Water & Sanitation

Water and Sanitation: A Nexus for Health, Agriculture, and Sustainability

Farmer’s Pride International (FPI), through its Rural and Urban Agriculture Innovative Production Program (RUAIPP), places water and sanitation at the heart of its agricultural and community development initiatives. Water is an essential resource not only for human health and sanitation but also for sustainable agriculture, food security, biodiversity preservation, and combating land degradation.

FPI adopts a comprehensive nexus approach that acknowledges the interconnectedness of water with critical issues like health, climate resilience, and agricultural productivity.

In the face of escalating water scarcity exacerbated by climate change, FPI is committed to addressing challenges on both the supply side and the demand side. On the supply side, the organization focuses on innovative water harvesting, conservation, and irrigation systems to ensure sustainable availability. On the demand side, FPI works to increase universal access to clean water and sanitation while enhancing agricultural productivity through efficient water management practices.

By integrating water and sanitation into its broader development agenda, FPI empowers rural and urban communities to thrive. The initiative not only ensures that water resources are managed sustainably but also promotes climate-smart agricultural practices, reducing vulnerability to droughts and land degradation.

This holistic approach positions FPI as a leader in fostering resilient, water-secure communities that can adapt to and mitigate the challenges of a changing climate.

RUAIPP WATSON

WATER IN THE RURAL AGRICULTURE SECTOR

Rural Areas Water Supplies

Agriculture is one of the primary sources of livelihoods for the vast majority of Africa's rural households. Rain-fed subsistence agriculture dominates most countries, but low and erratic rainfall limits productivity and food security, and results in an incidence of drought every 4-5 years. Accordingly, small-scale irrigation (SSI) must be identified in most countries as a key poverty reduction strategy because it is expected to increase productivity through the use of available water resources. Irrigation is little developed and agricultural use of groundwater is low in most countries. Since access to improved water supply in rural areas is inadequate, separate water sources for domestic purposes and agricultural uses do not exist in several areas.

Water borne diseases

Worldwide, more than 3.4 million people die of diseases related to water, sanitation and hygiene (WASH) (Prüss-Üstün et al. 2008). More than 90 percent of diarrheal deaths under the age of five years are in developing countries (UN Water 2008a). As a result of lack of access to improved drinking water supply and sanitation (WATSAN),1 inadequate hygiene practices and malnutrition, diarrhea is more prevalent in many developing countries. It is the second leading causes of death among under-five children globally, which kills more children than malaria, AIDS, and measles combined (WHO/UNICEF 2009). In most cases, these deaths could have been prevented by providing safe drinking water, basic sanitation facilities, and promoting proper hygiene practices.

WATSAN Research

Improved WATSAN services together with proper hygiene practices can have significant health impacts on the population by reducing the incidence of a variety of water-related diseases. Considering the limited studies on the linkage between agriculture and WATSAN, FPI will carry out research studies that aim to shed more light on the agriculture-WATSAN nexus issues. Using primary rural household survey data, the study shall investigate the impacts of rural WATSAN services on child health outcomes and the linkage between agriculture and WATSAN under multiple-use water systems. The research findings will bring a better understanding of the complex interactions between WASH and irrigated agriculture under multiple-use water systems.

The Solution

The research will provide the necessary inputs for policymakers and practitioners to design evidence-based policies/interventions regarding the sector, which allows for effective investments and sustainable provision of improved WATSAN and SSI infrastructures. It also serves as a guide on how future investments should be channelled to maximize the benefits of improved WATSAN services and small-scale agriculture in support of improved health and nutrition outcomes.

It is understood that most of the deadly diseases caused by poor WATSAN services are largely preventable. The provision of improved WATSAN services and proper hygiene practices are of crucial importance in the prevention of waterborne diseases, including diarrhea in the farming communities

Solutions to improve food systems and water security

Modes of Water Harvesting for FPI Projects under RUAIPP:

Farmer’s Pride International (FPI) integrates diverse and innovative water harvesting techniques as a cornerstone of its Rural and Urban Agriculture Innovative Production Program (RUAIPP). Recognizing water as a vital resource for agricultural productivity, food security, and climate resilience, FPI employs a variety of water harvesting methods tailored to specific environmental and community needs. These approaches aim to mitigate water scarcity, support sustainable agriculture, and improve rural livelihoods.

1. Rainwater Harvesting:

Rainwater harvesting forms the backbone of water collection efforts under RUAIPP, leveraging seasonal rains to ensure consistent water availability.

Rooftop Rainwater Harvesting: Utilizing roofs of homes and agricultural facilities to collect rainwater, which is directed into storage tanks for irrigation and domestic use.
Surface Runoff Harvesting: Capturing rainwater that flows over land into strategically designed catchment systems such as contour bunds, trenches, and earthen dams.
Rainwater Storage Tanks: Installing tanks at community and household levels to store collected rainwater for year-round agricultural and domestic needs.

2. Groundwater Recharge Techniques:

To combat groundwater depletion, FPI employs innovative recharge systems aimed at replenishing aquifers and maintaining sustainable water tables.

Recharge Wells: Specialized wells that divert harvested rainwater directly into underground aquifers, ensuring long-term water availability.
Percolation Ponds: Shallow ponds that allow water to seep into the soil, replenishing groundwater supplies naturally.
Check Dams: Small dams constructed across streams to slow water flow, enhance infiltration, and increase groundwater levels.

3. Floodwater Harvesting:

FPI capitalizes on seasonal floods to convert excess water into a resource for irrigation and water storage.

Floodplain Farming: Utilizing floodwaters to irrigate fields naturally, reducing reliance on additional water resources.
Retention Basins: Creating storage basins to capture floodwater for gradual use during dry periods.
Diversion Canals: Redirecting floodwater to storage ponds or agricultural fields for controlled use.

4. Runoff Water Harvesting:

Runoff harvesting is particularly effective in semi-arid and arid areas, where rainfall is often insufficient.

Contour Trenches and Bunds: Structures that slow down water runoff, allowing it to infiltrate the soil and recharge moisture levels.
Micro-catchments: Small, localized catchment areas designed to maximize water collection for smallholder farmers.

Terracing: Creating stepped agricultural fields on slopes to capture and retain water runoff, reducing erosion and enhancing soil moisture.
Gully Plugs: Installing barriers in small gullies to trap runoff water, preventing soil erosion and creating reservoirs for nearby farming activities.

5. Underground Water Harvesting Systems:

FPI employs underground water harvesting techniques to store water to minimise evaporation and contamination.

Subsurface Tanks: Underground storage tanks that collect and preserve water for irrigation and livestock use.
Sand Dams: Constructed on riverbeds to store water in the sand, which can be accessed during dry periods by digging wells or shallow holes.
Aquifer Storage and Recovery: Using aquifers to store water during periods of surplus, which can be extracted during times of scarcity.

6. Small-Scale Reservoirs and Ponds:

Community-based reservoirs are vital for supporting agricultural clusters under RUAIPP.

Farm Ponds: Small water reservoirs dug on farms to collect rainwater for irrigation and other uses.
Community Water Ponds: Larger ponds designed to serve entire clusters of farms, ensuring equitable water access for irrigation and livestock.

7. Greywater Recycling:

FPI emphasizes innovative recycling methods to maximize water use efficiency:

Wastewater Treatment: Treating domestic and industrial greywater for reuse in agricultural activities.
Drip Systems with Recycled Water: Using treated greywater in drip irrigation systems reduces water wastage and improves soil hydration.

8. Fog and Dew Harvesting:

In areas with limited rainfall, FPI explores alternative methods of water collection:

Fog Nets: Nets installed in fog-prone regions to capture water droplets, which are funneled into storage tanks.
Dew Harvesters: Collecting water from morning dew using specially designed surfaces.

Integration with RUAIPP Objectives:

Water harvesting methods are seamlessly integrated into FPI’s Agriculture-Based Clusters (ABCs) to:

Support Irrigation Systems: Provide a consistent water supply for high-value crop production and agroecological practices.
Improve Resilience: Enhance farmers’ ability to withstand droughts and changing climatic conditions.
Empower Communities: Ensure sustainable water access for smallholder farmers and rural households.

Outcomes of Water Harvesting Initiatives:

Increased Water Availability: Year-round access to water for farming, livestock, and domestic use.
Enhanced Agricultural Productivity: Reliable irrigation ensures higher crop yields and diversified farming opportunities.
Environmental Sustainability: Reduced soil erosion, groundwater depletion, and ecological degradation.
Community Resilience: Improved livelihoods and reduced vulnerability to water-related crises.

Through these water harvesting techniques, FPI’s RUAIPP initiative underscores its commitment to sustainable land and resource management, empowering farming communities to achieve food security and economic independence.

Strategic Implementation Plan for Water and Sanitation under RUAIPP:

The FPI Water and Sanitation initiative under the Rural and Urban Agriculture Innovative Production Program (RUAIPP) is designed to ensure sustainable access to water resources for agricultural production, household consumption, and environmental conservation. It adopts a holistic and integrated approach to address water scarcity, improve sanitation infrastructure, and promote water use efficiency.

SMART Goals and Objectives:

Goal:

To enhance water availability, sanitation infrastructure, and sustainable water management practices for rural and urban communities participating in RUAIPP by 2027.

Specific Objectives:

Increase Water Access: Provide sustainable water access to 80% of targeted communities by installing water harvesting systems and rehabilitating existing infrastructure.
Improve Sanitation Coverage: Achieve 90% sanitation coverage in RUAIPP agricultural clusters by constructing eco-friendly sanitation facilities.
Promote Water Use Efficiency: Implement efficient irrigation systems in 70% of RUAIPP clusters to reduce water wastage and enhance crop yields.
Capacity Building: Train 5,000 farmers and community members in water resource management, sanitation practices, and conservation techniques by 2025.
Policy Advocacy: Collaborate with local governments to enact and implement policies supporting sustainable water use and sanitation development.

Pathways to Success:

Community Engagement:
- Mobilize and involve communities in designing and implementing water and sanitation solutions.
- Establish local water user committees to oversee maintenance and equitable access.
Infrastructure Development:
- Construct rainwater harvesting systems, boreholes, and reservoirs.
- Introduce eco-friendly sanitation solutions, including compost toilets and wastewater recycling systems.
Innovation and Technology:
- Integrate solar-powered water pumps and smart irrigation systems to enhance efficiency.
- Adopt water recycling technologies for agro-processing and household use.
Capacity Building and Training:
- Conduct workshops on water conservation, sanitation, and hygiene.
- Develop training modules tailored to farmers, women, and youth in RUAIPP clusters.
Policy Integration and Advocacy:
- Partner with governments and stakeholders to align water and sanitation efforts with national and international frameworks like SDG 6 (Clean Water and Sanitation).

Expected Outcomes:

Social Outcomes:
- Improved health and hygiene for 10,000 households through access to clean water and sanitation.
- Enhanced community resilience to climate-induced water scarcity.
Economic Outcomes:
- Increased agricultural productivity and profitability due to reliable water supply.
- Job creation in the construction and maintenance of water and sanitation infrastructure.
Environmental Outcomes:
- Reduced water wastage through efficient irrigation and conservation practices.
- Improved water quality in local ecosystems due to better wastewater management.

By integrating water management and sanitation practices into RUAIPP, this initiative seeks to transform rural and urban communities into resilient and thriving ecosystems. This strategic implementation plan ensures measurable impact and aligns with sustainable development goals, positioning FPI as a leader in water and sanitation innovation.

Strengthening efforts to retain water-based ecosystems and their functions

In addition to a direct halt to deforestation and destruction of the water-based ecosystems, nature-based solutions that use or mimic natural processes to enhance water availability (e.g. groundwater recharge), improve water quality (e.g. riparian buffer strips), and reduce risks associated with water-related disasters and climate change (e.g. floodplain restoration) should be strengthened.

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Farmer's Pride International

A Catalyst for Socio-Economic Transformation

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Water & Sanitation

Water and Sanitation: A Nexus for Health, Agriculture, and Sustainability