Our partners in southeast Kenya, the Africa Sand Dam Foundation (ASDF), report on the progress Wonu Witu self-help group (SHG) have made since the start of their sand dam project, and climate-smart agriculture training (funded by the Isle of Man Government).

Woni Witu SHG draws its membership from Kanyonga village in Makueni county. The group of men and women have dedicated their activities to bettering the living conditions of the locals. Reason being, their area of residence suffers from drought and famine coupled with acute water shortages.

The community group has been supported by Sand Dams Worldwide (formerly Excellent Development) in collaboration with ASDF in the implementation of water harvesting projects and the development and conservation of agriculture among other projects.

"I have managed to plant more than 20 mango trees in the last three years which are doing quite well, and in the next two or three years I expect to be earning income from the sale of mangos. This was never possible before."

Kitonga Musili, farmer from Woni Witu self-help group, southeast Kenya.

A visit to the group sought to establish the benefits achieved from the projects and the general progress of the group.

Kitonga Musili, 54, hails from the area and has been at the forefront of project implementations and group activities. He says: “Working with ASDF has been of great benefit to us as a community, we have been taught on the importance of planting trees and good farming techniques. I have managed to plant more than 20 mango trees in the last three years which are doing quite well, and in the next two or three years I expect to be earning income from the sale of mangos. This was never possible before.”

“Again, with the support of our local ASDF field officer, we have received numerous training on best farming practices including terracing, intercropping and pest control. This season, I have planted pigeon peas and cowpeas which are doing well even in the prevailing conditions” adds Kitonga.

“The last three years have been fruitful to a majority of us in this village, there is a wave of change with people embracing more tree planting, terracing and good farming practices."

Faith Mwende, farmer from Wonu Witu self-help group, southeast Kenya.

Faith Mwende, 29, is a mother of two and has been living in the area for the last eight years. She was also interviewed by Sand Dams Worldwide in May 2018 (read here), she now shares her latest experiences and impact from the projects: “The last three years have been fruitful to a majority of us in this village, there is a wave of change with people embracing more tree planting, terracing and good farming practices. I have been able to create a personal tree nursery from where I have planted trees in my farm which are doing well.”

“In addition, I have learned the importance of terracing my farm well in a bid to tap on the little available water and increase crop success with the limited rains, this has helped me in getting some harvests even in the lowest rainfall seasons” says Faith.

Local community members remain thankful to ASDF, Sand Dams Worldwide and all donors for their support which is helping improve their living standards at the local village.

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