Team Malawi
Malawi Water Irrigation Project
Fundraising for Drop of Compassion
Story
IMPACT THOUSANDS FOR GENERATIONS!
Have you ever wanted to be part of something big?
Make a difference to thousands for generations with a one-off donation?
We have partnered up with a local NGO to set up irrigation schemes across Malawi. Our target is to establish ten schemes this year each costing on average £8100. With each irrigation scheme delivered, the local NGO will also build a nursery school on site for the villagers to help with educational needs also.
So what are you waiting for...?
100% Donation, No Deductions!
We guarantee 100% of your donations will reach their intended target. The charity operates on a voluntary basis ensuring our costs are kept to a minimum. The set-up, operating, admin and marketing costs are met by the trustees, supporters and some from the gift aid contributions.
Why are these schemes important?
Water irrigation schemes supply an abundance of water to a village. This is enough to provide the foundation for the growing of staple crops, introduction of new high earning crops, fruit farms, honey farms, fish farming, cattle rearing and market days. All this can be achieved by giving them access to water.
What is Water Irrigation?
Malawi is one of Africa’s most densely populated places in the world and least developed countries. Most people here live in the tropical countryside where water is scarce. As a result, many women and children spend hours of their day walking to collect it.
There are many methods of sourcing and provisioning water to rural areas. Following Drop of Compassion’s extensive research into this area, we are focusing on irrigation projects as the method aligns with our ethos of providing long term sustainable solutions.
Our irrigation projects provide beneficiaries with more than just clean drinking water as they will also support the growth of crops, helping the people to be self-sufficient.
Water Irrigation is the diversion of an existing clean running water source which is perennial (i.e. permanent like a river). This water flows to and through a village by means of building canals and waterways.
The irrigation scheme supplies an abundance of water to a village. This is enough to provide the foundation for the growing of staple crops, introduction of new high earning crops, fruit farms, honey farms, fish farming, cattle rearing and market days.
The accessibility of water and extra income earned enables more time for education, social and family life. We aim to lead the way with our innovative approach and not only reduce the time lost in gathering water but build upon these schemes for a fully integrated community.
We work with the local community on the project programs and training. So they are involved in the development and construction of the scheme from the start. This ensures they appreciate the project and not just feel as if they have had a free handout. This training also gives them the necessary skills to maintain it for the future. ‘‘Give a man a fish and you feed him for a day; teach a man to fish and you feed him for a lifetime.’’
With up to 60% of water sources failing, across Africa, it is imperative that long-term solutions are sought. Our model and core philosophy has enabled us to overcome many traditional challenges which have faced donors for many years. Our solution is for the provision of water permanently and we strongly believe that:
Irrigation Project Process:
- Site is identified by the Government of Malawi Irrigation Department. They carry out a feasibility study of land, water sources, environmental impact assessment, rainfall, crops that can be grown and cost.
- A technical and financial proposal is produced.
- Once approved the following roles will be undertaken:
• Drop of Compassion- Finance of project / Supervision / Procurement
• Department of Irrigation – Civil Engineering, Construction, Training, Technical Support
• Local community – Provide labour and local raw materials sand/bricks (if available) - Development process:
Step 1: Create siphon from perennial river source
Step 2: Build the scheme according to design
Step 3: Water flow testing and refining of canals
Step 4: Planting staple and cash crops
Step 5: Training to local community in maintenance
Irrigation Benefits:
- Immediate permanent clean running water access.
- Less time collecting water, more time spent in education.
- Less time collecting water, more time spent in farming.
- Less time collecting water, more time spent in family matter.
- Less time collecting water, more time spent in relaxing!
- Clean running water means good for cooking, sanitation and farming.
- Crops yields increase to 3 times a year instead of just one depending on seasonal rain.
- Unaffected in drought season.
- Crops are surplus therefore beneficiaries will have enough sustenance and will sell surplus creating cash wealth.
- Empowerment of the communities.
- Benefits to the surrounding villages.
- Diversification of crops. New crops added in the system to give a balanced diet.
- New high yielding crops introduced to compliment staple crops.
- Design and materials used are based on manual systems and not dependent on parts breaking down.
- Maintenance of scheme is cheap and will be self sustained by community
- Scheme is self sustaining and self growing. The benefit is long term and permanent
It really takes empowerment to a whole new level – all through providing access to water!!!