A Year Later: Improved Food Security!

Farmer Benson Mutuku, 66, recalled what life was like in the Katothya Community before his community's sand dam was implemented last year.

"Before the construction of this sand dam, we were faced with great water challenges. I would walk very long to get to the water point. We only depended on rains to practice farming, which was not sustainable. I really wanted to grow crops in my own time, but due to lack of water, this remained to be a dream. The trek to the water point took around 4 hours on a dusty long road away," said Benson.

Collecting water is much faster and more convenient for Benson and the other community members in Katothya. Since the water is so close, it has opened up many opportunities for them to put water to good use and make positive changes in their lives.

"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. 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. I have managed to have my own tree nursery, planted arrow roots, planted some papaws, amaranthus, spinach, and onion, which I currently use with my family," continued Benson.

Having ready access to water from the well connected to the sand dam has made a difference for Benson, allowing him plenty of water to increase his farming efforts, creating hopes for a brighter future.

"In the past year, I have managed to work on food security through the numerous crops I have planted. This [is] a boost to me and my family. I have some coins saved for other activities. 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 achievement to me," concluded Benson.

Benson tending his garden.