The Sanitation Crisis
Since January 2025, over 8,000 refugee families from Democratic Republic of Congo have arrived in Nakivale fleeing intense conflict.
30%
Current sanitation coverage
7 L
Water per household per day
18%
Can wash hands (water scarcity)
Source: Nsamizi (UNHCR main livelihood partner, Nakivale Refugee Settlement)
Current Situation
- Only 2 out of 10 households share a single pit latrine
- Shared latrines in poor condition, no gender segregation
- 80% of refugees cannot afford to build proper toilets
- Insufficient boreholes for clean water access
- Risk of open defecation, water contamination, disease outbreaks
Cultural Considerations
- 90% of refugees prefer squatting position
- 90% prefer using water for cleaning
- Current shared pit latrines don't accommodate these practices
- Result: underutilization, unsafe alternatives
What Arborloo Toilets Are
Composting toilets that separate solid and liquid waste, enabling decomposition into organic compost. After use, the pit is covered and a tree is planted on top, creating fertile soil.
Design Features:
- Squatting position: Culturally appropriate design
- Gender-segregated units: Separate toilets for men and women (privacy, safety)
- Odor control & ventilation: Well-ventilated structure prevents smells
- Dual composting chambers: Alternating use allows decomposition
- Water-adaptive: Works in water-scarce conditions using dry composting (sawdust, ash, dry leaves)
- Minimal water option: In areas with sufficient water, small container for hygiene
How It Works
Stage 1: Active Use (6-12 months)
- Household uses Chamber A
- After each use, add sawdust, ash, or dry leaves (absorbs moisture, controls odor)
- No water needed in dry composting mode
- Small water container available if water accessible
Stage 2: Composting (6-12 months)
- When Chamber A fills, cover with soil
- Plant tree on top (fruit tree, moringa, etc.)
- Switch to Chamber B
- Waste in Chamber A decomposes into nutrient-rich compost
Stage 3: Soil Regeneration
- Tree roots access compost nutrients
- Faster tree growth
- No manual compost handling needed
- Creates green space, food source
Project Target
Build 50 Arborloo toilets serving approximately 250 people (newly arrived DRC refugees and vulnerable households).
Priority Beneficiaries:
- Newly arrived refugees from DRC (fled conflict/insecurity)
- Vulnerable households lacking resources for toilet construction
- Women, children, persons with disabilities (higher risk from poor sanitation)
Implementation Plan
1. Site Selection & Community Engagement
- Prioritize areas with highest refugee influx and sanitation needs
- Engage refugee leaders and community representatives in planning
2. Construction & Training
- Build 50 toilets with community members
- Train on use, maintenance, and compost application
- Adapt design based on water availability (dry composting vs. minimal water)
3. Monitoring & Sustainability
- Regular assessment of hygiene and usability
- Community-led maintenance system
- Promote compost reuse in household farming
Expected Outcomes
- Increased access to safe sanitation for vulnerable households
- Reduction in open defecation and sanitation-related diseases
- Improved dignity and safety, especially for women and children
- Waste converted to agricultural benefit through tree planting
- Model replicable for other water-scarce refugee contexts
Why Arborloo vs. Standard Pit Latrines
| Feature | Standard Pit Latrine | Arborloo Toilet |
|---|---|---|
| Water needs | Often requires water | Works dry (sawdust/ash) |
| Cultural fit | Often sitting-style | Squatting design |
| Gender privacy | Usually shared | Separate units |
| Waste outcome | Remains underground | Becomes tree fertilizer |
| Cost | Moderate | Low (local materials) |
| Lifespan | Fills, needs new pit | Alternating chambers (long-term) |
Partnership with Re-Alliance
Unidos collaborated with Re-Alliance to document both Arborloo and Ecosan toilet approaches. Read the article: How we are responding to the sanitation crisis with both Ecosan and Arborloo toilets