Using system dynamics to assess the complexity of rural toilet retrofitting: Case study in eastern China

Abstract

Rural toilet retrofitting (RTR) is a complex, dynamic system that is affected by many factors and the positive/negative feedback relationships between subsystems and variables. Traditional technologies and management methods face challenges in fundamentally describing and solving problems in RTR. To bridge this gap, this study utilizes system dynamics and causal loop diagrams to explain such problems based on data collected from the stakeholders of the RTR in Jiaozhou from 2018 to 2019. Specifically, this study examines the RTR system from the perspectives of household users, wastewater treatment plants, local governments, grassroots promoters, operation and maintenance personnel, toilet supplier and construction teams, and fecal sludge end users. The factors and processes involved in RTR are identified, and the feedback and relationships among its major stakeholders are established. Results show that the motivation of farmers to engage in RTR is a key variable that affects their final decisions regarding retrofitting and maintaining toilet functions. Meanwhile, the important variables related to the feedback and relationships among the major stakeholders of RTR are mostly focused on policies, subsidies, technology, satisfaction, and cooperation. A scientific analysis method and the updated RTR plan for toilet revolution are then formulated to promote the implementation of RTR in developing countries.

Potential barriers in implementing the rural toilet retrofitting project: A qualitative study in Jiaozuo, China

“…Some researchers pointed out that some towns and rural households are under heavy economic pressure ( 40 ). The lack of economic resources makes it difficult for the villagers to afford the cost of RTR and further maintenance and management, which creates vast barriers ( 41 ); further rollout of RTR may fail as soon as the government funding ends ( 42 ). Besides, this paper further emphasizes the critical role of human resources, which is rarely mentioned separately in related studies.…”

“…Some studies believe that performance assessment is a necessary condition for RTR sustainability ( 43 ). All the performance assessments positively contribute to improving the efficiency of RTR ( 42 ). However, we found that the top-down assessment leads to a lack of effective communication and cooperation between policymakers and policy implementers, and the problem of “active on the top” and “inactive on the bottom” is prominent.…”

A Bibliometric Review of Rural Living Environment Improvement Research in China Based on CNKI Database: 1992–2022

“…(iii) Rural latrine conversion faces an imperfect policy system, weak awareness of villagers in latrine construction, insufficient motivation for technological innovation, and lack of industry norms. To guarantee the smooth implementation of latrine conversion, measures such as increasing financial investment, strengthening publicity and education, and improving supervision, can be taken [46]. (2) Field 2: Rural sewage improvement research.…”

Research on Three-Phase Saturation Distribution Based on Microfluidic Visualization Experiment: A Case Study of Ling Xin Mining Area

“…e microfluidic chip was initially saturated by the oil. e injection rate was set in the microinjection pump corresponding to the injection rate at the inlet of microfluidic chip [12,[50][51][52][53][54].…”

“…e operation processes of each module were consistent with that of the water injection. After the flow in the microfluidic chip, we stabilized again, stopped the gas pump, removed the connecting pipeline between the modules, cleaned up the test table, and collected waste liquid [46,50,51,55].…”