Author Archives: SHIPO

  • 15
    Aug 24
  • 0

Empowering Communities with Self-Supply: A Sustainable Solution

Category:Water & Sanitation

The Self-Supply Program is an initiative by SHIPO focused on strengthening the skills and professional capacities of local private sector actors, such as artisans, micro-entrepreneurs, and small enterprises. The overarching goal is to improve access to water and food security for rural and peri-urban residents in the Njombe, Iringa, Mbeya, and Ruvuma regions of Tanzania.

This project, funded by the SKAT Foundation, is ongoing and for the period spanning from January 1, 2023, to January 31, 2024, it specifically targeted areas in Njombe (Makete and Njombe Town/District), Iringa (Iringa District and Mufindi), and Mbeya/Songwe (Mbozi). The aim was to create a sustainable impact on water accessibility and food security through the professional development of local artisans and related workers.

The training program brought in 28 new trainees, of which 19 were drillers and 9 were pump producers, all of whom are male. It also supported 14 experienced beneficiaries, including 9 drillers and 5 pump producers. These individuals received training from a team of dedicated and experienced trainers, such as Laban Kaduma from the Uvinjo group in Njombe, who specializes in digging and drilling, and James Malekano from Umoja wa Vijana, who is an expert in pump production.

Under the guidance of trainers from reputable organizations like MVIWAARUSHA and the Water Institute of Tanzania, participants learned essential skills in groundwater drilling, pump production, business entrepreneurship, and marketing. The training focused on developing their abilities to explore local opportunities effectively, engage in participatory market research, and understand business analysis and market strategy.

The program has achieved remarkable results, exceeding expectations by reaching 43 male participants, which is 108% of the target. A significant number of beneficiaries, a total of 1,316 people now use the newly established water points as their main source of water, while 2,460 others use them for special events or on a day-use basis. Impressively, 98% of the water points tested were found to be biologically safe, highlighting the success of the project’s water management practices.

The training also built on the achievements of previous phases, which trained over 100 local artisans in manual drilling, pump production, and the construction of sanitation facilities. These efforts have resulted in the drilling of over 10,000 rope pump wells and significant improvements in agricultural practices, water management, and environmental conservation.

Overall, the Self-Supply Program is a testament to the power of local capacity building and its ability to foster sustainable development in water and food security. Stay tuned for more updates from SHIPO.

  • 17
    Feb 23
  • 0

Empowering Communities Through Moringa Tree Planting

Category:Uncategorized

In line with its environmental initiatives, SHIPO launched a Moringa Tree Nursery Project on 16th December 2022 in Ilembula Village, Wanging’ombe District. This project aims to combat climate change and improve community livelihoods through sustainable environmental practices.

Project Implementation Process

  1. Community Engagement and Training:
    • SHIPO organized an initiation meeting to identify motivated farmers willing to participate in the project.
    • Training sessions were held on nursery preparation, followed by planting Moringa seeds in the nursery.
  2. Stakeholder Involvement:
    • On 20th January 2023, SHIPO introduced the project to local government authorities, including district representatives, ward officers, and village leaders, ensuring broad support.
  3. Training on Planting and Management:
    • On 31st January 2023, SHIPO conducted hands-on training on Moringa tree planting, proper care, and project supervision.
  4. Monitoring Progress:
    • A surprise visit on 13th February 2023 revealed strong community engagement, with residents actively planting Moringa seedlings on their farms.

Achievements

  • By 14th January 2023, a total of 4,144 seedlings had been successfully distributed to community members.
  • High levels of community motivation were observed, with residents actively transporting and planting seedlings on their farms.

Challenges and Solutions

A significant challenge arose as livestock grazing posed a threat to the planted Moringa trees. To address this:

  • Farmers were encouraged to fence their farms for protection.
  • SHIPO reinforced earlier agreements that any livestock owners allowing their animals to damage Moringa plants would be held accountable under community-set rules.

SHIPO’s Moringa Tree Nursery Project stands as a powerful example of community-driven environmental action. By combining community involvement, strategic training, and stakeholder engagement, SHIPO has created a sustainable model for combating climate change and improving livelihoods. The project’s success demonstrates the potential of localized solutions in driving positive environmental change in Njombe and beyond.

  • 13
    Feb 23
  • 0

Improving Access to Clean Water in Joshoni Street: The AUARA (117B) Project

Category:Water source,Water source protection

Access to clean and safe water is a fundamental human right, yet for residents of Joshoni Street in Mjimwema Ward, this necessity has often been unreliable. Despite being part of the Njombe town council and under the jurisdiction of the Njombe Urban Water and Sanitation Authority (NJUWASA), piped water access remains inconsistent, particularly during dry periods from June to December. This seasonal shortage forces many residents to rely on an open spring for their water needs.

Unfortunately, this spring was vulnerable to contamination due to unsanitary practices in the area. Solid waste dumping, livestock grazing, and cultivation activities near the water source posed serious risks to the community’s health.

Project Objective

The AUARA (117B) Project was designed to address these challenges by improving access to clean water while enhancing water source protection. The project’s main objective was to construct and hand over three protected water points connected to the spring intake, ensuring a safer and more reliable water supply for the Joshoni community.

Key Project Activities

To achieve this, the project implemented several vital measures:

  1. Construction and Handover of Water Points:
    • Three water points were built and connected to the spring intake, providing safer access to water for the community.
  2. Water Source Protection Measures:
    • The intake and ponds were covered to prevent contamination.
    • The area surrounding the spring was fenced to limit access to livestock and reduce human activities that risk water pollution.
  3. Water Quality Testing:
    • The quality of water from the three protected points was tested to ensure its safety for consumption.
  4. Community Engagement and Awareness:
    • The project actively involved local residents, emphasizing the importance of maintaining the protected area to ensure the water source remains safe and reliable.

Beneficiaries and Impact

The project has had a significant impact on the community. Now, over 2,100 people benefit from the improved water access, including:

  • 1,500 residents of Joshoni Street
  • 150 students from Mpechi Vocational College
  • 400+ students from Mpechi Secondary School

By improving access to clean and safe water, the AUARA (117B) Project has contributed to:

  • Improved community health: Reduced risk of waterborne diseases.
  • Enhanced quality of life: Easier, safer, and faster access to water, particularly for vulnerable groups like children and the elderly.
  • Increased community resilience: Ensured water availability during dry seasons when piped water services are unreliable.

The AUARA (117B) Project has made a lasting impact by safeguarding the spring area and ensuring that Joshoni Street residents have reliable access to clean water. By integrating water source protection with improved infrastructure, the project has created a sustainable solution that promotes better health and community well-being.

With continued community involvement and maintenance, the success of this project stands as a model for improving water access and safety in other regions facing similar challenges.

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216 Songea Road, Kambarage Street; Opposite NSSF, 59101 Njombe Mjini | P.O. Box 227, Njombe – Tanzania.

+255 26 2784014

info@shipo.or.tz

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Recent Post

Empowering Communities with Self-Supply: A Sustainable Solution

August 15, 2024

Empowering Communities Through Moringa Tree Planting

February 17, 2023

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