Access to Clean Water and Sanitation: The Innovation Revolution
Innovators are racing to broaden access to clean water and sanitation around the world, as celebrated on World Toilet Day, marked on November 19.
Accelerating Change
This year’s theme is all about accelerating change, and innovators are indeed making a difference. From a Nepalese woman who prompted her village to improve hygiene to a fresh game plan launched in 2022 by the UN Children’s Fund (UNICEF), these game changers are advancing progress towards the 2030 Agenda’s ambition to achieve clean water and sanitation for all through its Sustainable Development Goal (SDG) 6.
Innovative Solutions
So, is a group of young people who are driving sanitation innovation in Kisumu, Kenya.
**Award-winning Eco-Toilet**
Saniwise Technologies, a firm made up of young entrepreneurs, designed an award-winning eco-toilet that also produces manure and chicken feed. This innovative solution aims to make more toilets for the community, using recycled materials and dry toilet technologies.
"The black soldier fly larvae churn human waste into manure," said Chelsea Johannes of Saniwise. "This is the black soldier fly larvae. They’re digesting the waste. You can see that it already looks more like soil. In four days’ time, it will be ready to sell as manure."
Green Prototype
The eco-toilet produces manure and chicken feed through the use of black soldier fly larvae, which digest human waste. Saniwise Technologies sells the by-products to local farmers, such as 77-year-old John Ochieng.
John Ochieng’s farm in Kenya is already benefiting from the eco-toilet’s output. "I like the products. The manure helps my crops grow very green and fruitful. When I gave my chickens the feed, they enjoyed it. It’s good to see young people helping themselves," he said.
‘Young People Helping Themselves’}
Saniwise Technologies’ innovative solution not only provides a sustainable toilet option but also empowers local communities by creating economic opportunities.
Conclusion
The UN is committed to accelerating progress on improving clean water and sanitation around the world. Innovations like Saniwise Technologies’ eco-toilet offer hope for a brighter future, where clean water and sanitation are a reality for all.
Frequently Asked Questions
Q: What is the goal of the UN in terms of clean water and sanitation?
A: The UN aims to achieve clean water and sanitation for all through its Sustainable Development Goal (SDG) 6.
Q: Who is behind the innovative eco-toilet technology?
A: Saniwise Technologies, a firm made up of young entrepreneurs, designed the award-winning eco-toilet that produces manure and chicken feed.
Q: How does the eco-toilet work?
A: The eco-toilet uses dry toilet technologies and black soldier fly larvae to churn human waste into manure.
Q: Who benefits from the eco-toilet’s output?
A: Local farmers like 77-year-old John Ochieng purchase the manure and chicken feed produced by the eco-toilet, which helps their crops and poultry thrive.