Strengthening Public-Private Partnerships in Sanitation
In collaboration with service authorities and regional partners, we’re helping build sustainable Faecal Sludge Management markets where SMEs and city leaders jointly deliver safe, scalable, and inclusive sanitation services.
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Innovating Safe & Inclusive FSM Solutions
Through real-time testing of emptying models, our project improves safety for sanitation workers and broadens service coverage. We’re building partnerships that work for everyone including the undeserved.
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Smarter Sanitation: Data-Driven Decisions for Citywide Impact
We’re enhancing cost-effective and safe faecal sludge management by equipping city authorities with actionable insights. Our research helps guide smarter decisions in emptying and transport services—especially in hard-to-reach areas.
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About the FSM Research
Action Project

The Faecal Sludge Management (FSM) Research Action Project aims to improve the emptying and transport of waste in urban areas, especially hard-to-reach communities. By testing practical solutions and fostering public-private collaboration, the project works to make sanitation services safer, more affordable and more sustainable, while equipping city authorities with data to strengthen service delivery. The project has action research teams active in four cities: Lusaka (Zambia), Kigali (Rwanda), Kampala (Uganda), and Kisumu (Kenya).

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This project is funded by the Gates Foundation and is investigating how to reduce costs while improving the safety and coverage of faecal sludge emptying and transport services.

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Improving cooperation for cross-sectoral impact

The project combines participatory action research with practical field innovations. Our core work focuses on SDGs 11 (sustainable cities), 8 (decent work and economic growth), 17 (Partnership for the goals) and 6 (clean water and sanitation).

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News & Updates
Lusaka
Protecting Our Sanitation Heroes Through Vaccination
As a Public Health Research Assistant with Catalyst Development (CaDev), It is my pleasure to lead this...
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Kisumu
Driving Innovation in Pit Latrine Emptying: Kisumu’s Journey Toward Efficiency and Safety
Technological innovations for pit latrine emptying are transforming the sanitation sector—reducing the...
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Kisumu
Tailoring Sanitation Solutions for Kisumu: Insights from the FSM Action Research Project
The FSM Action Research Project is taking place in four African cities — Kisumu, Kampala, Kigali, and...
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Lusaka
Strengthening Stakeholder Engagement Through the FSM Action Research Project
Catalyst Development (CaDev) was delighted to host Mishek and Joseph from Fresh Life in Lusaka as part...
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Kisumu
PuPu Pump Digest – Tackling Trash
Sanitation service providers face unique challenges when emptying pit latrines, particularly when non-biodegradable...
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Kisumu
Testing of the PuPu Pump
The majority of the world’s population uses onsite sanitation systems like pit latrines and septic tanks....
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Kigali
Health and safety related workshop for emptiers
The workshop brought together key sanitation stakeholders to discuss the safety and health of sanitation...
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Kigali
Workshop presenting initial findings of the FSM Action Research Project
Pit Vidura hosted a successful workshop presenting initial findings from the FSM Action Research Project...
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Lusaka
Driving Impact Through Stakeholder Engagement – Welcoming SNV
As part of the commitment to collaborative, evidence-driven solutions for urban sanitation, we were delighted...
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Lusaka
Youth Taking the Lead in Sanitation Innovation
At the heart of sustainable change lies the passion and drive of young people. Recently, the Youth...
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Project Gallery

Building cleaner and healthier communities

Implementing Partners

Sanitation transformation is a shared mission.