The reuse of human excreta in Bangladesh

This study was conducted in Bagerhat, Faridpur, and Rajshahi districts of Bangladesh in order to better understand the reuse of human excreta in the country. The study comprised reviewing literature on the subject, before carrying out empirical observations in february and august 2005. The research included in-depth interviews, key informant interviews, group discussions, transect walks, and direct observation of the ways, systems and purposes of reuse of human excreta. The study found that human excreta is used : (a) as fertiliser for production of plants particularly by sowing of plants on 'saturated' latrine pits; by mixing human excreta with poultry, animal and other organic solid waste, including sludge of Biogas; and by using wastewater for agriculture and aquaculture (b) for the reproduction of alternative energy through bio-gas plants. Often, in cases of reuse of human excreta in agriculture, projects seem to be to be informal and based on individual initiatives. Biogas plants are often the outcome of planned intervention and specific projects by the government and NGOs. Bio-gas plant technology is costly and therefore is not affordable for the poor. Where human excreta is reused, both in agriculture and in the production of bio-gas, some fundamental questions need to be addressed, such as sludge disposal, aspects of environmental pollution, health risks, and agricultural products. [authors abstract]

822