By Ify Onyekwere
On a recent episode of The Development Report show, hosted by Ify Onyekwere, Chika Ogamba, a sustainable development advocate, provided a compelling discussion on the “Impact on Ecosystem” caused by open defecation. Open defecation, the practice of defecating in open spaces such as fields and bushes, presents a significant threat to ecosystems and sustainable development efforts.
Ogamba emphasized the severe contamination of water bodies as a primary consequence of open defecation. Faecal matter introduced into water sources contaminates them with harmful bacteria, viruses, and parasites, making the water unsafe for both domestic and public use. This contamination has a cascading effect on aquatic ecosystems, where polluted waters lead to the decline of aquatic life. Ogamba pointed out that this issue directly impacts human health as well, as humans consume fish and other aquatic organisms from these contaminated water bodies, leading to the transfer of bacteria and diseases to people.
Ogamba further explained that pollution resulting from open defecation is not confined to the immediate area. It has the potential to spread across geographical regions, exacerbating the environmental damage. She also highlighted the disturbing link between open defecation and plastic pollution. Many people who practice open defecation use plastic bottles for cleaning themselves, and these bottles are often discarded in inaccessible areas, contributing to the already critical issue of plastic pollution.
The disruption of wildlife habitats is another critical issue linked to open defecation. The presence of human waste in natural environments forces animals to retreat further into the wild, leading to disturbances in local ecosystems and biodiversity loss. This human encroachment into wildlife habitats underscores the far-reaching impact of open defecation on ecosystems.
Ogamba also discussed the implications of open defecation on tourism and the economy. Clean and safe environments are essential for attracting tourists. However, beaches and other natural attractions suffer from pollution due to open defecation, leading to decreased tourism and negative economic impacts on businesses in the sector. She stressed that maintaining a clean environment is crucial for boosting tourism and, by extension, the economy.
In addressing these challenges, Ogamba mentioned the work done by organizations like Secure Cycle, which focuses on Sustainable Development Goal 6 (Clean Water and Sanitation). These efforts aim to provide access to quality drinking water and sanitation facilities, curbing open defecation globally. Secure Cycle, for instance, ensures that people have access to toilets at bus stops and other public areas, reducing the incidence of open defecation.
The discussion also touched on the broader impacts on food security and public health. Ogamba noted that diseases such as cholera, often linked to poor sanitation practices, can severely affect farmers, leading to reduced agricultural productivity and food shortages.
Finally, Ogamba highlighted the critical role of education and NGO campaigns in raising awareness about the negative impacts of open defecation. Public sensitization is essential for changing behaviours and promoting better sanitation practices. She also advocated for stronger policies that penalize individuals who engage in open defecation, noting that strict enforcement of these policies would help curb the problem.
Chika Ogamba’s insights on the Development Report underscore the urgent need for comprehensive strategies to address open defecation, emphasizing its profound impact on ecosystems and the necessity for sustained efforts in education, policy enforcement, and infrastructure development to protect both the environment and public health.
Behavioral change can be possible through awareness campaign and sensitization, very important.