Our philosophy and approach

Published in July 2012

At Sand Dams Worldwide we pride ourselves in the philosophy and approach of our work. Formerly known as Excellent Development, this short film explains the way we engage with communities, encourage working together and learning from each other.

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Sand dams: a gift for the next generation

Sand dams can remain functional for upwards of 60 years, with next to no maintenance or operating costs. It is an amazing gift that really does keep on giving, season after season, year after year. Find out more in 'gift for the next generation' appeal.
Transforming lives in Zimbabwe with Dabane Trust

In this film, hear from Dabane Trust's Programmes Manager, Joyce Dube, who outlines the work we've done collectively so far, and the impact it is having on both people and their local environment.
Double the value of your donation through the Big Give Anchor Match Fund!

Sand Dams Worldwide are taking part in the Big Give’s Anchor Match Fund campaign from 1st August to 31st October 2024.
Remember a Charity Week: Will you give the gift of sand dams to the next generation?

Find out what Sand Dams Worldwide has in store for this year's Remember a Charity Week, as we raise awareness of legacy giving and help supporters who want to know more about leaving gifts in their Wills.

Transforming lives in Zimbabwe with Dabane Trust

In this film, hear from Dabane Trust's Programmes Manager, Joyce Dube, who outlines the work we've done collectively so far, and the impact it is having on both people and their local environment.
Improving access to clean water with solar power and sand dams

In 2022 Kyamuisu self-help group in Kenya completed their solar-powered water project with the support of SDW and Africa Sand Dam Foundation. Hear how community members are now benefiting from the project.
Community members give thanks for sand dams in Kenya

Hear from just a few of our beneficiaries in southeast Kenya who have transformed their own lives and land with sand dams.
Hear from our partner - the Africa Sand Dam Foundation (ASDF)

ASDF have played a key role in supporting our other partners to implement sand dam projects. It is our shared vision that sand dams will transform millions of lives.
Watch how sand dams work

Film explaining how sand dams work and their potential impact in the world's drylands
Time-lapse of a sand dam being built

Watch as Kwa Voki self-help group build their sand dam in Makueni County, southeast Kenya.
Watch how sand dams work (French)

Film explaining how sand dams work and their potential impact in the world's drylands (with French subtitles)
1,000 sand dams - thank you!

Since 2002, Sand Dams Worldwide has enabled over 1,000 sand dams in 8 countries, providing clean water for over 1 million people. Hear from some of those people who give a big thank you to all supporters.
Why the Maasai in Kenya need sand dams - Part 1

The people of the Iltirim community in Lekurruki, Kenya, explain why they want a sand dam and the difference it could make...
Why the Maasai in Kenya need sand dams - Part 2

The people of the Iltirim community in Lekurruki, Kenya, continue to explain the different sand dams could make to their lives...

We support communities to build sustainable sand dams in some of the poorest, drought-stricken regions across our world.
What is a sand dam?
Donate

Please donate what you can to transform lives and land with sand dams and clean water.
Reversing land degradation and desertification

Conservation of the environment is critical to the economic development of people living in drylands.
Watch how sand dams work

Film explaining how sand dams work and their potential impact in the world's drylands
1 million sand dams for 0.5 billion people by 2050

Read about our plan to directly support other organisations to build sand dams, in turn, realising our vision to support millions of the world’s poorest people by helping them to transform their own lives through water and soil conservation in drylands.
The challenge

Find out what are drylands, why they are they are such harsh regions to live, how sand dams are applicable in drylands and what difference they can make to over 40% of the world's land surface.
Act Now: Tackle Food Crisis With Sand Dams

Support dryland communities to overcome food shortages, and ensure they can grow enough food to eat and sell. It all starts with ensuring they have access to water. That’s where sand dams come in.
Sand dam manual

For everything you need to know about building sand dams, click here to read (and download for free!), Sand Dams: A Practical & Technical Manual.
How long does it take to build a sand dam?