Impact Case Study: Exploring an alternative sanitation option for refugee camps

Safe sanitation is crucial in humanitarian crises, but there are challenges with implementing traditional options. This study explores urine-diverting dry toilets (UDDTs) as an innovative alternative option in Hilaweyn camp, Ethiopia. The study findings validated and reinforced the use of UDDTs at Hilaweyn camp, inspired implementers to consider alternative sanitation options in other refugee camps in Ethiopia, and made an important contribution to the evidence base for UDDTs in humanitarian crises. They have helped to shape additional pilots of UDDTs in Gambella, western Ethiopia, and informed standard operating procedures for using UDDTs for Oxfam, NRC and UNHCR.

The study also helped to develop the technical capacity of local researchers, with the expectation that this will support future work, and fed into the design and best practice implementation of UDDTs. This case study demonstrates the indirect, long-term nature of delivering change through research, with impacts influenced by multiple stakeholders and projects over time.

R2HC captures detailed case studies through a process that triangulates and validates evidence on uptake and impact. The case study methodology and full version of this summary case study including references are available on request. Outputs and resources from the study are available on the project page.