RAIN WATER HARVESTING, FOOD SECURITY & POVERTY
ERADICATION PROJECT PROPOSAL.
Rwenzori Solidarity Trust is a local NGO that was formed in 2007 and registered by the
Ministry of Internal Affairs No. S5914/7622. Its main roles are to train the local
community in the Sub Counties of Karambi and Bukuuku on improved living standards,
income generation, environment protection, water and sanitation, HIV/AIDS awareness
etc.
Now RST has come up with the idea of tapping Rain water from its member’s houses.
The technologies that the communities use include the use of banana leaves or stem as
gutters, reeds placed in Jerycans and attached to gutters etc. However, with the increasing
availability of corrugated iron roofing, people often place a small container under their
eaves to collect rain water. One 20 – Litre container of clean water captured from the roof
can save a walk of many kilometers to the nearest water source.
Rwenkuba Village is located some 04 Kilometers from Fort Portal town in Kabarole
District. This village has a population of about 1134 people. It is a hilly area formed as a
result of volcanic activity. The soils are fertile and a number of food crops are grown.
The area is served by one river Mpanga that originates from the Rwenzori Mountains.
The area is neither connected to the main water grid nor to the gravity water flow.
The community mostly women, young boys and girls have to walk downhill to collect
water from River Mpanga. It is a common practice to find these people playing, washing
clothes, defecating and feeding their animals on this spacious water source. (Photo
attached).
The local people often use the water collected from the river in its raw form which has
led to the outbreak of water borne diseases such as dysentery, cholera, typhoid etc.
After realizing that there is need for clean water, the management of Rwenzori Solidarity
Trust in consultation with the local leaders and the community has resolved to pool
resources and contact well-wishers who include you as its partners to start a programme
of Constructing Rain water tanks and start tapping rain water from our roofs.
The community has found out that the benefits of rain water harvesting are considerable
and will offer plenty of return on investment.
We have seen that if we invest in rain water harvesting, we shall be able to collect most
of the rain that falls on our roofs if it is connected to the gutters and down pipes. For
example, if 10mm2 of rain falls onto about 100m2 of ones roof, one will collect about
1000 Litre of rain water into ones water tank. Just imagine, after 4 days of light rain one
could easily harvest around 4000 Litres of rain water.
Due to lack of sufficient amounts of water it is a common practice to find someone eating
without washing his/her hands. This practice has led to the outbreak of diseases. If we
construct Rain water tanks then we shall reduce on the incidence of disease outbreak.
We are targeting rural households that are at risk of contracting water, sanitation and
hygiene related diseases in the two Sub Counties of Karambi and Bukuuku. These Sub
Counties` among other things are to benefit in increased sanitation facilities and capacity
building to improve our sanitation and hygiene situations.
Each household shall be required to have a Tippy Tap on its toilet in order for the
members to wash hands after using the latrine. We cannot achieve real development if
our people continue to live in unhealthy and unclean surroundings lacking to adequate
sanitation and hygiene. To achieve our Millennium Development Goal targets by 2015
we must make supreme efforts to ensure that every household has access to safe, hygienic
latrine and hand washing facility.75% of the disease burden in Uganda is preventable and
mostly sanitation and hygiene related.
Access to improved sanitation services contributes to attainment of other development
goals. “A dollar invested in sanitation equals nine dollars in return. Let us all work
together promoting good sanitation because this is a source of peoples dignity, self
esteem, good health, equality and development for all”
The community shall have access to the water collected in these water Tanks. We shall
have to set up Water User Committees to oversee the maintenance of these Rainwater
Tanks and to report to the Executive Committee of any thing that requires repair.
Type of Tank
Rwenzori Solidarity Trust has identified fourteen houses on which to build water tanks.
The types of tanks we want to build are of Ferro Cement (≥10,000 litre/10 m),
Water tanks built of Ferro cement are highly favored and are being promoted by
development agencies and organizations.
Material, Labor and Total Costs of a water Tank built of Ferro Cement (11m3) in
Uganda.
Item
Specification
Units
Quantity
Cement
50kgs
bags
22
Lime
25kgs
bags
1
Sand
Coarse &clean
Tonnes
5
Crushed stones
10 to 20 mm
Tonnes
2
Rubble stones
100 to 500mm
Tonnes
1
Bricks
Variable
Number
50
Water
200 litres
Oil drums
15
BRC Mesh
Chicken Mesh
Twisted iron
G1 Wire
G1 Pipe
G1 Pipe
Tap
PVC Pipe
PVC Pipe
Mosquito Mesh
Coffee Mesh
Lockable door
Labor
Formwork
Reusable for 30
tanks
Timber, bolts,
sheets etc for dome
COST
No.65
25mm,0.9m
12mm(0.5”)
3mm
38mm
18mm
16mm
100mm(4”)
50mm(2”)
Plastic
Galvanized
Steel
Metres
Metres
Metres
kgs
Metres
Metres
unit
Metres
metres
metres
metres
0.9x1.5m
24
38
3
10
0.9
0.9
1
2.2
3
0.5
1
1
Skilled masons
Laborers
Working days
Working days
1x8
2x8
6”x1” timber
metres
12
2”x3” nails
Poles 2 metres
Plastic bags
Sisal bags
Bolts 6x100mm
Oil drums sheets
Plastic basin
Euro 800
metres
number
number
kgs
number
number
number
16
8
20
2
8
7
1
NB. Rwenzori Solidarity Trust plans to Construct 14 Rainwater Harvesting Tanks
and each will cost Euro 800. Therefore, 14 tanks will cost Euro 11200 only
In addition to provision of water for domestic use we propose that we improve on our
agriculture by using water harvested during rainy seasons. It is a common practice in
Uganda to find farmers depending on rainfed agriculture for their food and livelihood.
Long droughts are rampant which has lead to bush burning thus damaging to the
environment. At times, when it rains the rain rapidly flows away carrying top fertile soils
with it and as a result is poor yields which lead to malnutrition.
Most of the rural farmers in Kabarole District struggle to acquire quality agricultural
inputs and market access. They usually sell their produce to middlemen who buy at very
low prices and sell at exorbitant prices.
This project will sustainably increase small farmers food security and incomes by
promoting and replicating actions to ensure that farmers have year round access to water
and markets. We plan to open up a local input shop where seeds and other needed inputs
are accessed by our small scale farmers.
Rwenzori Solidarity Trust plans to ensure long term sustainability by reversing
environmental degradation and mitigating climate change by training farmers the use of
fuel efficient stoves, planting of trees and using soil conservation methods.
From this method of rainfed agriculture to properly managed rainwater harvesting
technologies we shall transform small scale farmers to commercial enterprises. This
practical and innovative approach will lead small scale farmers, and farmer groups to
develop essential knowledge and skills to poverty reduction.
NEEDS ASSESSMENT
The lives of our rural communities in Kabarole District and Uganda as a whole are
affected by environmental, social and economic constraints. Low and unreliable rainfall
has affected subsistence agriculture. There is crop failure, low production, malnutrition
due to climate changes.
Our small scale farmers are unable to grow enough produce at a sufficient scale to
respond to market demand at the same time satisfy household (family) consumption due
to inappropriate skills, knowledge technology and insufficient access to agricultural
inputs e.g. water, seeds, fertilizers etc. There is inadequate technical knowledge and skills
within communities, as well as ignorance and traditional knowledge by government and
external support agencies in providing a conducive sharing of knowledge (learning).
Furthermore, there are limited opportunities besides rainfed agriculture to diversify
livelihoods. Therefore, communities have adopted unsustainable natural resource
management methods such as bush clearing for agricultural and charcoal burning for
income generation.
The most affects group of people are the women as the tasks of water collection and food
production traditionally fall on them, yet they have limited access to and control over
production and income resources. Women are involved in farming, but men usually take
control of profit oriented activities. These problems are not unique to the proposed target
areas but are shared by mall scale farmers in many areas in the Sub Sahara Africa.
REQUIRED RESOURCES
The number of small scale farmers that will benefit from this project is scalable
depending on funds. RST requires Euro 17,500 only which would enable fourteen
households to benefit from project infrastructure directly (Rain water tanks, trainings and
purchase of other needed items).
With an average family size of six, that means 84 people will benefit, 450 households
who are members of the community based organizations (CBOs) will access capacity
building support. Through knowledge and skills the CBOs will become organizationally
and financially self sustaining.
We shall encourage farmer field visits so that small scale farmers learn from others. Tree
planting, vegetable nurseries establishment, plus fuel efficient stores installation will
function as profit making businesses and will, therefore, be sustainable. With the above
funding we shall achieve the following objectives:
FOOD SECURITY
a) There shall be increased quantities of food produced and consumed through
increased and diversified production.
INCOME, PRODUCTION AND ENVIRONMENTS
a) To improve access to water for productive purposes through Rain water
Harvesting Management Systems.
b) To improve access to farm inputs.
c) To increase quantities and varieties of crops produced.
d) To increase households incomes.
e) To increase linkages to markets.
f) To increase resilience to climate change through more sustainable household
energy use and increased soil and water conservation actions by communities.
KNOWLEDGE AND POLICY ADVOCACY
a) To improve CBOs members understanding of good nutrition, HIV/AIDS, and
gender issues.
b) To improve CBO capacity in the operation and maintenance of new infrastructure,
accessing and using market information.
c) To improve CBO institutional capacity in governance, project, financial, record
keeping and fundraising management techniques.
d) To increase linkages between poor farmer, the National Agriculture Advisory
Services and government in order to influence policy and practice to the benefit of
poor small scale farmers.
BUSINESS CASE
The project takes a multidiscipline approach in partnership with the public and private
sector. The project activities have been identified basing on the community demand as
well as situational and value chain analysis conducted in collaboration with related
district- based Government departments (e.g. District Agriculture Office and Water
Offices) and key private sector actors.
The targeted CBOs that we shall work with are within the growing urban centers, where
there is high demand for horticultural produce.
This project will address some of the identified constraints (e.g. Over-reliance on a rain
fed and crop production system; inappropriate agricultural water management; limited
crop diversification; poor marketing systems, land degradation and low productivity;
inappropriate technologies (low adoption of rain harvesting management systems and
complementary technologies); inadequate access to information and financial resources;
few cooperatives to achieve scale of production; and reliance on opportunistic
middlemen.
The value chain approach will strengthen local capacity; stimulate and sustain market;
and create an enabling policy and economic environment conducive to transforming
small holder rainfed based farming to perennial agribusiness.
This action has been drawn in consultation with community leaders, RST previous
learning, other water stakeholders’ technical expertise, and a consideration of how to best
mitigate assumptions and risks to ensure a focus on areas and people with the highest
levels of need and the most effective response to their needs. The actions used are in line
with government policy and best practices and therefore has the potential to be adapted
and adopted on a large scale.
PLAN AND EXECUTION
1. Climate change mitigation: We shall promote the use of fuel efficient stores and the
development of fruit and (agro) forestry tree nurseries using market approach. Both the
installation of FES and the rearing of fruit tree seedlings are sustainable in that they
provide income generating opportunities for poor rural women. Planting of trees will help
to improve runoff infiltration, water storage in the soil and reduce soil erosion especially
in hilly areas. It also assists with carbon sequestration – the process through which CO2
from the atmosphere is absorbed by trees, plants and crops through photosynthesis thus
reducing global warming. Fruit trees will provide a source of income to the poor farmers
and improve on the nutritional value. The FES will reduce demand for fuel word, and
hence women will spend less time collecting firewood and use that time for other
productive activities. The project will raise awareness on the importance of tree planting,
gully controls, building and mulching. This will be done in partnership with the National
Agriculture Advisory Services (NAADS).
2. On farm Micro-irrigation systems for vegetable production.
- We shall adopt the method of the use of disposable water bottles in
irrigating vegetables.
- We shall also acquire simple manual pumps for lifting water from ponds
etc.
3. Integration of fruit production into soil conservation structures: - agro forestry with
different fruit trees e.g. Avocadoes, oranges, passion fruits etc.
4. Capacity building, knowledge sharing and policy advocacy: the project will improve
the technical ability of CBOs/cooperative members in the development and maintenance
of the programme component above. RST will also work to build the institutional
strength of CBOs through training in the formation and governance of cooperatives,
projects / financial management and marketing. They will also be assisted to apply to
other funding institutions and to improve their fundraising skills. This capacity building
coupled with facilitating linkages with the private sector will help CBOs to improve
access to market information; increase their bargaining power in the value chain; and
ensure quality control. Artisans at each site will be trained by RST on construction and
maintenance of facilities. Artisans will learn by demonstration as they implement
construction. Government staff and development partners will be informed of and be
involved in the project implementation to create awareness and enhance their capacities
to respond to communities needs, and integrate communities’ views in their decision and
policy making processes. This we shall do in partnership with donors, government
departments etc.
5. HIV/AIDS and gender: the nutritional outcomes of the project are important in the
target areas and especially for the large numbers of people affected by HIV/AIDS.
Awareness rising regarding how HIV is contracted and the benefits of varied diets will be
conducted with CBOs, RST staff, and partners. Discussions will be held in CBOs to
challenge some of the underlying gender assumptions about the rights and responsibilities
of women and men with regard to water use, household energy consumption; decision
making on farm income and its control etc. nutrition will also be a focus of capacity
building so farmers understand the importance of a balanced and varied diet for their
health.
IMPACT
We anticipate achieving the following within a year.
Improved food security
Families consume more food and a greater variety of food each day.
Access to the physical infrastructure and inputs necessary to improve their livelihoods.
A water storage facility e.g. Dams constructed and drip kits provides.
15 fruit tee seedlings provided to a single farmer.
Nurseries provided with fruit and forestry tree seeds and vegetable seeds.
Provision of enough knowledge on the installation and use of FES for project
beneficiaries.
Development of the organizational infrastructure and increased skills and knowledge
necessary to their livelihood for over 2000 people
-
CBOs technical capacity in the operation and maintenance of new infrastructure
and their marketing skills are improved.
Improve CBOs organizational capacity in governance, project and financial
management, record keeping and fundraising.
CBO members have improved understanding of good nutrition, HIV/AIDS,
water and sanitation, health aspects and gender.
Linkages between poor farmers, farmers associations and government are
increased and strengthened in order to influence government policy and practice
to benefit poor small scale producers.
Increased resilience to climate change through more sustainable household
energy use and increased soil and water conservation actions by communities.
Increased linkages to markets.
To ensure that these results are achieved the following information will be
gathered.
Food security
a) Average number of months per year when family members eat three meals or less
per day.
b) Family food variety conservation score- frequency of eating different types of
food.
Production, income and environment
a) Number of months per year with access to safe drinking water.
b) Number of months per year with access to productive.
c) Kgs produced per acre per crop.
d) Land area under food production.
e) Number and types of crops grown.
f) Number and types of soil and water conservation measures implemented after
training.
Knowledge and policy advocacy
a) Percent of CBO members, government staff and local development agencies
undertaking RSTs trainings that feel their understanding of Rainwater Harvesting
Management and Marketing has improved as a result.
b) CBO institutional strength increased.
c) Depth understanding of HIV/AIDS, gender and nutrition enabling greater equality
and improved health.
d) Government and farmer organizations representatives more open to interactions
with poor rural farmers.
e) Number of government staff that manifest new policies practices as a result of
interaction with beneficiaries.
f) Improved policy environment for demand for improved access to farm inputs and
market access.
Therefore, the Construction of Rainwater Harvesting Tanks will cost Euro 11200,
training and setting up of Input distribution Centre will cost Euro 6300.
So the total Project cost is Euro 17500 only