Published in July 2024

Our partners in Malawi, Churches Action in Relief and Development (CARD) conducted an interview with a member of the Mzondola community to find out how a sand dam project has changed his life. Here is what they learned.

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

My name is Tatu Samange. I am 43 years old and I am married with four sons. I am from the Mzondola village, which is part of Group Village Headman (GVH) Mzondola in Nsanje district. I am a farmer with three and a half acres of farmland.

Why did you get involved in the sand dam project?

CARD introduced the sand dam project to our area. They told us about the sand dam and its value to communities, including provision of clean and safe water. I became interested because we have had water challenges in our community. Having only one borehole for five local villages used to pain me, so I decided to work hard to build our sand dam.

Can you describe a typical day before this project? 

During the rainy season, I could go straight to my farmland after waking up. I would usually spend the majority of the day there. I found it hard as my harvests were not that good. I used to do casual labour to earn some money and cope with the poor harvest.

How long did it take you to collect water? Were there any dangers on the road?

It took over an hour to collect water from scoop holes, which we dug in the river. This meant walking a long distance past rocks and gullies, which were the main dangers on the road.

What was the impact on your health? 

My wife, who usually went to fetch water, would complain of headaches whenever she used her head to carry buckets over a long distance. This is because she needed to go two or three times a day to collect enough water for our family.

Cases of cholera and diarrhoea have also been a major challenge because livestock and other animals come to drink from the river, the same water that we drink, thereby leaving germs in there. 

What other negative effects did the long walk to collect water have on you and your family's life?

Once you leave to collect water, it means all work stops. My wife and I usually do farm work together but when she went to collect water, she would be away for a long time and farming was disrupted.

What have you achieved as a group since working on this project?

We have been able to construct a sand dam for our village despite the effects of cyclones, which caused some damage. The dam will provide us with much more safe water than we used to have, so it is a major achievement for the community.

"Working together during construction of the dam, without looking at social aspects such as gender, disability, age and other things, was one of my picks as far as achievements are concerned. Everyone worked wholeheartedly and it was very encouraging."

Tatu Samange, member of the GVH Mzondola community, Malawi.

How have Sand Dams Worldwide and CARD supported you?

We have received trainings in conservation agriculture from CARD, who also provided us with new seed varieties. CARD assisted us with establishing demonstration plots for us to learn conservation agriculture practices. They also provided us with materials and expertise to construct our sand dam.

How has life changed for you since getting farming training?

As a farmer, I have a passion to learn more about agricultural practices. The project has helped me to take better care of my farmland. I learnt that manure feeds the soil and plants more than chemical fertilisers. Since then, I have been using organic manure which has really improved my soil fertility. I am able to harvest more than I used to. I now practice new agriculture techniques on my farm so life has really changed. The food I harvest now lasts me for six months longer than before. 

What is your personal greatest achievement since working on this project? What are you most proud of?

I have been a farmer for many years but I did not know the new farming techniques that we were taught. I am now able to implement these conservation agriculture techniques due to the training and demonstrations from this project. This knowledge is sustainable and will live in me forever, hence it is my greatest achievement thus far and I am proud of it.

In what other ways has life changed for you since building the sand dam?

Me and my neighbour participated in sand dam construction training for local builders through CARD. We stayed in a nearby community for two months during the training, where another sand dam was being constructed, and learned a lot. 

A few months after receiving the training, I went to help construct a dyke in another village to protect it from flooding. Because the dyke had a similar concept of construction to a sand dam, I was able to assist and received some money, so the project has changed my life with knowledge which is helping me to earn money.

How do you plan to spend the income you have made?

I mainly grow to feed my family, but I was able to make 250,000 Kwacha (approx. $247). I have a brother who is in secondary school, so I will use some of this money for his school fees. I will also purchase school uniforms for my children. 

How has your local environment and land changed?

The area where we constructed the sand dam is looking beautiful with trees and water. The view is very attractive as the land is now more covered in vegetation than it used to be. 

Has this project helped your community during drought periods?

The project has been of great help during drought periods. CARD provided us with early maturity seeds and despite the dry spells, we have harvested much thanks to these seeds and the techniques we have learned.

What benefits are your children experiencing?

My children are now able to eat at least three times a day, which is more than they used to be able to eat.

How do you feel when you think about your sand dams and everything you have achieved as a community?

Sand dams are one of the best water harvesting methods and I feel glad to be part of building one. I believe that my community will surely continue to change both economically and health wise.

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

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£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

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