Wanzauni Livelihood Improvement Project in Kenya
This project needs $60,000 in 2012.
| Building sand dams will improve the lives of many in Wanzauni. Photo: UCCS 2011 |
In rural Kenya, the annual rainfall ranges between 500–1,050mm with 40% reliability.
The long rains come in April/May and short rains in November/December. The period falling between June – September and January – March is usually dry. Due to limited, erratic and unreliable rainfall, coupled with high evaporation rates, surface water sources don’t last for long.
In Wanzauni major sources of surface water are seasonal rivers that form during the rainy seasons and dry up immediately after the rains. Yet farmers in this area depend entirely on rain fed agriculture. Due to climate and weather variability and unpredictability, livelihood support structures have been adversely affected.
Food security has declined and people experience frequent crop failures and water shortages and relief food has become a recurrent feature of rural life.
This project aims to improve the livelihoods of the target community through an integrated approach and makes them more resilient to the effects of climate change. It will help over 9000 people, the entire population of Kalawani sub-location.
Funds will contribute towards water accessibility by the construction of two sand dams which will allow the community to walk less distance to access water for domestic and livestock use.
A woman from the region tells ABM, “When I was growing up,there was a lot of water in this area and now due to our own actions, the rivers have dried up. They get water during rainy season and after one month they dry up. We walk long distances of approximately 2kms to the source and wait for another 30 minutes for your turn to fetch the water. Sometimes we are forced to dig deep wells in the dry river beds following the same. What I could say is that we need to construct more sand dams in the rivers such that they can get water during rainy season and store the same for use during dry months. If more could be added, our burden as women to ensure there is water in the house would be less and we would appreciate very much. This would also save us a lot of time that we can use in other activities.”
Another member of the community said, “We appreciate what Anglican Board of Mission – Australia has done for us over the last one year. At least most of us are now using vegetables from our own small gardens thanks to the drip technologies and the kitchen gardening. I wish this could continue and reach more people.”
You can make this wish come true. Support this project and help the people of Wanzauni continue to receive support that makes them more resilient to the effects of climate change.
Donations to this program are tax deductible.
HOW CAN I DONATE?
You can make an online donation to this project by selecting Kenya:Climate Change from the full project list.
Alternatively, for donations by cheque/money order (made out to the Anglican Board of Mission - Australia), telephone or email, view contact details here.
(Project information will be available soon.)
Newsletter from the Anglican Church of Kenya
Ministry of Abundant Life (August 2011 edition)
Ministry of Abundant Life (April 2011 edition). This features an article on the Wanzauni Livelihood Improvement Project which is being funded by ABM.
