Redesigning Rural Toilets for Sustainability and Soil Health: Beldarwadi Case Study

Abstract

This comprehensive paper delves into the intricate challenges faced by Beldarwadi village in Maharashtra, India, where sanitation issues intersect with agricultural practices. Through a meticulous household survey and innovative technologies like Arduino-based monitoring systems, the study reveals a stark lack of awareness regarding hygiene maintenance, resulting in prevalent open defecation. The research proposes transformative solutions, emphasizing the untapped potential of human waste as a nutrient resource for soil conditioning and pesticide production. Infrastructural challenges, limited connectivity, and illiteracy further compound the village's struggles. Statistical analyses provide insights into the socio-economic fabric of Beldarwadi, laying the groundwork for tailored interventions. The monitoring of toilet usage exposes a disheartening reality, with 80% of the population still practicing open defecation, revealing deep-rooted behavioral challenges. The paper extends its focus to farmers' perspectives on fertilizer usage, highlighting a predominant reliance on chemical fertilizers and a cautious openness to alternatives derived from human feces. The conclusion emphasizes the need for targeted awareness campaigns, infrastructural development, and a nuanced approach to agriculture, envisioning a sustainable future for Beldarwadi.