North Pemba, Zanzibar
Resilience means having options in times of need. We and our local partner in North Pemba, the Kwanini Foundation, are committed to ensuring that communities in and around our Marine Protected Area in North Pemba have a reliable fallback when the main water line fails—something that already happens regularly. When the taps run dry, it’s often women and children who bear the burden, walking long distances to fetch water or paying high prices for oxcarts to deliver it.
Supporting Sustainable Farming
Together with the Kwanini Foundation, we are empowering 14 farming groups with 1,000-liter tanks, providing them with an easily accessible water reserve. These tanks can be filled when the main water line is functional, and participants are also learning how to harvest rainwater through rooftop capture and mobile rainwater units. The latter, installed on farms, channel rainwater into tanks, primarily for crop irrigation but available for drinking in emergencies.
Inspiring Community-Wide Change
Most residents of Makangale have metal roofs, perfect for rainwater harvesting. Our hope is that this initiative will inspire others to adopt these practices, spreading resilience across the community. However, with even small water tanks costing around $100 USD, the expense is significant. That’s why Kwanini Foundation is exploring options to subsidise tank purchases for those committed to sustainable agriculture.
The Kasa Center
Kwanini Foundation‘s Kasa Center focuses on empowering local communities through educational programs, no-interest eco-loans, and technical assistance to foster personal development and income-generating, nature-positive enterprises. With the vision of harmonising economic prosperity, entrepreneurship, and nature protection, Kasa helps Pembans become more resilient to climate, economic, and social challenges.
