Research Project (Ongoing)

Handwashing Behavior Change: Empirical Evidence from a Randomized Control Trial in Madagascar/Tanzania

This study is part of a research project called “COVID-19 Study for Universal Health Coverage and Resilient Society.”

This study aims to examine the effectiveness of interventions to improve hand hygiene, including facility installation and hygiene awareness programs, at primary schools in Madagascar and Tanzania that lack basic handwashing facilities due to insufficient funding.

Specifically, the study presents three main objectives:

  • 1 . Evaluate the effectiveness of nudging tools that are inexpensive, easily implemented, and disseminated measures, such as educational songs and cartoons that feature handwashing, to improve hygiene behavior.
  • 2 . Measure the impact of hygiene behavioral change on school children at primary schools and the hygiene behavior of their family members at home.
  • 3 . Estimate the cost of installation of sanitation and hygiene facilities and their effectiveness.

The Japanese International Cooperation Agency (JICA) operates a pilot project for sanitation and hygiene in Sub-Saharan Africa and South Asia in collaboration with international nongovernment organizations. In the project, this study plays an important role in conducting an impact analysis survey of hygiene behavioral change at primary schools in Madagascar and Tanzania. Lessons learned from this study are expected to provide significant insights into not only the pilot project but also other programs by JICA related to sanitation and hygiene, including water supply improvement projects and the dispatch of Japan Overseas Cooperation Volunteers to developing countries mainly in African countries.

Related Research Project

Research area
Human Development
Research period
2021.04.01 ～ 2025.03.31
Chief
Shimizutani Satoshi
Researchers belonging to JICA Ogata Research Institute
TAGUCHI Shimpei
Topics
  • #Health