About the region

Ukambani is a semi-arid region in southeast Kenya suffering from severe water shortages. Approximately two thirds of the population live below the poverty line. Droughts are increasingly frequent. Around 66% of households lack access to safe water, and rainy seasons are increasingly erratic and unpredictable in line with climate change.

When rain does come, communities lack storage infrastructure, with 70%-85% of rainwater lost as surface run-off. This significantly reduces water availability for drinking, washing and farming. During dry seasons, women and children (the main water carriers in Kamba society) can walk 6-12 hours daily to collect water, which is often unsafe for human consumption.

Limited water access makes it difficult for Ukambani’s communities, the majority of whom are subsistence farmers, to grow enough to eat, store and sell.

About our partner

Africa Sand Dam Foundation (ASDF) is the strategic partner of Sand Dams Worldwide. They work closely with rural communities in Kenya to improve access to water, food production, health and incomes.

Africa Sand Dam Foundation (ASDF) is a registered Kenyan NGO founded in 2010.

ASDF work in rural, dryland areas to empower marginalised communities to sustainably improve environments and livelihoods. They support communities to gain access to local, clean water for improved food production, health and income.

How we're working together

Sand Dams Worldwide and ASDF have a strategic partnership based on shared values and philosophy. Together we have committed to community-led sustainable development and the global promotion of sand dam technology in drylands.

It is our shared vision that sand dams will transform millions of lives.