From Open Defecation to Digital Empowerment: A Participatory IoT Solution for a Rural South Indian Village

Open defecation remains a matter of overarching concern in developing economies, leading to a significant number of inadvertent healthcare encumbrances and preventable deaths. These problems call for rigorous examination, particularly in cases where infrastructure for sanitation is available, but underutilized. This study explored the age-old practice of open defecation in the rural Indian village of Kurvakurdha (Karnataka state), despite the provision of community-built toilets. The research focuses on participatory methods, specifically Participatory Rural Appraisal (PRA), to engage the community in the consequences of unsanitary practices and related challenges. The findings of the study revealed a high prevalence of contagious diseases, including typhoid, malaria, anemia, and skin problems, traceable to the open defecation practice. Furthermore, the water sample tests have indeed detected the presence of E. coli bacteria in the Krishna River, a source that the community relies on for both domestic and irrigation purposes. Building upon these findings, the authors propose an Internet of Things (IoT)-based integrated toilet addressing the open defecation challenge, aimed at alleviating the associated sanitation challenges in the Kurvakurdha community. In conclusion, this research presents a seminal sustainable model for rural development through health and sanitation management. The study emphasizes the importance of community engagement in addressing complex societal challenges and leveraging scientific and technological advancements to implement smart sanitation solution.