Published in May 2026

Communities living in dryland regions continue to struggle with water scarcity as the impacts of climate change worsen. Esther and Amesi, members of GVH Nyanthumbi community in Malawi, give us more insight into their difficult experiences living in an arid area and how sand dams offer a solution to many of their problems. 

Esther Andileya, a 53-year-old mother of four children and Amesi Mponda, a 35-year-old father of four children, are both based in Nsanje district. They joined GVH Nyanthumbi’s sand dam project to overcome the water issues affecting their community.

Dryland regions are characterised by water scarcity, with individuals often trekking long distances to find water sources. In these areas, women and children can spend as much as 12 hours a day trailing across parched scrubland to collect water from unclean rivers and unsafe sources. In times of drought, it can take longer. Esther describes her ordeal as an older lady making these journeys:

“I am old and walking long distances in search of water is very difficult for me. My health was already affected by the strenuous journeys. When I heard that the sand dam would bring water closer to us, I was so excited and got involved immediately.”

Amesi describes the challenges when neighbouring villages would journey to the limited water sources. The extreme weather conditions, including prolonged droughts, meant that the already limited resources were pushed to their limit by the water needs of surrounding communities:

“We had three boreholes that served 24 villages. Two boreholes would usually dry up, causing a rush on the one that remained. When that happened, we dug scoop wells in the rivers to find water. We used to spend the whole day just to get two buckets of water because of the large crowds.”

Amesi Mponda, member of GVH Nyanthumbi, Malawi.

These communities found themselves caught in a cycle where they spent much of their time constantly searching for and collecting water, with no time to invest in other important priorities like farming and getting an education. Esther shares:

“Children, especially girls, often missed school to help fetch water. It affected their studies and their future opportunities.”

Many of the dryland communities supported by our projects rely on rain-fed agriculture as a source of sustenance and income. However, growing sufficient produce is difficult due to the water shortages, and the disproportionate time spent finding water instead of working on farming. The sand dam project has transformed farming for Esther as she explains:

“I now have a backyard garden where I irrigate my crops using water from the sand dam. I grow vegetables that I use to feed my family and sometimes sell to earn a little money. It makes me feel independent and productive. Since watching demonstrations from our lead farmers, I am using mulching, manure making and application to produce these vegetables. Participating in these activities has given me a fresh perspective and motivation to improve my current practices. I am more aware and look forward to using more new approaches in the future.”

Esther Andileya, member of GVH Nyanthumbi, Malawi.

Outside of farming, Nsanje District has seen some very positive developments because of the sand dam which provides a clean water in closer proximity. Amesi reflects on these changes:

“The elderly can have a sense of relief that they no longer walk a long distance to get water or stay at the borehole for so long, children are going to school and personally, I have time with my wife.”

By participating in their sand dam project, Esther and Amesi, have been able to change their own lives and the lives of others. When asked how he felt about the project, Amesi concluded:

“We feel great. We now have water. Even in dry Nsanje, this is everything to us.”

Esther shares similar sentiments, sharing that:

“I feel proud and thankful. This project has truly changed our lives. I never imagined such a transformation could happen in my lifetime.”

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Please donate what you can and help to empower vulnerable women and girls in drylands to transform their own lives with sand dams and clean water