Zimbabwe is a landlocked country in southern Africa, the impact of climate change on Zimbabwe’s water resources has exacerbated the frequency and intensity of droughts, especially due to deforestation, overgrazing, and poor land management practices. Thus, sustainable solutions are crucial to address the water crisis in Zimbabwe.
For the past decade, Buddhist Tzu Chi Foundation (BTCF) has built 368 wells across Zimbabwe, benefiting more than 750,000 people in an effort to provide access to clean water in drought-hit areas of the country. The wells are equipped with hand pumps and concrete bases to prevent contamination. Tzu Chi volunteers collaborate with locals to identify suitable locations for the wells and to carry out the construction work. This approach helps to ensure that the wells are built in areas where they are most needed and that the local community has a stake in the project’s success.
Access to clean water provides a pathway for the foundation’s volunteers to share farming and irrigation strategies with the locals. In many arid regions, locals may lack knowledge of agricultural practices due to limited access to water. Through the provision of water resources, individuals can begin cultivating crops and shifting towards a more sustainable way of life. For instance, maize is a staple food in Zimbabwe, with a harvest period of approximately three months. To support local communities, volunteers educate and guide residents through the step-by-step process of planting crops. Upon harvest, volunteers assist residents in selling their crops at markets.
Source: Relief Web
