Published in May 2026

Sand Dams Worldwide spoke to Upper Syunni Development self-help group (SHG) members, Joseph and Rose, about their first sand dam project. We explored their water challenges before the sand dam and their hopes for their land and livelihoods following the construction of their sand dam.

Rose is a 40-year-old farmer and mother of four, and Joseph is a 79-year-old farmer and father of five. Upper Syunni Development SHG, located in Makueni County, southeast Kenya, was formed to overcome an ongoing water scarcity problem that made everyday life very difficult for those living in the area. Rose states:

“I joined the group because I’ve seen first-hand how water scarcity affects our community; children missing school to fetch water, crops failing, and families struggling daily. Building sand dams isn’t just about storing water; it’s about securing our future and helping everyone to thrive.”

Typically, journeying to access water is difficult because the water source (a river where scoop holes are dug) is so far, tiresome and has potential to be dangerous depending on the weather conditions. Joseph explains what the journey is like:

“It takes me about two hours to collect water every day, and the journey isn’t easy. I have to climb over rocky paths and steep hills, which can be exhausting. There are also risks along the way, like wild animals and the fear of slipping on uneven ground, especially after it rains the terrain is left in a risky state.”

The only thought that made this two-hour journey bearable for Rose was thoughts of her family:

“Walking long distances to fetch water and waiting for long at the river to have a chance to fetch my share is exhausting... But I push through because of my family—they’re my strength.”

Rose Mueni, member of Upper Syunni Development self-help group, located in southeast Kenya.

Both Joseph and Rose deeply worried about the impacts of water scarcity on children in their community. These worries revolved around their health and their education prospects, impacting their quality of life from such young ages. Joseph shares his observations about what the children were suffering with, due to consumption of unclean water:

“I’ve seen my neighbours, especially the children, getting sick often (with illnesses like diarrhoea). Some of them still struggle with long-term effects, like weakened immune systems, which makes it harder for them to recover when they get sick again.”

Rose reflects on the times she had to ask her children to help with retrieving water for the household which redirected their attention from studying, and meant on some occasions they missed school altogether:

“The long walk to collect water had a huge impact on my family. My children often missed school because they have to help carry water, and I’ve had to take time off work just to ensure we have enough. It’s exhausting, and it takes away from time we could spend on things that truly matter, like studying or farming.”

With the support of Sand Dams Worldwide and our partner in southeast Kenya, Africa Sand Dam Foundation (ASDF), Upper Syunni Development SHG have built their first sand dam and received trainings related to climate-smart agriculture, soil conservation, as well as water, sanitation and hygiene (WASH). Both Rose and Joseph feel very positive about these developments with Joseph already setting out some plans for the near future:

“I am planning to develop my farming and farmland. With the water from the sand dam, I can irrigate my crops more reliably and expand what I grow. This will help me provide more for my family and improve my income. I also want to plant trees like mango, avocado, and neem. These will not only provide us with food and income but also help restore the environment.”

Joseph Munyao, member of Upper Syunni Development self-help group, located in southeast Kenya.

When asked how she felt about the community’s sand dam project, Rose said:

“It’s breathtaking and exciting to watch it change the lives of the community members.”

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