Improving Faecal Sludge Management
Emanti were invited by the Bill and Melinda Gates Foundation to participate in a Faecal Sludge Management (FSM) workshop in Seattle, Washington, USA in early July. The workshop brought together developers, reviewers, and users of the FSM Toolbox, a web-based tool developed to assist various stakeholders and role players with improving FSM. The objective of the workshop was to:
- Identify lessons learned, functional and technical gaps and opportunities for wider application of the FSM Toolbox,
- Reach a common understanding on the way forward, with specific action points and timelines, and
- Develop a network of partners with a common vision for expanding the footprint of the FSM Toolbox.
The first phase of the workshop included an overview of the FSM Toolbox by tool developers and feedback from tool users regarding their experiences and ideas for improvement of the Toolbox. During the second phase, participants collaboratively developed ideas for wider application and constructed a roadmap that included priorities for Toolbox improvement, a governance structure, and plans for increasing Toolbox use. Key discussions focused on (1) Content and Workflow, (2) Data Management, and (3) Implementation and Dissemination. The participants also helped develop a shared vision the future of the FSM Toolbox.
Emanti look forward to working with the Bill and Melinda Gates Foundation and FSM Toolbox partners to continue to improve FSM to the benefit of communities around the world.
