Healthcare, Sanitation and Public Health in the Community of Natitingou in Northwest Benin: Current Impacts, Adoption Hurdles and Outlook for 2050

Abstract

The study aims to analyze the up-to-date state of hygiene and sanitation in the community of Natitingou, highlighting barriers to sustainable adoption. A random sample of The sample size was determined using the probabilistic method. It was calculated with a 95% confidence level and a margin of error of plus or minus 5%. In total, 271 people were interviewed through a semi-structured survey, with data entered and analyzed via Excel 2016 and SPSS 17.0 software. Findings reveal a predominance of informal practices in solid waste and domestic wastewater management. In fact, 74% of the respondents throw their household waste directly into the environment, 11% subscribe to pre-collection services, 10% and 5% burn and bury it respectively. This practice of illegal waste disposal is most prevalent in outlying neighborhoods, where collection systems are almost non-existent. Furthermore, wastewater management involves individual, often rudimentary methods, with direct discharge into the environment or waterways, increasing the risk of pollution and diseases spreading. Open defecation is another major problem. The highest rates are observed in the districts of Kotapounga (65%), Tchoumi-Tchoumi (64%), Kouaba (63%), Kouandata (60%) and Perma (60%), while lower rates are found in the urban districts of Natitingou 1, 2 and 3. This widespread practice contributes to soil and groundwater contamination and promotes the resurgence of waterborne diseases such as cholera and diarrhea, mainly among children, as well as typhoid fever. Several constraints hinder the adoption of improved hygiene and sanitation practices. Socio-economic obstacles, cited by 35% of respondents, include poverty and the high cost of sanitation infrastructure. Another 23% cited cultural constraints, referring to deeply rooted social norms and habits. Added to these are infrastructure and institutional limitations (30%), such as the lack of sanitation networks and weak local governance. Finally, climatic constraints (12%), including flooding, erosion, and heavy rainfall, increase the vulnerability of populations and compromise existing facilities’ durability. Long-term interventions are therefore essential to address these challenges. To achieve its 2050 vision, the municipality of Natitingou must commit to developing resilient sanitation infrastructure that is accessible and adapted to local realities. Strengthening governance at both the municipal and state levels is vital to ensure effective coordination of actions. In addition, community awareness and hygiene education should be stepped up to promote lasting behavioral change. Finally, addressing climate issues in sanitation policies will help anticipate risks and strengthen people’s and systems’ resilience.