Human manure boosts crop yields

This ecosan toilet separates soil and liquid matter, to enable production of fertiliser
© Caroline Irby/Water Aid

Poor sanitation is a major cause of illness in urban slum areas. Managing human waste in these densely populated areas with few facilities is very difficult. One solution that has now been adopted in several African countries is the use of Ecosan toilets. Unlike pit latrines, the toilets are designed to separate solid waste and liquid urine, allowing both to be separately collected and used as a safe form of fertiliser in farmers' fields. Overcoming taboos about human waste is very challenging, but environmental scientist Precious Chabvuta is committed to promoting 'humanure', to improve sanitation and crop production in some of Malawi's poorest communities.