Achieving the Sustainable Development Goals: A Mixed Methods Study of Health-Related Water, Sanitation, and Hygiene (WASH) for Indigenous Shawi in the Peruvian Amazon

Abstract

Sustainable Development Goal 6 (SDG-6) addresses poor water quality, inadequate sanitation, and improper hygiene, all of which negatively impact health and disproportionately impact Indigenous Peoples’ health. Understanding and responding to local contexts is critical to effectively improve water, sanitation, and hygiene (WASH); however, in-depth understanding of local knowledge, practices, and perceptions are often overlooked. As such, this study described the knowledge, practices, and perceptions of WASH held by residents of two Indigenous Shawi communities in the Peruvian Amazon. Quantitative data were collected via a cross-sectional survey and analyzed using descriptive statistics. Qualitative data were collected via interviews, PhotoVoice, focus group discussions, and participatory transect walks, and analyzed using a constant comparative approach to thematic analysis. Emergent themes included characterizing water sources, collection methods, and consumption patterns; knowledge, perceptions, and practices related to WASH; and knowledge and perceptions of health issues related to WASH. This study provides insight into the ongoing challenges related to WASH in Indigenous communities in the Peruvian Amazon and highlights the need to prioritize interventions that will advance WASH-related SDGs.

Cultural Values and the Coliform Bacterial Load of “Masato,” an Amazon Indigenous Beverage

“…The high load of total and fecal coliforms found in the water sources of the community, other than masato, may be due to contamination of the main source of domestic water, the Armanayacu River. River water contamination stems from multiple factors, including open defecation by the river despite the availability of a few latrines in the community (Torres-Slimming et al 2019). Additionally, wild and domestic animals (e.g., cattle and pigs) also roam river banks, adding to potential sources of water contamination.…”

“…In this study, all masato samples were provided by the head of the households, and handwashing and serving practices may have varied by household. Shawi have reported that they wash their hands before serving masato, although use of soap is not a common practice (Torres-Slimming et al 2019). Future studies could analyze coliform load per preparation method, days of fermentation, and the effect of unwashed hands on coliform presence.…”

“…Masato is the primary, and sometimes exclusive, form of water consumption (Torres-Slimming et al 2019). It is a fermented beverage that has a low alcohol content and a slightly sweet and acidic taste (Sedano 2006).…”

Climatic Changes, Water Systems, and Adaptation Challenges in Shawi Communities in the Peruvian Amazon

“…Families are located near the wife's parents, following a matrilocal social organization. Shawi relationships with the environment, and water in particular, continue to be grounded in spiritual cosmology, kinship, and reciprocity [58]. Shawi livelihoods tend to be gendered: slash and burn agriculture is practiced by both men and women, whereas hunting and small scale fishing are typically only conducted by men [59,60].…”

“…Transect walking path activities involved "walking with participants along a path to explore Shawi connections to their environment, their sense of place, and their relationships with water" [58] as it relates to climate change and environmental changes [67,68]. These dynamic conversations were audio recorded and photographed with permission and informed consent.…”