Safe water and Sustainable Agriculture
Safe water for families and the food they grow
We are very, very grateful for this project which has come into our village. The most important thing is that we now have access to water… We used to walk approximately an hour, and now the water is directly in the household.”
The introduction of piped tap water has not only saved time but has dramatically improved the health of community. This new access is enabling families to grow vegetables in backyard gardens.
“We use the same water for the gardens which are just in the house. There is household food security. We don’t walk long distances to go and look for food. We all have food, and when we have excess, we can sell it to buy other things and pay for our children’s school fees.”
Mwangala, farmer
In addition to household plots, the community has also been able to develop larger gardens using the same water source. This dual approach (meeting immediate food needs and generating income) is a vital step to help ensure sustainability and maintenance of water systems.
Like many rural communities across the region, the seven villages we work in have been facing the escalating effects of climate change. In recent years, the area suffered a severe drought, causing traditional water sources to dry up and forcing residents to walk even greater distances.
“Last year we had a drought. Most of the water bodies had no water, so we had to extend the distance we were travelling to nearer the river.”
On top of water shortages, climate change has brought new agricultural challenges like rising pests, livestock diseases, and poor crop yields. But with access to a stable safe water supply, the community is now better equipped to adapt and respond to these threats.
This transformation didn’t happen in isolation. The project was initiated by a local partner with support from the Ministry of Agriculture. It was developed in close collaboration with the community to ensure the solution reflected the region’s specific needs. By placing ownership in the hands of the community, the project ensures that the changes are not only impactful, but sustainable for years to come.
Village Water is proud to support communities like this one, helping turn challenges into opportunity.
