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This study investigated the effect of locally available bulking agents on the faecal sludge (FS) composting process and quality of the final FS compost. Dewatered FS was mixed with sawdust, coffee husk and brewery waste, and composted on a pilot scale. The evolution of physical and chemical characteristics of the composting materials was monitored weekly. Results indicate that bulking agents have a statistically significant effect (p < 0.0001) on the evolution of composting temperatures, pH, electrical conductivity, nitrogen forms, organic matter mineralisation, total organic carbon, maturity indices, quality of the final compost and composting periods during FS composting. Our results suggest reliable maturity indices for mature and stable FS compost. From the resource recovery perspective, this study suggests sawdust as a suitable bulking agent for co-composting with FS—as it significantly reduced the organic matter losses and nitrogen losses (to 2.2%), and improved the plant growth index, thus improving the agronomic values of the final compost as a soil conditioner. FS co-composting can be considered a sustainable and decentralised treatment option for FS and other organic wastes in the rural and peri-urban communities, especially, where there is a strong practice of reusing organic waste in agriculture.

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The public health and well-being of people in many rural communities in developing countries suffer due to poor water resources management and undesirable agricultural practices. This study was conducted in a pastoral community in northern Tanzania. The objective was to identify the most reliable water source in terms of quality and access from three main water sources: surface water, shallow wells, and deep wells. The Water Quality Index (WQI) was used to assess the overall water quality and was determined to be 1,876, 875 and 157, respectively, for surface water, shallow wells, and deep wells (&lt;50 – excellent, &gt;300 – poor). A Water Poverty Index (WPI) tool was used to quantify five factors that limit access to water: (1) seasonal availability, (2) distance to water sources, (3) cost of purchasing water, (4) preference, and (5) water quality. WPI scores indicated that surface water has the highest score followed by shallow wells; deep wells had the lowest score. In conclusion, in terms of access and quantity, deep wells and shallow wells were the least reliable, and surface water although highly contaminated, is the most reliable. Improving water quality and access of existing water resources is critical to improving the well-being of rural populations.

This study was conducted in an agro-pastoral community in Northern Tanzania, where water sources are contaminated, and point-of-use water treatment is rarely used. The objectives of the study were to determine the quality of drinking water at the household level and to assess the perception and attitude towards the treatment methods that were introduced to community members. The three treatment methods evaluated were chlorine tablets, silver-infused ceramic tablets, and solar water disinfection (SODIS). These methods were selected due to their availability, ease of use, cost, and effectiveness in water with high levels of coliform bacteria. Each home within the study area was provided with one of three treatment methods. The use, performance, and acceptability of the new water treatment methods were assessed over a three-week period. Prior to the introduction of the methods, 40% of households reported to treat water regularly. However, 80% of the household water samples tested positive for Escherichia coli. After introducing the new methods, 60% of households increased their water consumption, and all water samples tested negative for E. coli during the final week of testing. The work demonstrates the need to provide access to cost-effective household water treatment methods, especially in rural communities that lack access to potable water.