Published in October 2024

From access to clean water and food, to improved health, generating income to regreening once degraded and barren land - there are a multitude of benefits that can come from a sand dam project, as demonstrated by Ethiopian farmer Daniel's story.

Daniel Banko, a 27-year-old father of three daughters and two sons, resides in Shoshe Village, Alteargude Kebele (sub-district) in southern Ethiopia. As an agro pastoralist, he has long relied on livestock and subsistence farming for his family's survival. However, life before the sand dam project was marked by severe hardships, particularly due to water scarcity. Daniel's family often suffered from waterborne diseases, and their livestock faced severe water shortages, especially during the dry season. 

"Our livestock used to suffer greatly during the dry season," Daniel recalls. "We had no choice but to buy water for our family and animals." This financial strain along with the time and effort required to fetch water, made life extremely difficult.

The turning point for Daniel and his community came when Sand Dams Worldwide, in partnership with Action for Development (AFD), introduced a sand dam project and provided training in Water, Sanitation, and Hygiene (WASH). "This project changed everything for us," says Daniel. "We received training on agricultural practices and WASH, and I started applying these skills immediately. I planted papaya, moringa, onions, bananas, and pigeon peas."

In past months, Daniel has got over 3,000 Ethiopian birr (about £20) from selling bananas and papaya (whilst also growing moringa, onions, apples and pigeon peas). I’ve been able to sell these crops and make a significant income," he shares. With the income generated from selling vegetables and fruits, Daniel was able to cover his family’s medical expenses, improving their overall wellbeing. He says:

 "The nutrition level in our household has improved dramatically... Before this project, we had no understanding of how to use the land effectively or manage water resources efficiently. Now, we not only have access to clean water, but we are also more productive in farming." 

Daniel Banko, member of Shoshe Village, southern Ethiopia.

Before the sand dam was built, Daniel states: "We spent hours each day collecting water from distant sources... There were rocky hills to climb, and the journey was dangerous. Many times, people and livestock would get hurt or sick from the contaminated water we had no choice but to use." 

Water collection was not just physically demanding but also risky. "There were instances of snake bites and long queues at the water source. Sometimes we had to wait hours just to fill a few jars," Daniel remembers. The lack of clean water led to frequent illnesses in the community. "Many people, including myself, suffered from waterborne diseases, leaving us sick, weak and unable to work on our farms for long periods of time."

Conflict over water was also common, both within the community and with people from neighbouring areas. "There were frequent disputes, especially during the dry season when water was scarce," Daniel explains. "These conflicts sometimes led to physical fights, and there were even cases where animals were injured."

The introduction of the sand dam brought not only clean water but also peace to the community. "Now, we no longer have to fight over water," says Daniel. "Access to clean water has reduced tension in the area, and we’re confident that this will prevent future conflicts as well."

The community has come together to maintain the sand dam and surrounding areas, and their collective effort has yielded significant achievements. "Our greatest accomplishment as a community has been transforming the environment around the sand dam," Daniel says proudly. "We’ve planted trees and vegetation, and the land is now green and thriving."

On a personal level, Daniel feels immense pride in how far he has come. "My greatest achievement has been improving my family’s health and wellbeing through the income I’ve generated from farming. We now have clean water, our plates filled with nutritious food, and our household income diversified with the income from my farm." 

With the money he’s earned, Daniel plans to invest in his children’s education and continue improving his farm. "I also want to increase my livestock. In the past, our animals suffered from lack of water, but now they have enough to drink, and they’re healthier."

The environment around Shoshe Village has also seen remarkable changes. "The land is greener, and we’re no longer struggling during drought periods. The sand dam has been a lifesaver for us, especially during the dry season," Daniel says.

For Daniel, the sand dam project has brought more than just material benefits - it has given him a real sense of hope and happiness. "My children are growing up in a better environment. They no longer have to walk miles to fetch water, and they’re healthier because we have access to clean water and nutritious food." 

When asked how he feels about the project, Daniel says: "I’m so grateful for everything we’ve achieved as a community. The sand dam has improved our lives. We now have hope for the future, and we know that with the skills we’ve learned, we can continue to thrive." 

---

Our current appeal: please donate what you can to help build a future without hunger with sand dams

Please select a donation amount (required)

£25 could provide a dryland farmer with drought-tolerant seeds, to grow a reliable source of fresh food for their children

£50 could provide a community with a roll of barbed wire, to reinforce and strengthen their sand dam during construction

£85 could provide 500 seedlings and a spray pump, to protect a tree nursery from decimation by insects

Other

Set up a regular payment Donate