The power of peer learning: Cambodia and Lao PDR share WASH strategies for success

Ms Thitsamai Nonpasith from Lao PDR (left) and Ms Hat Tin from Cambodia (right), are passionate about their roles as sanitation entrepreneurs, even in a sector dominated by men (iDE / Clare Meyer)

In early 2024, iDE Cambodia hosted the SNV Lao PDR WASH team, latrine business owners (LBOs), and local government to share experience and expertise on market-based sanitation for resilient and sustainable water, sanitation and hygiene (WASH) systems and lasting impact.

Human-centered design (HCD) for innovative solutions

iDE’s Innovation Lab showcased their approach to developing affordable and aspirational solutions through HCD, focusing on the end-user throughout the process. The results of this HCD were highlighted through visits to owners of iDE latrines. Dr Bounpheng Souvanhlasy, Deputy Director of the District Health Department in Champhone District, saw immense potential in the Sky Latrine – a climate-resilient toilet for seasonally flooded households. Since returning to Lao PDR, he and a LBO have shared the design with village leaders, who plan to fundraise to build a Sky Latrine to ensure toilet access during floods.

Generating demand and changing behaviours

A mock sales presentation by our Sales Agents demonstrated iDE’s approach to generating demand and changing behaviors for improved WASH. By connecting with the clients’ needs and promoting the value added by WASH technologies to address socio-economic and public health challenges, sales agents are able to successfully increase sanitation coverage at scale. Dr Anulack Luat Bandith, Head of Health and Hygiene Promotion in Savannakhet Province, Lao PDR, was impressed by Sales Agent Ms Neou Saray’s professionalism: "She can support households in the community to make sure they have a clear plan to buy the latrine." Since returning to the country, the provincial government has supported a trial adaptation of the private Sanitation Promoter model to complement the government’s sanitation activities, with plans to expand to three more districts.

Powering entrepreneurs

A visit to Ms Hat Tin, a successful LBO, highlighted the importance of empowering women in the sanitation sector. Ms Hat Tin shared her experiences with Laotian business owners, including fellow entrepreneur Ms Thitsamai Nonpasith. Inspired by Hat Tin’s success, Ms Nonpasith aims to expand her business in Lao PDR. "The factory in Cambodia has a very strong system with many products, promotions, and divided labor," she observed. Ms Hat Tin was proud to share her experience and empower a fellow woman entrepreneur:

“I am delighted and so proud that I am a woman who can share with other women from Laos, I never expected that I could share my experience beyond Cambodia to other countries. I hope they will succeed the same as me.”

The power of peer learning

This learning exchange was more than a knowledge sharing event — it strengthened partnerships and inspired both teams with fresh perspectives and innovative ideas. Ms Hat Tin shared: “ ... I could connect with people across countries and across cultures [through this learning exchange]. We have the same goals and will continue to improve sanitation in our countries.” By sharing experiences and best practices, as well as culture, food, language, and conversation, partners from both iDE Cambodia and SNV Lao PDR gained valuable insights and inspiration. These learning exchange efforts and collaborations enhance our programs and strengthen the global movement toward improved sanitation and health.

Climate-resilient, inclusive WASH solutions: Mr Man Saiyasan, the Deputy District Governor of Phalanxay District, Ms Thitsamai Nonpasith, and Dr Anulack Luat Bandith, public and private sector WASH professionals in Lao PDR, learn about iDE’s Sky Latrine (iDE/Clare Meyer)