Objectives of Section 1. The main objective of section 1 is to identify and define a set of criteria that would allow a comprehensive evaluation of SWM practices and living conditions in the targeted countries. The specific objectives are to: • Identify all indicators – demographic, economic, and institutional – that define the socio-economic conditions and affect SWM practices in the targeted countries; and • Define general guidelines for assessing living conditions with reference to the proposed indicators. Indicators that would be identified would set the basis for evaluating living conditions and SWM practices in communities in the targeted countries, and would be designed to help all stakeholders in SWM in the targeted countries plan and implement large-scale ISWM systems in Western Africa. Moreover, the development of a methodological framework based on identified criteria for SWM evaluation will be used to develop realistic action plans and systems, institutional structures, policy and technology requirements, as well as the development of effective stakeholder participation strategies for promoting ISWM practices in Western Africa. The results of section 1 as well as tasks 1.2 and 1.3 will be used to propose standardized evaluation criteria for assessing SWM practices in Western Africa.
