Sanitation and Wastewater Atlas of Africa

Table 6.4. Examples of incentives to encourage farmers and consumers to adopt safety measures in the use of untreated wastewater for irrigation

Description

Incentive

Many farmers who use wastewater in peri-urban areas are challenged with land tenure security. This could therefore be used as an incentive for adopting good on-farmpractices.

Tenure security

Low-interest credit could be provided to farmers applying safe irrigationmethods. In this case, there is need for monitoring farmers’ compliance with their contractual obligations.

Credit on condition

Media exposure (e.g. naming and shaming) can be a powerful alternative to steer compliance. Urban farmers and food restaurants often fear media exposure which could trigger eviction from the land or business closure.

Fear of exposure

Social marketing can encourage households to adopt safety measures. Possible triggers and drivers for change need to be identified for key target groups.

Social values

Washing vegetables with clean water can help reduce the germs and contaminants on food

Source: Drechsel (2018)

6.14), weirs and reservoirs (Figure 6.15), changes in irrigation methods, timing, and adequate selection of crops grown are commonly suggested risk- mitigation measures. Figure 6.16 shows the pathogen concentration as a functionof thewater retention time in a pond, though these solutions may not always be

financially attractive for farmers (Drechsel 2018). Table 6.4 shows the benefits of adopting safety measures when using untreated wastewater.

(restaurants or households), can further improve the quality of farm produce. Experiences in Ghana showed that the cumulative effect of the multiple- barrier approach can completely address the health risks associated with using poor quality water for irrigation (Figure 6.17).

Implementing handling practices, such as washing by traders and processors good post-harvest

WHO’s multi-barrier approach to reduce health risks in wastewater reuse

WASTEWATER GENERATION Wastewater treatment where possible

FARMER / PRODUCER Safe irrigation practices

TRADERS / RETAILERS Hygienic handling practices

STREET FOOD KITCHENS

CONSUMERS Awareness raising to stimulate demand for safe produce

Safe food washing and preparation

Clean

Chill

Separate

Cook

GRID-Arendal/Studio Atlantis

Source: Amoah et al., 2011.

Figure 6.13. WHO’s multi-barrier approach to reduce health risks in wastewater reuse

Figure 6.14. Common on-farm ponds use in West Africa

Figure 6.15. Use of weirs and reservoirs

Safe use of wastewater is a challenge for poor farmers

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SANITATION AND WASTEWATER ATLAS OF AFRICA