<PART2: Community-based Sanitation>Exploring Sanitation Challenges among Indigenous Hunter-Gatherers, Farmers, and Merchants in Cameroon

Abstract

Ensuring proper sanitation remains a critical challenge in rural regions, particularly for Indigenous communities with unique subsistence patterns. In the African rainforests of southeastern Cameroon, this study examined sanitation practices and facilities among hunter-gatherers (Baka), farmers, and merchants. Data were collected through interviews and observations, revealing that Baka hunter-gatherers and farmers often relied on unimproved toilets or designated open defecation areas, while merchants had improved facilities. Even in the absence of formal toilets, the Baka and farming communities maintained fixed defecation sites within settlements. The research also noted aspects of menstrual management within the broader context of health and hygiene. Among Baka women and girls, physical activities differed significantly during menstruation, reflecting a culturally embedded understanding of menstruation's implications on daily life, including hunting and fertility. Unlike many contexts where menstruation is concealed, the Baka openly acknowledged it, integrating this knowledge into their communal practices. These findings highlight the complexity of sanitation challenges and the importance of considering culturally informed behaviors, including menstrual practices. Understanding these dynamics can guide context-sensitive interventions and policies that improve sanitation, health, and dignity for Indigenous communities and other underserved groups.