Susan Muzumi is the Headwoman of Muzumi village in Kazungula, a small settlement in Zambia, located approximately 130 km northeast of Shesheke and 130 km northeast of the Namibian border.

The village comprises approximately 65 households with an estimated population of around 600 residents. In addition to her role as a community leader, she is the mother of four boys and four girls and she is also a wife.

Susan is a dedicated farmer who passionately shares the water challenges her village has faced in recent years. She says these challenges threaten her livelihood and the well-being of her entire community. She owns a two-hectare plot of land where she grows various crops, including maize, groundnuts, sorghum, and millet. Each crop is vital in sustaining her family and contributing to the local economy.

Unfortunately, the onset of drought and unpredictable rainfall patterns have severely impacted her harvests for the past several years. These water shortages have made it increasingly difficult for her to maintain successful crops, leading to significant declines in yield and, consequently, her income. Without a stable source of income, Susan finds herself in a precarious situation, as she has no job opportunities other than farming. She says if there is no rainfall, she depends on selling wild fruits (monsomonso, mawi, and metu), which does not provide sustainable income to feed her family.

Susan explains, “My farming relies entirely on rainfed irrigation, and if there are insufficient rains, it means there is no livelihood for me or my family.” Her situation reflects the broader struggles of many farmers in the region who depend on the weather for survival, highlighting the urgent need for effective water management resources solutions and sustainable agricultural practices. The anticipated project implemented by SADC-GMI in collaboration with the Ministry of Water Development and Sanitation, funded by the Global Environment Facility (GEF), and the Cooperation in International Waters in Africa (CIWA) through the World Bank Group aims to address these issues, offering hope for Susan and all the farmers in her village facing similar challenges.

Susan grows maize, groundnuts, sorghum, and millet on a two-hectare plot. “For the past few years, water scarcity has posed a significant challenge for my farming and, ultimately, my livelihood,” she says.

“Living in an area that depends on rainfed irrigation means I am at the mercy of the weather. When the rains are insufficient or fail to arrive altogether, it greatly impacts my harvests. Unfortunately, this has been the case for several seasons now. As a result, I have been unable to produce enough food to sustain my family or sell at the local market,” she emphasized in a sad tone. This instability makes it incredibly difficult for us to plan for the future.

As a community leader, Susan directs various projects focused on girl child education, upholding human rights, and addressing gender-based issues as they arise. She notes that her role presents multifaceted challenges, especially since it involves leading men as a woman.

Susan believes the project brings a ray of hope to her and the community at large. It aims to address our water challenges by introducing a sustainable water supply, improving water management, and ensuring that our crops receive adequate moisture throughout the growing season, regardless of rainfall. By providing access to consistent water sources, the project will boost my harvest yields and enhance food security for my family and the entire village.

Furthermore, with reliable water access, I can diversify my crops, improve their quality, and more effectively support my family. The project will empower us as farmers, allowing us to build resilience against climate variability and ensuring we can continue growing the crops essential for our livelihoods.

For me, this project represents more than just a borehole and a tap of running water; it symbolizes hope for a better future where my livelihood is safeguarded and my community can thrive.

Mayaba Simuyandi – dreams of a prosperous future in farming Photo by SADC-GMI

Empowering the Next Generation of Farmers

Mayaba Simuyandi, a 24-year-old aspiring farmer, is one of the beneficiaries eagerly anticipating the benefits of the ongoing water supply project in Kazungula, Muzumi Village.

With big dreams for his future, Mayaba is optimistic that this water supply initiative will provide the necessary resources to enhance his farming efforts and secure a prosperous career. He was fortunate to inherit a 5-hectare plot of land from his parents, which he diligently cultivates. He grows maize and groundnuts on this land, but he envisions expanding his operations and diversifying his crops once he has consistent access to water.

Mayaba’s commitment to farming is rooted in his desire to contribute to his family’s legacy and improve the livelihoods of those around him. He believes that his career will flourish with a reliable water supply, and the entire community, particularly the youth, can benefit from increased agricultural productivity and sustainability.