Published in November 2025

We spoke to Matamando Lifa from the Group Village Headman (GVH) Felemu community in Malawi, who gave us insight into how sand dams have changed her community for the better. She explains that the changes may be gradual, for both her life and the surrounding environment, but that with each change she feels stronger and more hopeful for the future.

Can you tell us your name and a bit about yourself?

My name is Matamando Lifa. I am 26 years old and a mother of two. I live in the Felemu community. Day to day, I earn a living by farming.

Can you tell us about what life was like before you started working on the sand dam project? Can you describe a typical day?

Life before the project was very difficult. I would wake up very early to find work and earn money, then walk a long distance to the nearest borehole to fetch water. It would take about an hour to walk there and when we arrived, there was always a long queue. I often spent the entire day just waiting to collect water. The borehole frequently broke down due to overuse, which left us without water for days. Hygiene was also hard to maintain because water was scarce. We could only prioritise water for cooking and drinking. These experiences pushed me to get involved and I believed it would improve our lives in the long run.

What was the impact of these water issues on the community? How did they affect people’s lives?

Many elderly people suffered from back pain during this journey due to carrying heavy containers of water over long distances. People would also get sick from drinking contaminated water. Children in our community often missed school to help their families fetch water. The long journey and the time they spent at the borehole affected their education and left them exhausted.

What was your farm like before the sand dam project?

It was very hard to grow anything. The lack of water made farming almost impossible and this affected our ability to feed our families. Sometimes we would go to bed hungry because we couldn’t produce enough food. Having access to a nearby and reliable water source has changed that.

What have you achieved as a community by working on this project?

"We now manage our water resources together. We’ve also started community gardens using the water from the sand dam. At first, not everyone believed in the project. We overcame this by sharing knowledge and showing examples of how it would benefit us."

Can you describe some of the changes you have experienced in your life since the project?

Life has changed significantly. We now have access to water for farming, household use, and even small businesses. This is a big difference to the past where the lack of water made farming almost impossible and affected our ability to feed our families. Our daily routines are easier, and we live healthier lives. People look healthier, and hygiene has greatly improved because we can bathe, wash clothes, and clean our homes regularly.

Have you seen any changes in the environment?

The area around us is greener now. The soil retains more moisture, and we are seeing more vegetation. The environment is healthier and more productive. During dry spells, the sand dam continues to hold water underground, so we still have access to water when others don’t.

What are your feelings towards your sand dam achievements?

I feel proud and hopeful. We worked hard together, and now we are seeing the results. This project shows that when we work together, we can overcome any challenge.

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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