Natural resources management, sanitation and hygiene

These educational sessions will be facilitated by a qualified person from the implementing organisation, preferably in cooperation with a representative from the concerning local government department. During these sessions, representatives of the water committee are educated on several subjects to ensure awareness and understanding of natural resources management, sanitation and hygiene. Natural resources management will mainly focus on the proper and efficient management and usage of the sand dam. These sessions will take 5 days in total and are organised within the community (Munyao et al, 2004).

Natural Resource Management training
This training aims to facilitate ways and means of management of natural resources. With the help of a questionnaire the community gathers the necessary information about their available natural resources and explores ways and means of utilizing their natural resources to improve their livelihoods. By the end of the training, each community has developed a comprehensive list of the natural resources found in their village. They compile the potential ways and means of using these resources in an action plan.

Hygienic water practices

In the absence of hygienic water practices, attempts to ensure high water quality will be futile. Safe rainwater can be easily contaminated after extraction from the system, for example by the use of contaminated jerry cans or by contamination present on the hands of users. Therefore, hygiene education and monitoring of the operation and maintenance of the system, along with sanitary practices, are essential if rainwater supplies are to fulfil their potential to provide clean water. Creating awareness on personal and system hygiene issues related to water is crucial. Local health organizations play an important role in educating consumers on water treatment methods, managing water supplies and giving specific guidance in managing, operating and maintaining RWH systems. Water supplies, sanitation facilities and hygiene behaviour work together as an integrated package: the quality of the approach in all components determines the outcome [Hygiene Promotion, Thematic Overview Paper 1, 2005].

Hygiene training
This training focuses on creating awareness within the community on contamination risks of their water sources and giving guidelines for hygienic and practical guidelines on water usage. This training is based on the RAIN Water Quality Policy and on national and regional policies and programmes. At least one third of the local community is expected to participate, especially women since they are mainly responsible for collecting water, cleaning, washing and cooking: activities which have high risks of contamination.