Social and Economic Empowerment Program, Same,Tanzania
Challenge:
The Same district in Northern Tanzania experiences a high level of drought. A rural area bordering Kenya, the region needs restoration and updating of its irrigation canals. Overall, the area lacks efficient irrigation practices.
Action:
gorta has worked in partnership with the Catholic Diocese of Same Development Department since 2006. The current project will focus on the villages of Kileo and Kifaru, in Tanzania. Its objective is to renovate and update the existing irrigation canals that bring water from the Ghona River to the cultivated fields around the Kileo village. The project will conduct a survey amongst local families to determine how to intervene on existing irrigation canals, sub-canals, and distribution boxes. It will also provide training in water harvesting techniques and environmental conservation. All the activities implemented by this project will be entirely funded by gorta.
Benefits:
By making necessary changes, the project intends to increase the availability of water. Water availability will guarantee the year-long cultivation of crops. Thus, farmers won’t be forced to rely on weather for cultivation. Larger production also means higher income and improved living conditions. Additionally, the availability of local water sources will reduce the workload for women, the main agricultural producers. Water availability will also prevent youth from migrating to urban areas in an attempt to escape poverty. This project strives for improved health as well. It intends to lower the number of people affected by communicable disease such as malaria and typhoid. Access to clean water and educational training will reduce disease caused by unsafe water and unsanitary conditions. Along with environmental training, the project will also organise training for the local community to increase awareness on human rights, gender issues, good governance, and conflict analysis and management. The project hopes to create a democratic environment for the communities in which human rights are guaranteed.
Water Security Projects
Musoma district, in the northern part of Tanzania and on the eastern shores of Lake Victoria, endures a dry season of seven months. During this period, people in the area spend more time fetching...
