Abstract:
The study was conducted to determine gaps and provide recommendations for improving the
implementation of sanitation governance in the study districts. The study was conducted in
Nsanje and Salima districts which are among the districts with poor access to sanitation
suggesting poor sanitation governance in these districts. The data was collected from
respondents, using questionnaires as interview guide and a checklist. The study participants
included community key informants (n=110) who comprised of Health Surveillance
Assistants, Area development committees, Natural leaders, the Water Point Committee, and
the District Coordinating Committee. The other participants were household heads (n = 393).
The study participants were sampled through purposive, convenient and systematic sampling
modes. The data was analyzed using descriptive and content analysis. The bivariate analysis
(cross-tabulation using Fisher Exact Chi-square test) was used to analyse selected variables to
check the association between variables. The study found that there was no harmonised
sanitation regulatory framework (p<0.0001); fewer (<50 %) sanitation governance documents
were observed than those claimed to be available; majority (56 % in Salima and 91 % in
Nsanje) claimed to be trained but no records of the training were available and the training
referred to was not sanitation governance relate; and stakeholders at micro level, transfers their
roles (100 %) to others suggesting low community participation in sanitation governance in
Nsanje and Salima districts. The study results suggest gaps in the sanitation regulatory
framework, capacity among the stakeholders at both micro and meso levels, and limited
availability of sanitation governance documents in the study districts. It is important to develop
a robust harmonised sanitation regulatory framework, improve capacity and involvement of
the sanitation stakeholders. The study results will help sanitation stakeholders on improving
and programming of sanitation projects in the country
