Re-emergence of dry toilets and fecal nutrient reuse in M'zab cities

In the M'Zab Valley, dry toilets have re-emerged as a sustainable sanitation solution, offering both agricultural and environmental benefits. This study reveals that human excrement from these systems can serve as an effective fertilizer, supporting local agriculture while addressing oasis degradation. The research identifies three distinct phases in the use of dry toilets: a period of strong recycling dynamics, a decline due to the adoption of flush toilets and groundwater discovery, and a recent resurgence driven by environmental concerns. Interviews with locals provided insights into this cyclical pattern, suggesting that dry toilets can complement modern sanitation systems. This finding underscores their potential as a sustainable practice in arid regions, reviving an ancient tradition for contemporary challenges.

Bekaddour, S., Ait-Mouheb, N., & Hartani, T. (2021). Re-emergence of dry toilets and fecal nutrient reuse in M’zab cities. Journal of Water, Sanitation and Hygiene for Development, 11(6), 983–993. https://doi.org/10.2166/washdev.2021.115