In rural Zimbabwe, access to safe water and sanitation remains a daily challenge for many communities. In Makoni District, where most families depend on small-scale farming, unreliable water sources and inadequate sanitation threaten both health and food security. Many households travel long distances to fetch water and limited knowledge of hygiene, along with poor sanitation facilities has contributed to outbreaks of waterborne diseases such as cholera. Additionally, prolonged drought and declining agricultural productivity have increased food insecurity for vulnerable families.
To address these challenges, we are implementing a six-month program to support smallholder farmers an their families in Wards 12 and 16 of Makoni District. The project is funded with the support of the Otto per Mille of the Waldensian Church of Italy (www.ottopermillevaldese.org) through Humana People to People Italia Onlus. The project, which debuted on January 1st 2026, will run for six months concluding on the 30th of June 2026.
The project aims to directly assist 200 farmers which includes 130 women and 70 men to improve their sanitation, water and nutrition security. The farmers are organized into four clubs: Chirunga, Kupfuma, Samaria and Mabvazuva. In addition to the farmers, their families and the wider community will also benefit from the project.
Our key focus is to strengthen access to water infrastructure through deepening four existing solar-powered wells in community gardens to ensure access to reliable groundwater sources, providing water for both household use and vegetable production. In addition, we are constructing four double-hole Blair Ventilated Improved Pit (BVIP) latrines to provide safe and dignified sanitation facilities for farmers and community members.
We are also supporting community knowledge and leadership development. Farmers are set to receive training in well maintenance and sustainable water usage, while 20 community volunteers will be trained as WASH Champions to promote good hygiene and sanitation practices. Additionally, four Water Management Committees will be established to oversee the maintenance of infrastructure, ensuring long-term sustainability.
Furthermore, farmers will take part in Food and Nutrition Clubs, which emphasize the importance of balanced diets and the connection between water access, agriculture and household nutrition. Through these combined efforts, we aim to enhance resilience, improve health and help farming families create a more secure future.
Keep following our social media platforms for updates about this project.