Framing water, sanitation, and hygiene needs among female-headed households in Periurban Maputo, Mozambique

Objectives. Water, sanitation, and hygiene challenges in the global south require analyses that capture more than urban-rural differences. A new taxonomy is required to help systematize and respond to basic sanitary needs. My aim was to test a new framework for understanding these concerns in periurban spaces. Methods. I conducted semistructured qualitative interviews with a randomized sample, stratified by settlement density, of mostly female-headed households in KaTembe, the largest municipal district of Maputo, Mozambique. The survey included questions on the adequacy, accessibility, and affordability of water, sanitation facilities, and waste management as well as awareness of illnesses and safe hygiene practices. Results. Despite being part of a capital city, KaTembe residents face a diverse mixture of sanitary challenges, as revealed through an analysis of adequacy, accessibility, affordability, and awareness issues. The interaction of these 4 lenses provides insight into residents' behaviors and the obstacles they face in securing adequate provisions. Conclusions. International water, sanitation, and hygiene studies continue to depend on urban-rural distinctions. However, an adequacy, accessibility, affordability, and awareness framework can improve the utility of their data.