Eaglestone Africa

The primary goal of the project was to improve water access and WASH governance for 7,070 persons, local institutions, ministries, and other stakeholders. Specific objectives included:

• Extending access to WASH in rural areas and improving service levels.
• Strengthening county governments' capacity to fulfill their WASH mandates.
• Enhancing the capacities of local partners and fostering collaboration among WASH system actors.

Project Implementation and Beneficiaries

The project was implemented by WHH and its implementing partners in Turkana, Marsabit, and Kajiado counties. The project targeted rural communities and households, focusing on improving water access, sanitation facilities, and capacity building.

Key Findings and Achievements

The KABP survey provided valuable insights into the current knowledge, attitudes, behaviors, and practices related to water, sanitation, hygiene, and nutrition in the target communities. Key findings included:

• Knowledge levels: While some respondents demonstrated adequate knowledge, there were gaps in understanding specific WASH and nutrition practices.
• Attitudes: Positive attitudes towards WASH and nutrition were prevalent, but challenges such as cultural norms and limited resources influenced behavior change.
• Practices: Open defecation remained a significant issue, and hygiene practices were often inadequate.
• Drivers and bottlenecks: Factors such as economic constraints, lack of access to facilities, and cultural beliefs influenced the adoption of improved behaviors.
• Information channels: Traditional media and interpersonal communication were the primary sources of information.

Recommendations

Based on the KABP survey findings, the following recommendations were made:

• Tailored communication strategies: Develop culturally appropriate messages that address specific knowledge gaps and address the identified drivers and bottlenecks.
• Community engagement: Foster active participation of communities in WASH planning and implementation.
• Infrastructure development: Invest in improved water and sanitation infrastructure to facilitate behavior change.
• Capacity building: Strengthen the capacity of local institutions and community members to implement and sustain WASH practices.
• Multi-sectoral collaboration: Promote collaboration among government agencies, NGOs, and community-based organizations to address WASH and nutrition challenges.

Conclusion

The KABP survey provided valuable insights into the knowledge, attitudes, behaviors, and practices related to WASH and nutrition in the target communities. These findings will inform the project's implementation and help to develop effective strategies for promoting behavior change and improving WASH access and governance. Continued efforts are needed to address the identified challenges and ensure sustainable improvements in the lives of the target population.