How brother and sister are helping transform access to water and food in rural Zambia

In Imana Village, Zambia, siblings Mubu and Mwangala are part of a meaningful transformation that is changing everyday life for their community. 

For decades, Imana Village faced serious challenges in accessing safe water. Many households depended on shallow wells that frequently dried up or became contaminated. Families had to share unsafe water sources with animals, putting health at constant risk. Beyond water, the village also struggled with limited access to fresh vegetables and seasonal food shortages, making daily life even more difficult. 

A turning point for Imana Village 

Today, things are beginning to look different. 

Siblings Mubu (66) and Mwangala (72) are actively involved in improving life in their village and are part of a wider transformation taking place in their community. 

Mubu plays an important leadership role as treasurer of the Imana Village water committee. In this role, he helps manage funds and collects a small monthly contribution from each household. These contributions go directly toward maintaining and sustaining the village water system, ensuring it continues to serve the entire community. 

Life before and after safe water 

Mwangala reflects on what life in the village was like in the past: 

“We were subjected to drinking dirty water, which we shared with animals and frogs. We now have taps within our yards … Those who left the village and migrated to the upper land for farming purposes would be surprised and happy to find plenty of safe water throughout the village.” 

The introduction of a reliable water system has improved health and daily living conditions and has brought new opportunities for families. 

From water access to food security 

With safe water available closer to home, families in Imana Village have been able to start and maintain household gardens, an important source of both food and income. 

As Mubu explains: 

“These gardens are not only used for consumption, but we also sell to others who do not have gardens in their yards. We usually encourage people to always plant something in the garden and also urge them to ensure that they re-plant vegetables after harvesting the ones they had.” 

This shift has helped improve food security in the village, reducing dependence on seasonal availability and strengthening household resilience. 

A story of family and community progress 

What stands out most in Imana Village is how closely family and community are connected. Mubu supports progress through the water committee, while Mwangala contributes through farming and food production. Together, they are helping to improve everyday life not just for their own household, but for the wider village as well. 

Their story is a reminder that when families are supported and communities are empowered meaningful change becomes possible.  

This story is shared in celebration of the International Day of Families.