Gada Korma, a small village in a drought-prone region, had been struggling with severe water shortages for years. The villagers depended on a single rainy season, which would dry up during the summer, forcing them to walk several kilometers to fetch water. Agricultural activities suffered, livestock perished, and health issues due to poor sanitation were widespread.

Realizing the need for a sustainable solution, our Transformational Community Development (TCD) training team taught the community a water conservation and management program. They focused on the two key areas of rainwater harvesting and efficient water use. The villagers built check dams, ponds, and rooftop rainwater harvesting systems to store rainwater for the dry season. They also started an awareness program that taught villagers how to use water wisely, including drip irrigation for farming and wastewater recycling for domestic use.

Within a few years, Gada Korma saw a remarkable change. The once-dry wells began to hold water throughout the year. Farmers, who had abandoned their lands, resumed cultivation with improved irrigation. Women and children, who previously spent hours fetching water, could now focus on education and livelihoods. The health and sanitation levels in the village improved drastically.

With the success of these initiatives, Gada Korma has become a model village for water conservation. The villagers now train neighboring communities on similar projects, ensuring that water security spreads across the region. Gada Korma’s transformation is proof that with collective effort, innovation, and sustainable practices, even the harshest water crises can be overcome.

Thank you!

Written by Habiba, GHNI National Field Leader