Supporting resilience of vulnerable populations to economic and climate challenges

The community is engaged in rain-fed subsistence farming, on very marginal land characterized by poorly drained soils and unreliable rainfall patterns. Due to their reliance on rainfed agricultural activities, the community does not have alternative livelihoods to sustain household food security and alternative incomes. The situation is compounded by changing climatic conditions which exacerbate droughts and hinder productivity. With water scarcity increasing, access to water for multiple purposes is decreasing, raising competition between people and livestock.

We are currently implementing a project that is improving quality water availability through water tanks at Westwardhoo Primary School for the pupils and the surrounding Chinyai Community (35 farmers from Chinyai village and the environmental club in Westwardhoo Primary school ). Furthermore, a nutrition garden has been established to diversify livelihood of the community and provide alternative income for women and youth who were victims of the negative impacts of Cyclone Idai in 2019. Improved income and access to alternative sources of livelihood has a potential to uplift the Chinyai community from poverty and better the lives of the school children involved.

The project will directly transform lifestyle of vulnerable social groups. It will improve household food security and nutritional diversity. Water and sanitation hygiene at household and learning institution will be improved therefore reducing cases of water borne diseases. Having access to water and secured community gardens will directly improve community and household incomes since locals will sell surplus crops. Women and girls who are often deprived of their productive time as they travel longer distances in search for water would be empowered to engage in more productive labor. At household level nutrition has been improved as community members are able to cultivate their crops to supplement their foodstuff at home.

Procurement of more fencing materials, greenhouse gas material and assembling, training of community members of maintenance for sustainability, procurement of seedlings for use within the gardens, chemicals which will be utilized by the different selected to benefit from the project.

Development of a comprehensive operation and maintenance plan and village level structures are put in place and well capacitated for the project management.

Water governance and management structures and systems trained, established and supported, with key focus on increasing participation of women and youth.

Creation of community garden committees and capacity strengthening of community-based water management institutions.