African Ag Development: Sand Dams for Year Round Irrigation:

Sand dams are a simple, relatively low-cost technology to harvest rainwater. On the surface, all that can be seen is sand. Yet, just below the ground, a mature dam can store millions of liters or gallons of water. Refilling after each rainfall, sand dams provide a clean, local water supply for homes and farming.

In the Dodoma region of Tanzania, MCC and partner Iringa Road Mennonite Church are working to bring water to four villages by building 12 sand dams, including one in the village of Mkonze where Janet Kobelo (above) lives. Tree nurseries and terraced gardens grow alongside the sand dam to prevent erosion and produce fruits and vegetables for families to eat and to sell in local markets. When you help build a sand dam, you help provide the opportunity for thousands of people to have water to drink and water to share.

$500 sand dam tools - Provide building tools, equipment and supplies to build a sand dam.

$2,000 tree nursery - Help establish a tree nursery for trees to plant around the sand dam.

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Video of Sand Dam projects