The influence of land use changes on open defecation in rural India

- Land use change influences sanitation uptake in rural India.
- Closure of open defecation grounds encourages latrine building and adoption.
- Previously-built, durable latrines come into usage due to land pressures.
- A geographical approach to sanitation research reveals key place-specific, socio-economic interconnections.
- Sanitation policy can adapt to current land uses to facilitate open defecation free status.