Published in July 2026

Our Malawian partner, Churches Action in Relief and Development (CARD), works with local community groups to help them improve access to clean water with sand dams. Read about Afiness and Matalia’s water issues, why they joined up with CARD and what they hope to achieve from their sand dam project.

39-year-old Afiness Felemu and 50-year-old Matalia Paul were both looking for a solution to the water challenges their community. Matalia explains why she began supporting the local sand dam project with CARD:

“In our area, rain is scarce, making water access a constant challenge. To hear that we will soon have a reliable source felt like an answer to our prayers.”

From the moment Afiness wakes up to the very end of her day, accessing water is the focal point. She describes further:

“A typical day begins early, around sunrise, with a walk to the nearest water source—a task that can take hours. One of the biggest challenges for me and the women in the community is the time and energy it takes to find clean water. The nearest water source is far and the journey is tiring, especially in the heat.”

Matalia believes that the biggest downside of having to spend hours collecting water is the focus it takes away from engaging in other activities that could improve livelihoods such as farming. She describes what her farm is looking like currently:

“The soil lacks moisture, making it difficult to grow crops. Many areas are barren and without reliable water sources, farming is limited.”

Matalia Paul, member of GVH Felemu Mulikandodo, Malawi.

The project not only focuses on the construction of the dam. It also incorporates climate-smart agriculture training including encouraging the adoption of diverse drought-resistant crops, which helps to improve health and nutrition. Afiness explains what she hopes this training will do for herself and her land:

“I want to grow crops like sorghum and millet, using techniques that allow me to maximize our yields and make better use of our land. The goal is to not only grow enough food for our families but also to sell surplus produce in the market, which can provide additional income and create a better, more stable future for our community.”

Afiness Felemu, member of GVH Felemu Mulikandodo, Malawi.

Once clean and accessible water is achieved through the sand dam project, Matalia predicts that great changes will occur for women and children, for their farming, food security and for the overall health of community members. She says:

“Children will have more time for school and women can focus on activities that help their families and the community. Ultimately, we’ll be a healthier, stronger and more self-reliant community with new opportunities.”

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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