What motivates rural riverine residents to adopt toilets? Findings from Central Amazon

In the Brazilian Amazon, almost 4 million people lack access to adequate sanitation services, and part of this population still practices open defecation. To contribute to successful public policies, this article explores the factors that motivate rural riverine residents from Central Amazon to adopt and/or use toilets. From interviews, Focus Group Discussion and Content Analysis, it was verified that the main motivations are comfort and convenience in using a toilet and the protection it offers against dangerous animals or when it is raining. It was also found that privacy is a strong and authentic motivation for women, and that it meets the Sustainable Development Goals. These results contribute to regionalized sanitation programs, which must take into account the opinion of those who benefit from the implementation of sanitation social technologies.