Could investment in taps and toilets be the key to unlocking developing economies?

*This piece was originally published by the Financial Times as part of its Partner Content.wateraid-hero_pic

Investing in universal access to water, sanitation and hygiene could yield massive economic gains over the next two decades – but mobilizing finance is not easy

Global leaders seeking a way to rebuild battered economies could hold the key to prosperity in their bathrooms. Among the many infrastructure investments that could help create prosperity in the years to come, one of the most potent – and overlooked – is universal access to taps and toilets. Research by Vivid Economics for international NGO WaterAid has shown that each dollar invested in water, sanitation and hygiene (WASH) could generate up to a $21 return. The analysis showed that giving every home a toilet connected to a safely managed sewerage or off-mains system could generate $86bn in wealth a year.

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Chickens don’t use toilets: Why we should deal with animal feces for better sanitation

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<!– <!– /sites/all/themes/blogs/templates/header/js/jquery-1.4.4.min.js –>Those who have tried toilet training a pet dog or cat know that it is a difficult proposition.

Raising poultry

How about toilet training a flock of 30 chickens?

“Why would I want to?” Because in poor countries, chickens are everywhere, they are pooping wherever they want, and chicken feces is dangerous for young children.

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