Introduction

The Sand Dam Project, Implemented by Sustainable Agriculture Tanzania (SAT) in partnership of Sand Dams Worldwide (SDW), aims to provide sustainable water solutions to communities in the Dodoma region, Tanzania. By constructing sand dams in Mpwapwa and Chamwino districts, this project seeks to alleviate water scarcity, enhance agricultural productivity, and improve the livelihoods of local farmers.

Project Goals

The primary goal of this project is to establish reliable and year-round access to clean water for rural communities in Dodoma. This is achieved through the construction of sand dams, which offer a sustainable solution to water scarcity by capturing and storing water in sandy riverbeds.

Key outcomes include:

• Ensuring year-round access to safe water for four targeted communities.
• Improving water quality and availability for domestic use, irrigation, and livestock
• Supporting local farmers in growing vegetables and establishing tree nurseries, improving food security and household incomes.
• Building community resilience to climate change by providing a stable water source even during droughts.

Community Engagement

Engaging local communities is central to the success of the Sand Dam Project. SAT conducted meetings with community members and Local Government Authorities (LGAs) to introduce the project, discuss roles and responsibilities, and address concerns. Key elements include: 

• Formation of local sand dam committees to oversee construction and maintenance.
• raining sessions for local artisans in dam construction techniques.
• Exchange visits to existing sand dam sites in Kingiti and Iyenge villages to build understanding and enthusiasm for the project.

Achievements

·Sand Dam Construction: Completed the construction of dams in Mhangwe, Majeleko, Iyenje, and Kingiti providing a reliable water source for over 1100 households.

·Local Capacity Building: Trained five local artisans and SAT staff in dam construction and maintenance, ensuring local expertise and sustainability.

·Tree Planting Initiatives: Established community-led tree nurseries, aiming to plant over 4,000 trees to combat deforestation and improve the local ecosystem.

Overcoming Challenges with Community-Driven Solutions

The project navigated hurdles like decreased community participation during other social events and public gatherings and limited initial support from certain local leaders. SAT responded by ramping up community engagement efforts and highlighting the long-term benefits of sand dams. This approach fostered strong community involvement and enduring commitment to the project’s success.

Impact Stories

Community members have shared positive feedback about the project's impact. For instance, women in Mhangwe village now spend less time fetching water and more time on economic activities, leading to improved livelihoods. The increased availability of water has enabled farmers to grow vegetables during the draught season, boosting both nutrition and income.

 The Sand Dam project is kindly supported by