The Sand Dam Project, Implemented by Sustainable Agriculture Tanzania (SAT) with partnership of Sand Dams Worldwide (SDW), aims to provide sustainable water solutions to communities in the Dodoma region, Tanzania. By constructing sand dams in Mpwapwa and Chamwino districts, this project seeks to alleviate water scarcity, enhance agricultural productivity, and improve the livelihoods of local farmers.
The primary goal of this project is to establish reliable and year-round access to clean water for rural communities in Dodoma. This is achieved through the construction of sand dams, which offer a sustainable solution to water scarcity by capturing and storing water in sandy riverbeds.
Key outcomes include:
Engaging local communities is central to the success of the Sand Dam Project. SAT conducted meetings with community members and Local Government Authorities (LGAs) to introduce the project, discuss roles and responsibilities, and address concerns. Key elements include:
·Sand Dam Construction: Completed the construction of dams in Mhangwe, Majeleko, Iyenje, and Kingiti providing a reliable water source for over 1100 households.
·Local Capacity Building: Trained five local artisans and SAT staff in dam construction and maintenance, ensuring local expertise and sustainability.
·Tree Planting Initiatives: Established community-led tree nurseries, aiming to plant over 4,000 trees to combat deforestation and improve the local ecosystem.
The project navigated hurdles like decreased community participation during other social events and public gatherings and limited initial support from certain local leaders. SAT responded by ramping up community engagement efforts and highlighting the long-term benefits of sand dams. This approach fostered strong community involvement and enduring commitment to the project’s success.
Community members have shared positive feedback about the project's impact. For instance, women in Mhangwe village now spend less time fetching water and more time on economic activities, leading to improved livelihoods. The increased availability of water has enabled farmers to grow vegetables during the draught season, boosting both nutrition and income.
The Sand Dam project is kindly supported by