A number of technologies are currently in use, each of varying affordability, suitability, adaptability and user satisfaction. Sanitation provision in urban areas of SSA is predominantly on-site. Access to improved sanitation worldwide stands at 64 %, with the lowest coverage of 41 % in urban areas of Sub-Saharan Africa (SSA). Improved sanitation protects the environment and improves people’s health, thereby translating into socio-economic development and poverty eradication. Globally, providing adequate sanitation is a challenge and the situation is worse in developing countries. In addition, development, dissemination and enforcement of minimum pit latrine design standards are important while the importance of hygienic latrines should also be emphasized. ConclusionĪny technology and process management innovations to pit latrines should involve scientifically guided approaches.

However, further research is still needed. Available literature shows that contributions have been made to address shortfalls related to pit latrine use in terms of science and technological innovations. However, their performance is unsatisfactory. An additional 36 million people in urban areas of SSA have adopted the pit latrine since 2007. Pit latrines are in use by more than half the urban population in SSA and especially among low income earners. Findings of the review are presented and discussed in this paper. We conducted a literature search and review of documents on pit latrine usage, filling, smell and insect nuisances in urban areas of SSA. MethodsĬurrent pit latrine usage within urban SSA was calculated from Joint Monitoring Programme (JMP) water and sanitation country-files.

This review focuses on the usage and performance (filling, smell and insect nuisance) of pit latrines in urban areas of sub-Saharan Africa (SSA) and proposes approaches for their improvements and sustainability. In spite of the wide spread use, known successes and advantages associated with pit latrines, they have received little attention in form of research and development. A pit latrine is the most basic form of improved sanitation which is currently used by a number of people around the globe.

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