The influence of socio-demographic factors on the adoption of improved toilets in Dodoma City, Tanzania

Emanuel Amon Kikwale; Robert Pauline Ndobori; Luhuvilo Lupondo

doi:10.51867/AQSSR.2.4.49

Authors

Emanuel Amon Kikwale Institute of Rural Development Planning (IRDP), Tanzania Author https://orcid.org/0009-0005-3250-5200
Robert Ndobori Pauline Institute of Rural Development Planning (IRDP), Tanzania Author https://orcid.org/0009-0000-8956-5240
Luhuvilo Lupondo Institute of Rural Development Planning (IRDP), Tanzania Author https://orcid.org/0009-0008-9168-698X

DOI:

https://doi.org/10.51867/AQSSR.2.4.49

Keywords:

Dodoma City, Improved Toilet, Sanitation, Socio-Demographic Factors, Tanzania, Toilet

Abstract

Tanzania encounters significant challenges related to sanitation with limited access to improved toilets. Despite government efforts such as the national sanitation campaign, only 67.76% of the households have access to improved toilets. This study was guided by the Diffusion of Innovation Theory (DIT). The research used a cross-sectional design to gather data on the influence of socio-demographic factors on the adoption of improved toilets at Mbabala in Dodoma City. The research was conducted with 250 randomly selected household heads through a survey and in-depth interview with the ward executive officer. IBM SPSS Version 27 was used in analyzing quantitative data whereby descriptive statistics and binary logistic regression were performed. On the other hand, content analysis was used in analyzing qualitative data. The research found that pit toilets without slabs (28%), pit toilets with slabs (27.2%), and ventilated improved toilets were common types of toilets adopted, while few used pour flush toilets connected to sewer systems (19.2%). The research further found that a higher level of education, income, access to clean water, the frequency of listening to the radio, and the frequency of watching television (TV) increased the likelihood of adoption of improved toilets among household heads. The study concludes that education, access to clean water, income, the frequency of listening to the radio, and watching TV influenced the adoption of improved toilets. The study recommends that the City Council of Dodoma, in collaboration with nonprofit organizations and media houses, should keep on promoting the use of improved toilets through awareness campaigns in order to create a more hygienic environment.

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