A transdisciplinary methodology for introducing SODIS to rural communities in Malawi - formative research findings.

Morse, Tracy, Luwe, Kondwani, Lungu, Kingsley, Chiwaula, Levison, Mulwafu, Wapulumuka, Buck, Lyndon, Harlow, Richard, Fagan, G Honor and McGuigan, Kevin (2020) A transdisciplinary methodology for introducing SODIS to rural communities in Malawi - formative research findings. Integrated environmental assessment and management. ISSN 1551-3793

[img]
Preview
Text
17979_Buck_L Harlow-R.pdf - Published Version
Available under License Creative Commons Attribution Non-commercial No Derivatives.

Download (5MB) | Preview

Abstract

Despite the increasing volume of evidence demonstrating the efficacy of solar water disinfection (SODIS) as a household water treatment technology, there still appear to be significant barriers to uptake in developing countries. The potential of SODIS is often treated with scepticism in terms of effective treatment, volume, and safety, and is dismissed in preference for more accepted technologies such as ceramic filters and dose chlorination. As part of WATERSPOUTT (EU H2020 688928), our study used a transdisciplinary methodology to co-create an innovative SODIS system in rural Malawi. The formative work focussed on the design of (1) an appropriate and acceptable system, and (2) a context specific intervention delivery programme using a behaviour centred design. Initial research identified specific water needs and challenges, which were discussed along with a co-creation process with potential end-users, through a series of shared dialogue workshops. Specifications from end-users outlined a desire for higher volume systems (20 litres), which were 'familiar' and could be manufactured locally. Development of the 'SODIS bucket' was then undertaken by design experts and local manufacturers, with input from end users, and subject to controlled testing to ensure efficacy and safety. Concurrent data was collated using questionnaires (n=777 households), water point mapping (n=121), water quality testing (n=46) and behaviour change modelling (n=100 households). These identified specific contextual issues (hydrogeology, water access, gender roles, social capital, and socio-economic status), and behavioural determinants (normative, ability and self-regulation factors) which informed the development and delivery mechanism for the implementation toolkit. This article is protected by copyright. All rights reserved. [Abstract copyright: This article is protected by copyright. All rights reserved.]

Item Type: Article
Additional Information: ** From PubMed via Jisc Publications Router
Keywords: behaviour change, co-design, household water treatment, solar water disinfection, transdisciplinary
SWORD Depositor: JISC Router
Depositing User: JISC Router
Date Deposited: 02 Mar 2020 13:44
Last Modified: 08 Feb 2021 09:26
URI: https://bnu.repository.guildhe.ac.uk/id/eprint/17979

Actions (login required)

Edit Item Edit Item