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ABSTRACTThis study examined the perception of farmers in peri-urban areas on the use of fecal sludge compost as an organic fertilizer to address the issues of sanitation. The specific objectives were to: (1) investigate the farming practices and type of fertilizer used by farmers; (2) assess farmers' knowledge on fecal sludge compost and its utilization; and (3) investigate the socio-cultural and health issues relating to fecal sludge compost. A total of 150 farmers from three communities in two districts of Ashanti region were selected using a random sampling method. Data were collected from each farmer through semi-structured questionnaires. All of the farmers surveyed applied some form of organic or inorganic fertilizer on their farms. The results showed that 28 and 51% of farmers used organic and inorganic fertilizers, respectively, whereas 21% of the farmers used both organic and inorganic fertilizers. Only 34% of the farmers were aware that fecal sludge is a useful source of fertilizer, and only 4% use it to fertilize their farms. Health risk is not the main reason why most of the respondents have a negative attitude towards the use of fecal sludge compost, rather the perception that fecal sludge is total waste and therefore must not be used. The use of fecal sludge compost as organic fertilizer could increase crop yield while reducing the sanitation problem caused by the indiscriminate disposal of fecal sludge into the environment.

Drinking water in Ghana is estimated at 79%, but this only represents the proportion of the population with access to improved drinking water sources without regard to the quality of water consumed. This study investigated the quality of household drinking water sources in the Oforikrom municipality where potable water requirements are on the rise due to an ever-increasing population. Both quantitative and qualitative methods were employed in this study. One Hundred households were randomly selected and interviewed on the available options for drinking water and household water treatment and safe storage. A total of 52 points of collection (POC) and 97 points of use (POU) water samples from households were collected for physicochemical and microbial water quality analysis. Amongst the available drinking water options, sachet water (46%) was mostly consumed by households. Water quality analysis revealed that the physicochemical parameters of all sampled drinking water sources were within the Ghana Standards Authority (GSA) recommended values expected for pH (ranging from 4.50 to 7.50). For the drinking water sources, bottled (100%, n= 2) and sachet water (91%, n= 41) showed relatively good microbial water quality. Generally, POC water samples showed an improved microbial water quality in comparison to POU water samples. About 38% (n= 8) of the households practicing water quality management, were still exposed to unsafe drinking water sources. Households should practice good water quality management at the domestic level to ensure access to safe drinking water. This may include the use of chlorine-based disinfectants to frequently disinfect boreholes, wells and storage facilities at homes.