01/03/24
Clean Water Access for Smallholder Farmers in Uganda
Article by: Rachael Ange
Access to clean water is a fundamental prerequisite for agricultural development, especially for smallholder farmers who play a crucial role in global food production. In many rural areas, these farmers face significant challenges in securing reliable and safe water sources. Many smallholder farmers rely on local water sources such as rivers, ponds, or wells that could unfortunately be contaminated with pollutants. Smallholder farmers are also particularly vulnerable to the impacts of climate change, facing erratic rainfall patterns and prolonged droughts. These challenges exacerbate water scarcity issues, affecting farmers' livelihoods. Clean water plays a crucial role in preventing waterborne diseases contributing to a more sustainable and resilient agricultural system.
In 2021 Kawacom initiated a three-year project in partnership with Taylors of Harrogate with a focus on water, sanitation, and hygiene aimed to support 13,500 farmers and their families in the coffee-growing communities around the Sipi region. Through this project, clean water taps have been installed in 16 villages, and 47 handwash facilities were also installed in schools and different public points. These were coupled with community sensitization on waterborne diseases, proper hygiene, and sanitation. This has made water more accessible for at least 92.7% of the coffee farmers within this community, eliminating the need to trek long distances to get clean and safe water.
Implementing sustainable water management practices, investing in infrastructure, and fostering community-led initiatives are key steps toward enhancing clean water access in rural agricultural settings. Clean water access is not just a necessity; it's a catalyst for transforming the agricultural landscape for smallholder farmers. By addressing the challenges and implementing sustainable solutions, we can create a future where smallholders thrive, agricultural productivity flourishes, and communities achieve resilience in the face of water-related uncertainties. Bridging the gap in clean water access is a pathway to a more secure, sustainable, and equitable agricultural future for all.
More news
News
Click to read this articleAn Update on the Initiatives of the Akawa Project in Burundi
The Akawa Project, our initiative to help coffee growers in Burundi, has seen several key advancements since its establishment in 2016. This April, members of the Akawa team visited Burundi to gain a firsthand impression of the project’s progress.
News
Click to read this articleDormans Drip Bags Launch
Dormans, ECOM Kenya’s roasting company, is thrilled to announce the launch of our newest innovation—coffee drip bags in a variety of distinctive blends!
Stories
Click to read this articleACOM & SMS combat climate change in Vietnam
With climate change threatening coffee production worldwide, ACOM and SMS have begun putting into place various initiatives to assist farmers with preparing for these shifts in Vietnam.
Stories
Click to read this articleCollaboration of SMS Costa Rica & Mexico for agricultural inputs development
SMS Costa Rica & SMS Mexico's innovation teams have joined forces for inputs for regenerative agriculture.
Stories
Click to read this articleLove your origins: Meet Brayan Aguirre
Brayan Aguirre, our quality analyst in Peru, details how his passion for coffee and cocoa beverages helps educate local farmers.
News
Click to read this articleECOM partners with China Ministry of Environment for low-carbon coffee initiatives
ECOM has partnered with FECO, the China Ministry of Environment Foreign Cooperation Centre, to deliver tailored carbon footprint calculations for coffee from China and provide shade tree advice tools and other knowledge resources to Chinese farmers.
Stories
Click to read this articleAmsterdam Cocoa Experience Center
Earlier this year, our Amsterdam Cocoa office underwent some renovation work to create a unique center of excellence with a space dedicated to innovation within the cocoa products business, as well as align with our global ECOM brand.
Stories
Click to read this articleNurturing soil health in Vietnam
The SMS team in Vietnam have been working to soil erosion through structured trainings, refining their soil health and nutrition projects, and creating an impressive soil program catered to each individual farmer certified through their system.
Stories
Click to read this articleBetter Life Farming in Mexico
Since 2013, SMS implemented various actions to promote farm renovation, focusing on training and awareness among producers about the advantages of coffee plantation renewal.