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iDE SanMarkS (Sanitation Marketing Systems) Bangladesh

Bangladesh, South Asia

SanMarkS uses a market-based approach to sanitation, training local entrepreneurs to manufacture and sell affordable latrines through door-to-door sales and community events. Rather than giving subsidies, the program develops diverse price-point products, strengthens supply chains, and empowers micro-entrepreneurs as "last-mile marketers." Over 850,000 people gained access to improved sanitation in the first phase, with 213,000+ toilets sold.

Behavior Goal

Purchase and sustained use of improved hygienic latrines through market-driven demand creation and supply chain strengthening

Implementers & Partners

  • iDE
  • Department of Public Health Engineering (DPHE)

Donors & Sponsors

  • Swiss Agency for Development and Cooperation (SDC)
  • UNICEF
  • Bill & Melinda Gates Foundation

Key Takeaways

  • 1Market segmentation research reveals 88% can afford latrines with right products and financing
  • 2Local entrepreneurs as sales agents create sustainable distribution networks
  • 3Product diversity at different price points increases accessibility
  • 4Sanitation can be profitable business, not just public health program

Sources

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