Assignment Name: Formative Research/Consumer Demand Research on Urban Sanitation Behavior Change Communication in Gazipur City Corporation

Country: Bangladesh

Client Name: SNV Netherlands Development Organization

SNV Netherlands Development Organisation implemented Urban Sanitation initiatives across Bangladesh, including Gazipur, under the leadership of Local Government Authorities with support from the National Government. Among these initiatives was the WASH SDG Programme, a multi-country intervention funded by the Dutch Government (DGIS) and implemented in 20 cities across Nepal, Zambia, Tanzania, Indonesia, and Bangladesh. In Bangladesh, this program operated in Jashore Municipality, Benapole Municipality, and Gazipur City Corporation (GCC), focusing on three strategic objectives: (1) increasing demand for improved WASH facilities and practices, (2) improving the quality of service provision, and (3) enhancing governance of the sector, with a specific focus on gender, social inclusion, and climate resilience.

Additionally, the Development of Integrated Wastewater Management System of Gazipur City Corporation was part of the Greater Dhaka Watershed Restoration (GDWR) work stream, supported by the 2030 Water Resources Group and the World Bank. This initiative involved a multi-stakeholder partnership, guided by the National Steering Board comprising high-level government, private sector, and civil society representatives. SNV actively contributed as a member of the GDWR work stream committee.

The Formative Research/Consumer Demand Research on Urban Sanitation Behavior Change Communication in GCC was designed to address critical gaps in urban and peri-urban sanitation practices. Conducted under SNV’s Urban Sanitation and Hygiene for Health and Development (USHHD) approach, the study aimed to understand key determinants of sanitation behaviors and inform evidence-based Behavior Change Communication (BCC) strategies. The project focused on three critical areas: (1) building and maintaining improved containment systems, (2) safe and timely removal of faecal sludge, and (3) hygienic use and maintenance of clean toilets with privacy. Additionally, it assessed knowledge, attitudes, and perceptions (KAP) regarding the proposed sewerage system in Zone 1 (Tongi).

Using the SaniFOAM framework, the study analyzed behaviors across opportunity, ability, and motivation dimensions. A participatory mixed-method approach was employed, engaging households, schools, healthcare facilities, and markets in both slum and non-slum areas. The findings provided actionable insights for targeted BCC interventions, emphasizing behavior sustainability and the integration of improved sanitation practices into Gazipur’s wastewater infrastructure framework.

The team from DM WATCH executed the following activities to ensure a comprehensive and impactful research process:

Comprehensive Research Design and Planning:

• Developed a multi-method research framework integrating SaniFOAM and Designing for Behavior Change (DBC) models to explore sanitation determinants​​.
• Conducted a desk review of relevant sanitation studies to align research objectives with local and global best practices​.

Stakeholder Engagement and Tool Development:

• Designed and piloted data collection tools, including structured Focus Group Discussion (FGD), Key Informant Interview (KII), and In-depth Interview (IDI) guidelines​​.
• Engaged stakeholders such as Gazipur City Corporation officials, community leaders, and sanitation experts in participatory workshops to finalize research instruments and ensure local relevance​.

Data Collector Training and Pretesting:

• Organized comprehensive training sessions for enumerators and supervisors, focusing on ethical data collection, tool application, and digital data management (using KoBoToolbox)​.
• Pretested tools in selected zones to validate applicability and resolve potential challenges​.

Field Data Collection and Sampling:

• Conducted extensive fieldwork across slum and non-slum zones, reaching over 726 households and institutional representatives.
• Collected qualitative and quantitative data to explore key behaviors such as faecal sludge management, toilet hygiene, and perceptions of sewerage systems​​.
• Implemented rigorous quality control mechanisms, including field supervision, spot checks, and real-time data validation, ensuring data reliability and accuracy​.

Study Report and Behavioral Insights:

Produced three key reports:

• Barrier Analysis Report on Hygiene Behavior: Highlighted determinants of handwashing with soap and menstrual hygiene management​.
• Formative Research Report on Urban Sanitation Behavior: Identified behavioral motivators and barriers for improved containment and faecal sludge management​.
• Knowledge and Attitude Report on Sewerage System: Explored public perceptions and willingness to adopt sewerage systems​.

Creative Dissemination and Awareness:

• Designed visually engaging posters and content summarizing research findings for awareness campaigns​.
• Conducted a dissemination workshop to share insights and recommendations with stakeholders, including policymakers, community leaders, and sanitation service providers​.

Result Validation:

• Conducted validation workshops to refine findings and integrate stakeholder feedback into final deliverables​.

Policy and Advocacy Recommendations:

• Delivered actionable recommendations for behavior change strategies tailored to local contexts and infrastructure gaps.
• Proposed targeted advocacy efforts to improve public awareness and uptake of sanitation interventions​​.

Through these activities, DM WATCH provided a robust foundation for GCC’s sanitation initiatives, ensuring evidence-based decision-making and the promotion of sustainable hygiene practices. The project’s outcomes will inform future policy and investment in urban sanitation across Gazipur City Corporation.