Simon MburuWachira, Ruth Wambui2023-08-112023-08-112023http://ir-library.ku.ac.ke/handle/123456789/26802A Research Project Submitted in Partial Fulfillment of Requirements for the Award of Degree of Masters in Environmental Studies and Community Development in the School of School of Agriculture and Environmental Sciences of Kenyatta UniversityAccessibility to sanitation facilities is an important human right for everyone as well as the basic sign of attaining sustainable development. In Mwea rice irrigation scheme there is presence of Schistosoma mansoni, which is linked to poor human excreta disposal. Since parasite eggs are contained in fecal matter in the intestines, improper excreta disposal causes new infections in the environment. Regulating the infection's propagation depend on social economic status and community knowledge. The objective of this research aimed to investigate risks and perceptions on human excreta disposal practices among rice farmers in Mwea. The specific objectives were: to assess human waste disposal practices among rice farmers in Mwea, to identify the health and environmental risks associated with rice cultivation practices among people employed in rice paddies, and to determine the extent to which the group is conscious of the health hazards associated with excreta disposal activities in rice cultivation paddies. A structured questionnaire was used to assess the human excreta disposal habits, attitudes, and community knowledge of transmission risks. The observation approach was used to determine latrine coverage. This was a cross-sectional analysis that was used convergent mixed - method designs to collect quantitative and qualitative data for future studies. The data were fed into a computer and analyzed with the SSPS program, which enables fast analysis and quantitative data computation. The study provided information on the current state of understanding about the prevention and control of diseases linked to poor human excreta disposal, as well as the measures that would be implemented to address the problem. From the findings it was concluded that farmers from Mwea paddies do not have toilet hence these forces them to dispose their waste within the paddies. The fact that they do not wash their hand regularly after visiting the toilet increases chances of contracting diseases. Most of health workers regularly visit the community for health trainings however there are other many areas that they have not accessed. It was also recommended that they also make sure that strict toilet building and usage guidelines are observed and that every resident uses the rest rooms, whether at home or in pit latrines. The neighborhood's few existing toilets need to be made cleaner in order to decrease the incidence of disease infections. All county residents and farmers need to be made aware of the risks associated with consuming and utilizing untreated water from open water sources. Wells must be well-guarded against contamination, and water taken from open sources like rivers and canals must be thoroughly purified or boiled before use.enHuman Excreta DisposalRice FarmersMwea Kirinyaga CountyKenyaThesis