Implementation of a Targeted Toilet Subsidy Study in Ghana: Midline Report

The USAID-funded Water, Sanitation and Hygiene Partnerships and Learning for Sustainability (USAID/WASHPaLS) project partnered with the Government of Ghana-UNICEF sanitation program and two District Assemblies in the Northern region (Tatale and Kpandai) to examine whether subsidies targeted at the poorest and most vulnerable households in a community may serve to improve the sustainability and equity of sanitation gains from Community-Led Total Sanitation (CLTS). UNICEF Ghana provided funding to implement targeted subsidies, in the form of a voucher for a free toilet sub-structure (slab and pit lining), in 61 open-defecation free (ODF) communities. USAID/WASHPaLS is administering a randomized controlled trial to evaluate the impact of the approach on toilet ownership and use.

This report summarizes our protocol and lessons learned regarding the implementation of targeted subsidies in Northern Ghana, particularly with respect to: i) the identification of eligible households, and ii) the administration of the voucher program. The report also includes analyses of process indicators, quantitative household data, and qualitative stakeholder interviews, as well as a discussion of challenges faced in administering the vouchers and the cost of implementation.