Assessment of factors affecting sanitation governance in Nsanje and Salima districts, Malawi

Abstract

The study was conducted to determine gaps and provide recommendations for improving the implementation of sanitation governance in the study districts. The study was conducted in Nsanje and Salima districts which are among the districts with poor access to sanitation suggesting poor sanitation governance in these districts. The data was collected from respondents, using questionnaires as interview guide and a checklist. The study participants included community key informants (n=110) who comprised of Health Surveillance Assistants, Area development committees, Natural leaders, the Water Point Committee, and the District Coordinating Committee. The other participants were household heads (n = 393). The study participants were sampled through purposive, convenient and systematic sampling modes. The data was analyzed using descriptive and content analysis. The bivariate analysis (cross-tabulation using Fisher Exact Chi-square test) was used to analyse selected variables to check the association between variables. The study found that there was no harmonised sanitation regulatory framework (p<0.0001); fewer (<50 %) sanitation governance documents were observed than those claimed to be available; majority (56 % in Salima and 91 % in Nsanje) claimed to be trained but no records of the training were available and the training referred to was not sanitation governance relate; and stakeholders at micro level, transfers their roles (100 %) to others suggesting low community participation in sanitation governance in Nsanje and Salima districts. The study results suggest gaps in the sanitation regulatory framework, capacity among the stakeholders at both micro and meso levels, and limited availability of sanitation governance documents in the study districts. It is important to develop a robust harmonised sanitation regulatory framework, improve capacity and involvement of the sanitation stakeholders. The study results will help sanitation stakeholders on improving and programming of sanitation projects in the country