Discover how we are transforming communities through innovative water solutions.
The Mphande Community Development Project aims to improve the livelihoods of rural villages through solar-powered water systems for irrigation, enhanced food security, and increased income. Mphande is located in the Kafue District of Zambia and comprises three poor villages: Chilimamume, Nanduba, and Shamanjanji, with a combined population of 6,000 people. These underserved communities are situated 30 kilometers from Lusaka.
To date, we have equipped the three villages with four communal land sites featuring solar-powered water infrastructure, enabling year-round irrigation for various crops. This development brings 25 hectares under irrigation with a total water storage capacity of 120,000 liters. Additionally, we have installed a 10,000-liter clean drinking water kiosk in two villages, providing safe water to 1,000 people and 500 animals.
We have also trained more than 500 small-scale farmers in climate-smart agricultural practices, with at least 300 individuals now achieving food security. Furthermore, the project includes a green training farm powered entirely by solar energy. This farm produces a variety of crops and serves as an anchor for sustainability by generating revenue to support project and community activities.
The project is being implemented in partnership with Tevel b'Tzedek, an Israeli non-profit organization, and the Government District Agriculture Office. Tevel focuses on the social aspects of the project, such as training and community process development, while Africa Access Water oversees the development and distribution of water infrastructure for productive and domestic use. Together, we share responsibilities for community engagement and impact measurement.
This five-year project, which began in 2022, holds the potential for scaling to other regions in Zambia. Come and partner with us!
Testimonial:
“I am grateful to Africa Access Water and Tevel for the solar-powered water infrastructure provided to us, as well as the
keyhole gardens that use less water. We now have water, food, and income to sustain our livelihoods. My people are very
happy and determined to continue developing our community. We kindly ask for more support.”
— Margret Mweemba, Headwoman of Shamanjanji - Beneficiary
The Shibuyunji Women Solar-Powered Water Project was Africa Access Water’s flagship project, initiated in 2019, and will soon be handed over to the community. This project provides water for drinking, agricultural irrigation, livestock, and aquaculture, contributing to food security, increased income, and improved livelihoods.
It is located at the center of four villages in Shibuyunji: Shamilimo, Shambule, Shamakamba, and Mwenshakembe. Shibuyunji is situated 50 kilometers from Lusaka, the capital city of Zambia, and falls within Agro-Ecological Region II-b, one of the areas most severely affected by climate change, drought, and water scarcity for both domestic and productive use.
To date, more than 120 women have been allocated 50m x 50m plots of land with access to water running directly into their fields. These women have benefited from the first and second phases of the project, which focus on irrigation, vegetable farming, and business development.
Success stories from the project are numerous. At least 60 women beneficiaries are earning a minimum of $100 per month, enabling them to support their families. This translates to $6,000 in monthly income for this impoverished rural community. The development model demonstrates that an investment of just $50 per woman or household can create sustainable income through solar-powered water systems for productive use. The project has proven that a strong rural economy can be built, lifting villages out of poverty and improving livelihoods, health, and wealth. We seek increased support to expand the infrastructure and achieve these goals on a larger scale.
This initiative has been supported by Baba Group of Companies, MashaV, and Maurice Dillion, among others.
Testimonial:
“I never knew my life and my family’s could improve in such a short time. When I was chosen by the community as a beneficiary
and allocated a 50m x 50m plot of land to grow crops with my friend, I thought it would be difficult. However, with training and
drip irrigation, I first grew carrots and was shocked to make enough money to buy an iron roof and pay my children’s school fees
in that year. I have continued growing other crops and am amazed by the progress. I have increased my monthly earnings and joined
a savings group. I am so grateful to Africa Access Water for this project.”
— Clara Mulilanduba - Beneficiary
The Water Economy Dialogue program launch in 2024 is an initiative aimed at bringing together diverse stakeholders, including government entities, civil society organizations (CSOs), the private sector, and communities, to discuss, innovate, and collaborate on sustainable water resource management for productive use.
It recognizes water as a key economic driver, influencing sectors such as agriculture, energy, mining, tourism, and other industries, while addressing the pressing challenges of water scarcity, job creation, and climate change.
Additionally, the program explores water’s influence across key sectors such as agriculture, energy, mining, tourism, and other industries.
The First Water Economy Dialogue
The inaugural dialogue focused on the role of civil society organizations (CSOs) in advancing the water economy in Zambia.
The CSO Water Economy Dialogue brought together more than 25 CSOs, 2 government ministries,
2 private sector entities, 3 media organizations, and one academic institution.
Key Objectives:
The city of Lusaka has been affected by flooding, mainly due to issues such as lack of serviced land, speculation on land, complex procedures, and insufficient information about land use and ownership.
Every year during the rainy season, there are perennial floods in Makeni Villa Ward 14 in Kanyama Constituency, causing challenges such as:
As an organization, we believe in implementing measures to alleviate or adapt to these problems.
To have a prepared community to handle floods for improved livelihoods.
To facilitate and promote community preparedness on floods and disaster risk management in Makeni Villa Ward 14.
The project, which has already started consultations and engagement meetings with stakeholders, aims to increase awareness about preparedness and implement actions to resolve flooding challenges. Floods should not only be seen as a threat but also as an opportunity to replenish recharge areas for water accessibility.
We are working collaboratively with the community, government, and non-governmental organizations to address these challenges.
