High latrine costs hinder rural sanitation, fear drives ownership decisions.
Many rural households in sub-Saharan Africa lack latrines due to high costs. To increase sanitation coverage, latrine construction costs need to be reduced. Previous campaigns promoting latrine construction based on prestige and modern lifestyle have not been successful. Fear of animals and personal harassment are key motivators for owning a latrine. Introducing low-cost technologies and adjusting social marketing strategies could help improve sanitation rates in rural areas.