A Year Later: Achieving Food Security!

“Before the construction of this sand dam, we were faced with great water challenges," said 79-year-old farmer Rebecca Isaac, whom we interviewed on our first visit to Nduumoni.

Before we helped to install a sand dam and shallow well in Rebecca's community, the 2,875 community members walked incredibly far distances to access water. This construction has provided a reliable source of water for them.

"This sand dam is near my homestead; therefore, a big walking distance has been reduced," Rebecca said. "I walk for a very short distance, then I get to the water point. We have plenty of water to use. Currently, many [people], including myself, have ventured into farming. In our community, we no longer have to buy vegetables from the market. We are well-sorted.

“After constructing this sand dam, life has changed a lot. We no longer waste a lot of time at the river as we used [to] before because of the long queues. The water now is very clean, as it is in a well-protected shallow well. One is capable of carrying as many liters of water as they want because the distance is short and, also, [there is] no need to queue.”

Now that life is more stable, Rebecca's farm is thriving.

“In the past year, I have planted numerous trees and also ventured into cash crop farming," Rebecca said. "I have been a self-reliable person, as I don’t buy vegetables from the market anymore. Having my own garden where I can practice vegetable farming is a great and advantageous move. I have started achieving my goal of food security at my home.”

Rebecca, center, waters crops at her farm.