Sand Dams, Climate Change, and Hope

Executive Summary

The purpose of this project report is to detail the steps taken by Hifadhi Africa to invite potential donors, from Port Orchard Rotary Club, to visit one of our previous sand dam sites in Natan East Pokot. The objective of this initiative was to showcase the impact of our work and to seek additional funding for the completion of a sand dam construction project under the project name: Sand Dams, Climate Change and Hope - #52134. The current donations received through GlobalGiving were insufficient to complete the entire project, so we utilized the already donated funds under this project to demonstrate the progress made and the potential for further development.

Project Background

Hifadhi Africa organization is committed to sustainable water solutions in arid regions, aiming to alleviate water scarcity and support communities' livelihoods. The sand dam construction project in Natan East Pokot is part of this initiative, where the construction of a sand dam would provide a sustainable water source for the community, enhancing agricultural activities and improving overall living conditions.

The Challenge

Despite receiving donations through the GlobalGiving platform, the project still requires additional funding to complete the construction of the sand dam. Recognizing this challenge, Hifadhi Africa strategized to invite potential donors who could contribute towards the project's successful completion.

Invitation Strategy

• Identification of Potential Donors: Through diligent research and networking, we identified Port Orchard Rotary Club as a potential donor with a strong commitment to community development and water sustainability.
• Engagement and Information Sharing: We initiated communication with representatives from Port Orchard Rotary Club, outlining the project's objectives, its impact on the local community, and the need for additional funding. Detailed project documents, including construction plans, budget breakdowns, and progress reports, were shared to provide a comprehensive understanding of the project.
• Site Visit Proposal: We proposed a site visit to one of our previous sand dam locations in Natan East Pokot. This approach aimed to tangibly showcase the positive outcomes of our work, demonstrating how the construction positively impacted the community's access to water resources.
• Logistical Arrangements: After Port Orchard Rotary Club expressed interest in the site visit, we coordinated logistics, including travel arrangements, accommodations, and a detailed itinerary for his visit.

Site Visit Highlights

• Progress Made: During the site visit, they witnessed the completed portions of the sand dam, including the drilled tunnels and collected stones. These visible results underscored the project's viability and demonstrated the effective utilization of the funds received from GlobalGiving.
• Community Interaction: They had the opportunity to interact with the local community members who shared their experiences and the transformative impact of the sand dam on their lives. This personal interaction deepened his understanding of the project's significance.
• Future Plans: While showcasing the progress, we also outlined the remaining phases of the project and the critical need for additional funding to complete the sand dam. HAO provided them with detailed plans, timelines, and projected outcomes of the completed project.

Outcomes and Next Steps

• Positive Response: The club representatives expressed enthusiasm for the project and commended Hifadhi Africa's dedication to sustainable water solutions.
• Commitment: Following the site visit, discussions were initiated regarding potential funding contributions from Port Orchard Rotary Club, to support the completion of the sand dam.
• Continued Engagement: Hifadhi Africa will maintain open communication with Port Orchard Rotary Club and other potential donors, providing any necessary information and updates to solidify their support.

Conclusion

The invitation of potential donors, including Port Orchard Rotary Club, to visit the Natan East Pokot sand dam site was a successful endeavor. The site visit effectively demonstrated the positive impact of our work and facilitated meaningful engagement with prospective donors. With this visit, we have laid the foundation for securing additional funding, including the continuous donations from GlobalGiving, that will enable the completion of the sand dam project, furthering our mission of sustainable water solutions and community development.

Introduction

Sand dams are a popular method of water harvesting in dryland regions of Kenya. The construction of sand dams in East Pokot has gained momentum over the years as the region faces frequent droughts, leading to water scarcity. Sand dams are constructed by building a low wall across a seasonal river or stream, which then collects sand and sediment during the rainy season. When the water dries up, the sand and sediment remain in the dam, acting as a natural filter, which can be used to store water for domestic, agricultural and livestock use.

The Construction Process

The construction of sand dam in East Pokot involves a series of steps. The previous reported steps involved the identification of a suitable site for the sand dam, excavation of the foundation, stone collection and community mobilization processes.

Distribution of funds

With the accumulated funds received, which totals to $ 2350, Hifadhi Africa was been able to move on to the next step of construction.  The excavated foundation was now filled with stones and sand.

The amount was distributed as follows:

1. Buying of sand, 2 tones - $50
2. Buying of water, 10,000 Liters - $25
3. Buying of cement, 15 bags - $100
4. Labor costings, 8 workers per day - $60

Conclusion

Hifadhi Africa is grateful for your continued donations towards this project. We are hopeful that once the project is complete and successful, it will bring about a sustainable solution to water scarcity in the region.