Water is life, yet in the Kamwathu Sub location, access to clean and reliable water remains a daily challenge for many. As a CorpsAfrica Volunteer, I have witnessed firsthand how water scarcity affects every aspect of community life—health, livelihoods, education, and even social dynamics.
For many households in Kamwathu, fetching water is time-consuming and exhausting. Women and children often walk several kilometers to access water sources, which are only sometimes clean or safe for consumption. This burden takes away valuable time that could be spent on education, farming, or other productive activities and poses serious health risks due to waterborne diseases.
The scarcity of water also limits agricultural productivity, a primary source of livelihood for most residents. Farmers depend on rain-fed agriculture, and prolonged dry spells often lead to crop failures and food insecurity. Livestock, which is another critical resource, suffers as well, with many families losing animals due to dehydration and lack of pasture.
Yet, amid these challenges, the resilience of the Kamwathu community shines. Residents are coming together to explore innovative solutions, such as rainwater harvesting using locally available resources and skills like rock catchment, stone-built tanks and sand dams, small-scale irrigation, and the rehabilitation of local water points just to mention a few. There is also a growing awareness of the need for sustainable water management practices.
As I engage with the community, I am inspired by their determination to overcome these challenges. My role is to listen, facilitate discussions, and support initiatives that can lead to long-term solutions. Addressing water scarcity requires a collective effort, and I believe that with collaboration and resourcefulness, the people of Kamwathu can build a future where access to water is no longer a daily struggle.
Through this experience, I am reminded of the importance of not just focusing on problems but also amplifying the voices of those working tirelessly to solve them. Water scarcity may be a reality today, but the solutions lie within the strength and unity of the community.