco, using French Reed Bed (FRB) technology. Data from project documentation, as well as field interviews and focus group discussions, were used to carry out a participatory evaluation. The findings reveal, for the monitored period (2020–2021), high organic load reduction with TSS at 85%, COD between 87 and 90%, BOD5 between 85 and 90%, and relatively high TN removal of 75%. While household interviews demonstrate a significant improvement in the sanitary situation, the focus group discussions uncover existing challenges in facility management by the local association and governance barriers. The findings also indicate the importance of postconstruction follow-up and systematic evaluations in rural water projects.