Magoodhoo celebrates success of ‘Budu Fothi’ reusable nappy initiative

The island of N. Magoodhoo came together on January 31st, 2025, to celebrate the successful completion of Budu Fothi, a pioneering reusable nappy initiative aimed at reducing nappy waste and promoting sustainable parenting practices. The program was collaboratively led by Soneva Namoona, Magoodhoo Council, the Magoodhoo Women’s Development Committee, and the Magoodhoo Health Centre.

The four-month trial, which ran from August to December 2024, provided 33 children (from 31 families) in Magoodhoo with a cloth nappy kit, educational resources on their usage, and access to a community support group. The initiative sought to evaluate the economic, environmental, and social benefits of cloth nappies while encouraging behaviour change within the community.

At the community celebration, families, stakeholders, and local leaders gathered to acknowledge the program’s impact and recognise outstanding participants. The event featured an official ceremony, stalls with educational and sustainability-themed activities, and opportunities for families to share their experiences.

Key Achievements of the Budu Fothi Program:

• 60% of the participating children adopted the use of cloth nappies, with most families using them alongside disposables.
• Four parents fully transitioned to cloth nappies during the trial, including one parent who had already adopted cloth nappies prior to the program.
• Parents reported significant financial savings and noted that cloth nappies contributed to faster potty training for their children.
• Over 80% of participating parents stated they would recommend cloth nappies to other families.
• Four S Traders, a local retail shop in Magoodhoo, has now been established as an official agent for cloth nappies, ensuring continued access to sustainable nappy options in the community.

Reena Mohamedfulhu, a participant in the Budu Fothi program, shared her experience, stating that she was initially hesitant about switching to cloth nappies, concerned about their comfort for her baby. However, she noted that her baby did not seem to mind the difference, and the use of cloth nappies accelerated the potty training process. Additionally, she highlighted the financial savings, reporting that her family saved over MVR 1,000 every month after making the switch. She expressed her satisfaction with the program and recommended cloth nappies to other parents.

Reflecting on the program, Maajidha Hassan, President of the Magoodhoo Women’s Development Committee, emphasised the broader impact of the initiative. She stated that Budu Fothi demonstrated how small changes could lead to significant benefits for families and the environment. By reducing waste and providing a healthier alternative, the program empowered parents to make sustainable choices for their children’s future.

Khadeeja Hamid, Reduce Manager of Soneva Namoona, underscored the importance of such initiatives in driving systemic change. She highlighted that the success of the trial provided valuable data to inform future advocacy and policy efforts. She expressed hope that the initiative would serve as both a model and a catalyst for other communities, encouraging the wider adoption of reusable alternatives.

The insights gathered from the Budu Fothi trial will be used to advocate for policy recommendations, further community outreach, and educational campaigns to promote sustainable diapering solutions across the Maldives.