Excreta Disposal in Emergencies: A Field Manual

Oxfam, IFRC, UNHCR, UNICEF and WEDC have previously
collaborated on several research projects and share a common desire
to create and capture know ledge to produce information resources that
can be shared by different implementing agencies and that promote
consistent good field practice.

This manual is a result of this shared goal and is designed for use by
field-based technicians, engineers and non-technical staff responsible
for sanitation planning, management and intervention in emergencies.
This may include international personnel sent to an emergency, local,
national and regional staff.

The purpose of the manual is to provide practical guidance on how to
select, design, construct and maintain appropriate excreta disposal
systems in emergency situations. Relevant situations include natural
disasters, relief for refugees and Internally Displaced Persons (IDPs),
and complex emergencies, focusing on rural and peri-urban areas.
The manual presents a process, which can be followed to assess the
current excreta disposal needs and priorities, and to design an
appropriate programme to respond to those needs. It can also be used
to select appropriate excreta disposal technologies, systems, and
hygiene promotion interventions. The manual provides guidance on how to plan, design and construct systems, and how to maintain and
promote appropriate use of those systems.