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NITA AccreditedIntermediatePhysical + Virtual5 daysCefR

Training on Ecological Sanitation & Nutrient Recovery Systems

Master ecological sanitation and nutrient recovery systems. Learn to design UDDTs, recover resources safely, and implement EcoSan solutions for sustainable sanitation and agriculture.

Next intake

20 Jul 2026 · Nakuru

View all dates

Duration

5 days

Live instruction

Delivery

Physical + Virtual

Cohort based

Level

Intermediate

Working professionals

Certification

NITA reimbursable

For Kenyan cohorts

Language

English

All materials

Overview

About this programme

This practical training course introduces participants to ecological sanitation (EcoSan) systems and the principles of nutrient recovery for sustainable agriculture and environmental protection. It explores low-cost, safe, and resource-efficient sanitation solutions that close the loop between sanitation and food production. Participants will examine urine-diverting dry toilets (UDDTs), composting systems, and innovations in resource recovery through lectures, case studies, and technical exercises.

Duration

5 Days

Who Should Attend

  • Sanitation engineers and planners

  • Environmental and agricultural officers

  • WASH program implementers

  • Development practitioners and NGOs

  • Local government and public health officials

  • Researchers and sustainability advocates

Learning outcomes

What you'll walk away with

By the end of the course, participants will be able to:

  • Understand the principles and benefits of ecological sanitation

  • Design and implement various EcoSan systems including UDDTs

  • Apply techniques for nutrient recovery and safe reuse

  • Assess the health and environmental impacts of EcoSan

  • Promote community uptake and behavior change for sustainable sanitation

Course modules

What we cover, module by module

Module 1: Foundations of Ecological Sanitation

  • Core principles, concepts, and objectives of ecological sanitation (EcoSan)
  • Comparison between EcoSan and conventional sanitation systems
  • Environmental, public health, and resource recovery benefits
  • Global policies, standards, and enabling frameworks for EcoSan adoption
  • Case Study: National EcoSan adoption programs in water-scarce regions

Module 2: EcoSan System Design and Operation

  • Urine-diverting dry toilets (UDDTs): design, components, and usage
  • Composting toilet systems: biological processes and system requirements
  • Fecal dehydration, pathogen reduction, and safe handling processes
  • Global case studies of successful EcoSan implementation
  • Practical Exercise: Designing a basic EcoSan system for a rural household or institution

Module 3: Nutrient Recovery and Safe Reuse

  • Resource recovery pathways from urine and fecal matter
  • Treatment standards for urine reuse and composted fecal sludge
  • Integration of EcoSan outputs into sustainable agriculture systems
  • WHO guidelines and public health risk mitigation measures
  • Case Study: Agricultural reuse of sanitized human waste in smallholder farming systems

Module 4: Community Acceptance and Scaling

  • Socio-cultural perceptions and acceptance of EcoSan technologies
  • Behavior change communication and hygiene promotion strategies
  • Gender equality, inclusion, and user-centered design considerations
  • Advocacy strategies and community engagement approaches
  • Practical Exercise: Designing a community EcoSan adoption and sensitization plan

Module 5: Monitoring, Policy, and Sustainability

  • Environmental and system performance monitoring frameworks
  • Policy development and regulatory integration for EcoSan systems
  • Economic analysis: EcoSan vs conventional sanitation solutions
  • Operation, maintenance, and private sector participation models
  • Final Project: Develop a scalable EcoSan implementation strategy for a target community or district
Impact

Where the change lands

Organizational Impact

  • Enhances sustainability and long-term impact of WASH and agricultural programs through nutrient recovery and circular economy practices.

  • Optimizes resource allocation by reducing reliance on chemical fertilizers and external inputs.

  • Strengthens reputation as a leader in innovative and sustainable environmental programming.

Personal Impact

  • Builds in-demand skills for careers in development and environmental sectors.

  • Supports progression into senior program design, leadership, or advisory roles.

  • Equips participants to lead and champion sustainable sanitation and resource management initiatives.

Dates and locations

Upcoming intakes

Every intake is limited to a small cohort. Booking closes when a date fills or three weeks before the start, whichever comes first.

Full calendar
FAQs

Common questions.

Still not sure? Send us a note and a facilitator will get back to you within a business day.

To equip you with the skills to design and implement ecological sanitation systems that safely manage waste while recovering valuable nutrients and water.

Course finder

Find the right course for you

Prefer to talk it through? Send us an enquiry and a facilitator will scope a fit within a business day.

For corporate teams

Training 10+ professionals?

We deliver Training on Ecological Sanitation & Nutrient Recovery Systems in-house at your offices, at a venue we arrange, or fully virtual. Customise the curriculum against your KPIs, and get a bespoke price for the cohort size you need.