Water
Water is a source of necessity in our daily lives. Food production is not possible in the absence of water, nor is good health possible without safe drinking water and steady food production. Lack of water can be attributed as a main cause for a rural development crisis.
Training this women’s group in the use of a treadle pump system empowered them to greatly increase the productivity of their farm.
Partners In Development has installed many boreholes and water wells throughout southern Zambia to help improve the quality of life of many living in rural communities. We have been averaging about 8-10 wells per year.
The rationale of the well projects is that improved access to clean water will result in better health, agricultural success thus better nutrition and sustainable income-generating initiatives, thus reduction in poverty and productive economic growth for the country. Sustainability implies that economic motivation encourages the farmer to produce on a continuing basis and that his/her work allows for the improvement in his/her standard of living.
“Wherever you see green, there is water to make it possible.” -Emily Hainza, Zambian Farmer
Some of the facts on water, and thus, health crisis in rural areas include:
- Over a billion people, mostly in Sub-Sahara Africa and South Asia, do not have access to safe water
- Most rural people in developing countries depend on agriculture for food and income
- Each year millions die from water-related diseases
- In Sub-Saharan Africa many suffer from chronic poverty and food insecurity
- An average distance that women in Africa and Asia walk to collect water is about four miles, and the weight of water that they carry is about 45 pounds
Water projects are part of the ongoing goals of sustainable development done by PID. Learn about some of our recent income generation and water-related projects.