In 2012, we initiated a cycling tour from Germany to India to raise awareness for the global sanitation crisis and funds for the Darewadi Sanitation Project. Together with our partners German Toilet Organization, Guts for Change and Ecosan Services Foundation we could successfully implement 35 private Composting Toilets. To ensure that the toilets are being used and well-maintained and to investigate the toilet's impact on both the health and economic situation we did Follow-Up visits. We were told by one farmer who was using the Composting waste as a fertilizer for his fields that he could double the yields. Since its implementation the Project has attracted a lot of attention both in India and abroad.
THE VILLAGE
Why Darewadi?
Darewadi was an Open Defecation site where 60-70% of the families went to the fields or to small alleys and corners within the village due to the lack of toilets. Moreover, it is located in a hilly area where water is scarce, especially in the Months of December-May. Nevertheless, Darewadi is easy to access as it is situated 30 kms from Pune in the State of Maharashtra. Another important reason was the desire and interest for toilets which was expressed by the people during one of the first visits of Ecosan Services Foundation. This is essential in order to make an effective and sustainable change.
Check out this video to get an insight of our work in Darewadi and the impact it has made: