Sustaining behavior change through participatory approaches in project cycle : paper written for the Asia regional sanitation and hygiene practition...

Women and children carry most of the burden created by poor water and sanitation services and inadequate hygiene in informal urban settlements, and therefore are more vulnerable. To change prevailing practices or bring about change in behaviors of a family, UN-HABITAT developed a simple and easily understandable set of messages that are organized and communicated in a manner relevant to improvement of water and sanitation facilities throughout the project cycle. This takes into consideration the group psychology of the family to bring about positive and sustainable change in their health, hygiene and nutrition behavior. UN-HABITAT branded HySter, which works through multiple channels and with tools targeting multiple audiences at different points in the project cycle. In the first phase of demand creation, key motivational messages are communicated about the use of latrines, hand washing with soap at critical times, safe drinking water. In the 2^nd phase, technical education is provided so that people can make an informed choice of the facility appropriate for them. In 3^rd promotional phase, messages are extensively promoted through multiple channels with more focus on key massages. In 4^th phase, messages for sustaining the change are promoted. Community participation is vital not only for successful projects but for community ownership as well. By using various participatory approaches targeting diverse groups through varied channels, sustainable behavior change is brought about s observed in present case study.   [authors abstract]