This Field Note focuses on the southern region of Madagascar and documents how the region is transitioning from a 100% open defecation to a 100% ODF (Open Defecation Free) region. The southern region is one of the poorest regions in the country and characterized by restrictive, traditional beliefs as well as a rigid hierarchy of power and influence, which contribute towards the failure of development projects in this region.

This note reviews the innovative approach used to address ODF efficiency and sustainability in the fragile programmatic context of Madagascar by using the social norms theory as both a lens and a tool by which to analyze and improve the performance of the CLTS programme. This note provides insights into how Social Norms Theory may have broader relevance and applicability to CLTS programming, performance.

Download this UNICEF WASH Field Note.

This note is part of UNICEF’s Sanitation and Hygiene Learning Series which is being developed in collaboration with UNICEF Country Offices.