Technology to Toilets

Approximately 2.5 billion people do not have access to a toilet; instead, they have no choice but to practice open defecation, having a potentially detrimental effect on their health. This paper asks whether microfinance and IT can play a role in tackling the problem. By drawing on experience from Grameen Telephone, the authors argue that this is analogous with attempts to promote the purchase of toilets, in particular the technological leap where expensive infrastructure is bypassed. Based on three case studies, the authors show that such a processes is underway. Although a limited number of microfinance institutions (MFIs) are engaged in this market, it is insufficient to address the myriad of both organizational and cultural problems. However, the use of a prospective web portal may help create the environment for a viable market to emerge.