Participatory Approaches to Improving Water, Sanitation and Hygiene Conditions in Informal Settlements: A Qualitative Study of Havana, Windhoek, Namibia

Abstract

Access to safe water, adequate sanitation, and improved hygiene (WASH) are essential for human health, dignity, and sustainable urban development. However, informal urban settlements in Namibia, particularly Havana in Windhoek, continue to experience severe WASH challenges such as unsafe water sources, inadequate sanitation, and poor hygiene practices despite ongoing government interventions. This qualitative study explores participatory approaches to improving WASH conditions in the Havana settlement through community engagement, behavioural change, and intersectoral collaboration. Using participatory action research (PAR) design, data was collected between 2018 and 2020 through interviews, focus group discussions, and community meetings involving 110 residents, four community leaders, and eight stakeholders. Thematic analysis, guided by Tesch’s framework and the use of ATLAS.ti software, identified key patterns and themes. A complementary systematic literature review (2020–2025) provided insights into recent WASH interventions and public health developments in informal settlements, ensuring methodological rigor through transparent inclusion and exclusion criteria. Findings show that poverty, overcrowding, insecure tenure, and poor living environments exacerbate WASH deficiencies, leading to frequent outbreaks of waterborne diseases. Participants reported irregular water supply, inadequate communal toilets, open defecation, and limited hygiene awareness. Nevertheless, strong community willingness to participate in WASH improvement initiatives emerged when supported by inclusive education, participatory governance, and adequate infrastructure. The study concludes that community-led and participatory approaches, particularly the proposed Community WASH Action Plan (COMWAP) enhance social inclusion, promote behavioural transformation, and strengthen resilience. Implementing such approaches will improve WASH conditions of informal settlements and advance Namibia’s progress toward achieving Sustainable Development Goal 6 on clean water and sanitation for all.