About Campaign PASTORALISM WATER CAMPAIGN PROJECT

Tanzania heavily relies on agriculture, particularly pastoralism, as a main source of livelihood for a significant portion of its population. However, climate change poses significant challenges to pastoralists, including unpredictable weather patterns, prolonged droughts, and heavy rains causing floods. These changes impact the ability of pastoralists to care for their livestock, leading to malnourished and weak animals, increased susceptibility to diseases and predators, and significant losses.

The Maasai and Sukuma people in Tanzania are among the most affected communities by climate change. As semi-nomadic pastoralists, they depend on their livestock for food, income, and social status. Climate change makes it difficult for them to find adequate pasture and water, sometimes forcing them to migrate and resulting in conflicts with other communities competing for resources.

Tanzania has a significant livestock population, with more than 22 million indigenous animals. The pastoral sector contributes about 18% of the Gross National Product and employs approximately 3.8 million people. Pastoralism provides affordable, high-quality proteins and nutrients to meet local demand, reduces reliance on imports, and supports livelihoods for millions of primary producers and those working in the livestock trade.

To address the challenges faced by pastoralists, the Quality Water and Sanitation Company has initiated a project aimed at providing access to water for livestock. This project seeks to eliminate animal mortalities, reduce the need to search for water over long distances, and improve food production. The project's benefits extend to both pastoralist and non-pastoralist communities in Tanzania and neighboring countries.

The project utilizes rainwater harvesting techniques, borehole drilling, and the construction of water points in remote areas. These activities increase water availability for pastoralist communities, promote agriculture, and reduce the time spent searching for water. The project also includes training pastoralists in water management techniques, raising public awareness about sustainable water use, and involving community-based water committees in the management and maintenance of water sources.

The primary objective of the project is to increase the number of reliable water points for pastoralist communities in Tanzania. This is being achieved through the drilling of boreholes, installation of water pumps and storage tanks, and ongoing monitoring and evaluation. By ensuring the protection and maintenance of water sources, the project aims to improve the livelihoods of pastoralists and contribute to sustainable water management in these communities.