Baño Grato | Sustainable sanitation solution for rural areas

The problem we are working to solve is the lack of access to safe and sustainable sanitation facilities in rural and underserved communities. Globally, around 2.2 billion people do not have access to basic sanitation, which can lead to health issues, environmental degradation, and reduced economic opportunities. In the communities we are working in, this problem is particularly acute, with a lack of basic sanitation facilities leading to poor hygiene practices and increased risks of waterborne illnesses.

Our solution aims to address this problem by implementing sustainable and affordable sanitation systems that can be maintained by the local communities. Our approach involves the construction of biodigesters that convert organic waste into biogas and nutrient-rich fertilizer. This biogas can then be used for cooking and heating, while the fertilizer can be used to improve soil quality and boost agricultural productivity.

Our solution is specifically designed to address the factors contributing to the lack of access to basic sanitation in these communities, including the lack of infrastructure, limited resources, and poor sanitation practices. By implementing our solution, we aim to improve the health and well-being of the local communities, while also contributing to environmental sustainability and economic development.

In terms of statistics, it is estimated that over 1 billion people practice open defecation globally, which is a major contributor to the spread of disease and environmental degradation. In the communities we are working in, access to basic sanitation facilities is limited, with many households lacking access to a toilet or latrine. By implementing our solution, we aim to improve the lives of the local communities, while also contributing to global efforts to address the sanitation crisis.

Our solution addresses the lack of basic sanitation facilities in underserved communities through the implementation of waterless toilets made from durable, recyclable plastic. These toilets are designed to convert human waste into nutrient-rich fertilizer using natural processes.

The toilets feature a user-friendly interface, separating urine from solid waste to reduce odor and facilitate the conversion process. Solid waste is treated in a separate chamber, where it is broken down by natural processes and transformed into fertilizer.

This fertilizer is rich in nutrients and can be used to improve soil quality and agricultural productivity. By implementing this solution, we aim to improve sanitation and hygiene practices in underserved communities, while also contributing to environmental sustainability and economic development.Baño Grato | Step by step installation

The beneficiaries of our solution are primarily individuals and families living in underserved communities, particularly in rural areas or informal settlements where access to basic sanitation facilities is limited or nonexistent. Without access to safe and hygienic toilets, people in these communities are forced to resort to open defecation, which can lead to the spread of waterborne diseases such as cholera, typhoid, and dysentery.

In addition to the health risks, poor sanitation also has negative social and economic impacts on these communities. Women and girls, in particular, are disproportionately affected as they may face harassment or violence while attempting to find a private place to relieve themselves. Furthermore, the lack of sanitation facilities can lead to lost productivity, as people may miss work or school due to illness or the need to travel long distances to find a toilet.

By providing access to our waterless toilets, we aim to directly address these challenges and improve the lives of those in underserved communities. Our solution will provide a safe and hygienic alternative to open defecation, helping to prevent the spread of diseases and promoting better sanitation and hygiene practices. Additionally, by producing nutrient-rich fertilizer, our solution will also help to support local agricultural production, contributing to economic development in the community. Overall, our solution has the potential to positively impact the health, safety, and well-being ofindividuals and families living in underserved communities.

As an interdisciplinary team composed of individuals passionate about rural development, we are well-positioned to design and deliver this solution to underserved communities. Our team members come from diverse backgrounds and have a deep understanding of the challenges facing these communities. The Team Lead has extensive experience working with rural communities and has developed strong relationships with community leaders.

We are committed to engaging with the communities we serve throughout the design and implementation process, ensuring that their needs and perspectives are central to the development of the solution. We are working closely with local partners to conduct needs assessments, gather feedback, and co-create the solution with community input. Additionally, our team has a deep understanding of the cultural context and specific challenges faced by rural communities, which allows us to design solutions that are culturally appropriate and sustainable in the long term.

Our organization, Tierra Grata, has a proven track record of successful community-led development initiatives and has received recognition for our work in sustainable agriculture, renewable energy, and water management. We believe that our team's expertise, community engagement, and organizational experience uniquely position us to deliver this solution effectively and meaningfully impact the lives of underserved communities.

Our solution has already reached 1,500 users through the installation of 110 toilets in both rural households and schools. These installations have had a significant impact on the lives of those in underserved communities, providing access to safe and hygienic sanitation facilities and improving overall health and wellbeing. As we continue to scale our solution, we aim to reach even more people in need and make a meaningful impact on their daily lives.

We are applying to Solve because we believe that the program's network and resources can help us overcome some of the key barriers we face in expanding our solution. One of the main challenges we face is securing funding to scale our impact and reach more underserved communities. We hope that Solve can provide us with access to potential investors and funding opportunities, as well as technical and strategic support to help us refine and optimize our solution.

Additionally, we recognize that our solution is not just a technology product, but rather a holistic approach that requires engagement with communities, local governments, and other stakeholders. We hope that Solve can help us establish partnerships with these actors and connect us with the necessary expertise to navigate the legal, cultural, and market-specific challenges we may encounter in different regions.

Overall, we are excited about the potential to leverage Solve's platform and network to accelerate the impact of our solution and make basic sanitation facilities accessible to even more underserved communitie