This drinking water, grey water and permaculture project is designed to provide a long-term sustainable water solution

As a result of prolonged drought and lack of access to water many of the Masai have lost more than 90% of their livestock, which represents the wealth of the Masai. There have been serious social and economic consequences including suicides reported among the Masai men and difficulties in sending children to school as the market value of their livestock (cows, goats, sheep and donkeys) has dropped to less than 10% of their previous value while the cost of education remains the same. There have also been issues around the equitable distribution of available water, outbreaks of fighting amongst the villagers for the limited water that has been available for livestock, and increased distances for the Masai women to travel to collect water for their families and for young boys to travel to find pasture and water for their livestock.

Reported in August 2009 by USAID, the Ministry of Livestock and Fisheries said that 2,100 cattle in Longido district died from lack of water, and 95% of livestock in Longido district have migrated in search of pasture and water. Source: FEWSNET-USGS.

This Project will achieve the following:

1. • Allow the village to survive through drought and hard times by providing a sustainable water supply
2. • Improve their health outcomes by ensuring they have clean and safe water
3. • Set up an infrastructure which will ensure young Masai boys can continue to participate in the education system
4. • Improve the rights and independence of the Masai women through community engagement and participation in the governance of the water and permaculture schemes