Mulendema communal reservoir gives Zambian farmers water beyond the rainy season
A communal reservoir in Chief Mulendema's area, Mumbwa district, is designed to hold about 1.62 million litres of water for smallholder farmers.
A communal reservoir built through the Water and Soil Accelerator (WASA) project is giving smallholder farmers in Chief Mulendema's area of Mumbwa district, Central Province, a way to farm through dry spells. The reservoir can provide an estimated 1.62 million litres of water every five to six weeks with its current pump installation.
The Mini Water Reservoir supports 50 households, or 250 end-users, in the Nalusanga GMA. Solidaridad Southern Africa, backed by the International Water Management Institute (IWMI), is running the project with GreenCare Eco Solutions, Zambia's Ministry of Agriculture, the Water Resources Management Authority (WARMA) and traditional leaders. Sheila Garakara, Solidaridad's Country Manager for Zambia, said the reservoir widens farmers' choices, particularly for women growing food.
Community members, particularly women and young people, have received compost and fertiliser, and a vegetable garden is planned for later this year. IWMI's gender researcher, Dr Ojong Enokenwa Baa, said women and young people must help set the rules for managing the reservoir, and that a women's club provides an important foundation, though more support is needed.
Why it mattersHouseholds in the Nalusanga GMA gain water for growing crops through dry periods, and women and young people are to help set the rules for using it.