Technology to toilets

Dayson, KT; Sim, J

Abstract

Approximately 2.5 billion people do not have access to a toilet; instead, they have no choice but to practice
open defecation, having a potentially detrimental effect on their health. This paper asks whether microfinance
and IT can play a role in tackling the problem. By drawing on experience from Grameen Telephone, the authors
argue that this is analogous with attempts to promote the purchase of toilets, in particular the technological
leap where expensive infrastructure is bypassed. Based on three case studies, the authors show that such a
processes is underway. Although a limited number of microfinance institutions (MFIs) are engaged in this
market, it is insufficient to address the myriad of both organizational and cultural problems. However, the use
of a prospective web portal may help create the environment for a viable market to emerge.

Citation

Dayson, K., & Sim, J. (2010). Technology to toilets. Journal of Electronic Commerce in Organizations, 8(3), 49-59. https://doi.org/10.4018/jeco.2010070105

• Journal Article Type: Article
• Publication Date: Jan 1, 2010
• Deposit Date: Sep 12, 2014
• Journal: Journal of Electronic Commerce in Organizations
• Print ISSN: 1539-2937
• Publisher: IGI Global
• Peer Reviewed: Peer Reviewed
• Volume: 8
• Issue: 3
• Pages: 49-59
• DOI: https://doi.org/10.4018/jeco.2010070105
• Publisher URL: http://dx.doi.org/10.4018/jeco.2010070105
• Additional Information: Funders : Funder not known