Department Sanitation, Water and Solid Waste for Development

Après plus que cinq ans d'utilisation, la performance d'un «lombrifiltre» pour le traitement et la réutilisation des eaux usées dans le centre urbain de Genève a été évaluée. En plus de l'abattement de la matière organique, de l'azote, des pathogènes et des micropolluants, l'étude montre que grâce à la réutilisation des eaux traitées, ce système décentralisé diminue les besoins en eau potable.

The World Health Organization recommends Water Safety Plans (WSP) as the most effective means of ensuring safe drinking-water supply. WSP performance evaluation is necessary for improving water service delivery, scaling up, and motivating the roll out of WSP. In this study, the evaluation of WSP development and implementation was done in Bushenyi-Ishaka Municipality, a mid-sized semi-rural town in southwestern Uganda. Training of operations staff and the WSP team was done. Performance indicator data were collected before, during, and after 18 months of WSP implementation to determine the changes attributable to this intervention. Structured semi-quantitative questionnaires were used for data collection, which consisted of 11 progressive outcome indicators categorized under operational and institutional changes, and 14 short-term impact indicators categorized under water supply change. Results showed that WSP implementation enabled improvement in infrastructure, operational monitoring, customer engagement meetings, and training. Implementation of WSP did not result in improved catchment management, development and review of standard operating procedures and holding of internal meetings. Regarding short-term impacts, there was a significant improvement in compliance levels with drinking water quality standards, continuity of water supply, and customer satisfaction, as assessed by the frequency of complaints. There was, however, a significant reduction in the revenue-cost ratio (p = 0.001), likely due to an inadequate budget for implementing service expansion.

The rising cost of chemical fertilizers and the environmental degradation worsened by climate change threaten food security and the sustainability of food production systems. In response, organic fertilizers are gaining increased attention for their dual role in supplying essential plant nutrients and serving as a climate change adaptation strategy. Among these, Black Soldier Fly Larvae (BSFL) frass has emerged as a promising organic alternative, offering a more affordable and environmentally friendly option than conventional fertilizers. However, its adoption remains uncertain, particularly among smallholder farmers in developing countries. This study assessed the market potential for BSFL frass in Malawi, where over 80% of farmers are smallholders. Using a mixed-methods approach, the research evaluated farmers’ knowledge, acceptance, and willingness to pay (WTP) for BSFL frass. A double-bounded dichotomous choice model was used to elicit WTP, while the Market Driven Approach (MDA) quantified potential market demand. Findings revealed a considerable knowledge gap, yet strong willingness to adopt BSFL frass if priced affordably. On average, farmers were willing to pay 0.51 USD per kilogram, which is lower than the prevailing chemical fertilizer price of approximately 0.95 USD per kilogram. MDA analysis indicated significant market potential, with agro-dealers expressing unanimous willingness to stock BSFL frass given sufficient demand. The estimated market value stood at 474,587 USD per month for potential chemical fertilizer substitutes, and 11,993 USD for organic alternatives. The study recommends strengthening supply systems and raising farmer awareness, with government support in quality assurance and education critical for widespread adoption.