Resilience Through Regeneration

We are addressing the challenge of water scarcity and the reliance on rain-fed agriculture in communities, particularly in lower eastern Kenya. The scale of this problem is significant, as many regions worldwide face similar issues due to climate change and unpredictable weather patterns. In the communities we are working in, the problem affects thousands of smallholder farmers who depend on agriculture for their livelihoods. Water scarcity not only limits crop production but also contributes to food insecurity and poverty.

According to the United Nations, approximately 2.2 billion people worldwide lack access to safely managed drinking water services, and around 40% of the global population faces water scarcity at least one month per year. In Kenya, water scarcity is exacerbated by climate change, with prolonged droughts becoming more frequent and severe.

Our solution, community-built water pans, directly addresses the problem by providing a reliable source of water for irrigation, livestock, and domestic use, even during dry seasons. By capturing and storing rainwater runoff, these water pans mitigate the impacts of water scarcity and reduce dependence on erratic rainfall. Additionally, they contribute to climate change resilience by promoting sustainable water management practices and enhancing agricultural productivity.

Our solution is the construction of water pans, which act as reservoirs to collect and store rainwater for agricultural and domestic use.

Here's how it works:

• Site selection: Before any digging begins, thorough site selection is crucial. This involves assessing the landscape to determine the most suitable location for the water pan on the farm. The slope of the land is carefully considered to ensure proper runoff towards the pan, maximizing water collection efficiency.

• Excavation: Once the optimal site is identified, the next step is excavation. Similar to a mini swimming pool, the water pan is dug to specific measurements, typically holding up to 100,000 liters of water.

• Runoff management: Along the runoff path, small square holes are dug at intervals to catch debris such as rocks, preventing them from entering the water pan.

• Water inlet: At the convergence point of the runoff and the water pan, a pipe with a sieve is installed to filter the water before it enters the pan, ensuring its cleanliness.

• Liner installation: A bed liner is laid down inside the water pan to prevent water seepage into the ground, maximizing water retention.

• Overflow outlet: An outlet is created to allow excess water to drain out in case of overflow, preventing damage to the pan.

• Vegetation and safety measures: Trees and grass are planted around the water pan to reduce evaporation and soil erosion. Additionally, the pan is fenced for safety purposes.

By following these steps, starting with careful site selection, water pans can effectively collect and store rainwater, providing a reliable source of water for various agricultural and domestic purposes.

Here is a video of how it works when it begins to rain:

https://drive.google.com/file/d/1toH6VQUYKSif9dz8U3iaJkHxRG-pXOJN/view?usp=drive_link

Our solution serves female smallholder farmers in the lower eastern region of Kenya, where climate change has led to increasingly unpredictable and failed rain seasons, exacerbating water scarcity and agricultural challenges. These farmers, typically with 1-3 acres of land each, currently rely solely on rain-fed agriculture for their livelihoods, facing immense uncertainty and vulnerability due to the erratic rainfall patterns.

By implementing water pans in their communities, we aim to directly and meaningfully improve the lives of these farmers in several ways:

• Water security: The construction of water pans provides a reliable source of water for irrigation, livestock, and domestic use, even during dry seasons. This reduces dependence on erratic rainfall and ensures a consistent supply of water for agricultural activities throughout the year.

• Agricultural productivity: With access to water from the water pans, farmers can increase crop yields and diversify their agricultural activities. This enhances food security, increases income opportunities, and improves overall livelihoods for the farmers and their families.

• Climate resilience: By capturing and storing rainwater, the water pans contribute to climate resilience by mitigating the impacts of water scarcity and reducing vulnerability to climate change-induced droughts. This enables farmers to adapt to changing environmental conditions and sustainably manage their natural resources.

• Empowerment of female farmers: Our focus on female smallholder farmers empowers women who play a crucial role in agricultural production and household food security. By providing them with access to water pans and training in water management techniques, we support their active participation in decision-making processes and enhance their socio-economic status within their communities.

Our solution addresses the pressing needs of underserved female smallholder farmers in the lower eastern region of Kenya by equipping them with the means to harvest rainwater and maximize its use beyond the limitations of erratic rainy seasons. Through this intervention, we aim to build resilience, improve livelihoods, and promote sustainable agriculture practices in the face of climate change.

Our team is uniquely positioned to deliver this solution to the target population in the lower eastern region of Kenya. As co-founders of the organization, both of us have deep roots in these communities. Our parents grew up in these villages and have experienced the effects of climate change firsthand for over 60 years. Despite being raised in the city, we have always maintained a strong connection to our roots and felt a responsibility to give back to the communities we hail from.

Our approach to designing and implementing solutions is deeply rooted in the principles of human-centered design and community involvement. We believe in co-creating solutions with the communities we serve, ensuring that their input, ideas, and agendas are meaningfully incorporated into our work. This approach allows us to better understand the needs and priorities of the communities and ensures that our solutions are tailored to their specific context.

For example, when designing and constructing water pans, we actively engage with community members to explain our solution, gather feedback, and gain buy-in. This collaborative process not only ensures that the water pans meet the needs of the communities but also fosters a sense of ownership and empowerment among the local residents.

We also prioritize hiring local youth for the construction of water pans. This not only provides employment opportunities for young people in the community but also allows them to see the positive impact of their hard work firsthand. By involving local residents in every step of the process, from design to implementation, we ensure that our solutions are sustainable, culturally appropriate, and truly reflective of the needs and aspirations of the communities we serve.

We have selected the pilot stage because we have already built and tested our solution in the community. Specifically, we have constructed three water pans, each holding a total of 300,000 liters of water, in the lower eastern region of Kenya. These water pans have been strategically placed to serve multiple smallholder farms in the area, covering approximately 3 acres of farmland.

Through this pilot initiative, we have directly served the beneficiaries in the community by providing them with access to water for irrigation, livestock, and domestic use. By successfully implementing and testing our solution on the ground, we have gained valuable insights into the effectiveness of water pans in addressing water scarcity and improving agricultural productivity in the region.

While we are still in the early stages of implementation, our pilot projects have already demonstrated promising results and have laid the foundation for scaling our solution to reach more communities in need. We are committed to building upon these initial successes and expanding our impact to create a more sustainable and resilient future for smallholder farmers in the region.

We are applying to Solve because we believe it offers a unique opportunity to access both financial and technical support that can help us scale our solution effectively. While financial assistance is crucial for expanding our impact, we also recognize the importance of technical expertise in enhancing the monitoring and evaluation of our projects.

Specifically, we hope Solve can help us overcome the following barriers:

1. Financial support: We are seeking funding to scale our water pan initiative and reach more smallholder farmers in the lower eastern region of Kenya. With Solve's support, we can secure the necessary resources to construct additional water pans and expand our impact on the ground.

2. Technical assistance: We aim to leverage technology, such as GIS (Geographic Information System) technology and satellite imagery, to improve our monitoring and evaluation processes. By partnering with Solve, we hope to access technical expertise and resources that can help us implement these solutions effectively. This includes developing tools and methodologies for data collection, analysis, and visualization, allowing us to track water usage, monitor project progress, and assess the impact of our interventions more accurately.

By addressing these financial and technical barriers, Solve can play a critical role in accelerating the growth and success of our water pan initiative. We are excited about the potential opportunities for collaboration and support through Solve's network of partners and look forward to leveraging these resources to drive positive change in the communities we serve.

Our solution addresses water management and agricultural productivity in a novel way by focusing on individual households and utilizing resources that are typically overlooked. By tapping into road runoffs to direct water into water pans equipped with pipes and sieves, we're not only efficiently utilizing a neglected resource but also ensuring that each household can benefit directly from the increased water supply.

This approach has several innovative aspects:

• Household-Level Focus: By targeting individual households, your solution tailors the benefits to the specific needs of each family, potentially maximizing impact and ensuring equitable distribution of resources.

• Resource Optimization: Repurposing road runoffs demonstrates a creative use of existing infrastructure and resources. This not only helps in efficient water management but also minimizes wastage of a valuable resource.

• Low-Cost Implementation: Utilizing locally available materials and resources can make the solution cost-effective and accessible to smallholder farmers who might have limited financial means.

• Increased Agricultural Productivity: By providing reliable access to water for irrigation, your solution has the potential to significantly boost agricultural productivity, leading to higher yields and improved livelihoods for farmers.

• Environmental Benefits: Efficient water management can also have positive environmental impacts, such as reducing soil erosion and conserving water resources.

This innovative approach could catalyze broader positive impacts by inspiring similar initiatives in other regions facing similar challenges. Sharing the success stories and lessons learned from implementing your solution could encourage other communities to explore creative ways to address water scarcity and enhance agricultural productivity at the household level.

In terms of changing the market/landscape, our solution has the potential to disrupt traditional approaches to water management and agricultural development by emphasizing decentralized, household-level solutions. This will lead to a shift in focus towards more community-driven and locally adaptable strategies, ultimately contributing to sustainable development in rural areas.

Problem: Smallholder farmers in the area are struggling with water scarcity, which limits their agricultural productivity and income.

Activities:

• Identify areas with road runoffs and potential for water collection.

• Install water pans equipped with pipes and sieves in households to capture and store runoff water.

• Provide training and guidance to households on how to effectively use the collected water for irrigation.

Immediate Outputs:

• Water pans installed in households.

• Increased availability of water for irrigation.

Short-Term Outcomes:

• Improved access to water for agricultural purposes leads to increased crop yields.

• Reduced dependence on erratic rainfall patterns enhances household food security.

• Farmers are able to diversify crops and increase their income through improved agricultural productivity.

Longer-Term Outcomes:

• Enhanced agricultural productivity contributes to poverty reduction and improved livelihoods for smallholder farmers.

• Increased income enables households to invest in education, healthcare, and other essential needs.

• Sustainable water management practices lead to environmental conservation and resilience to climate change.

Evidence Supporting the Theory of Change:

• Third-party research demonstrating the effectiveness of similar water management interventions in improving agricultural productivity.

• Process evaluations showing successful implementation and adoption of water pans by households.

• Impact evaluations documenting the positive outcomes on household income, food security, and environmental sustainability.

By following this logical framework, our solution aims to directly address the water scarcity problem faced by smallholder farmers, leading to tangible improvements in their livelihoods and broader positive impacts on the community and environment.

Our impact goals for the solution are:

• Increased Agricultural Productivity: Our primary goal is to significantly enhance agricultural productivity for smallholder farmers in the targeted area. This will be measured by assessing the increase in crop yields per hectare over time compared to baseline data.

• Improved Livelihoods: We aim to improve the livelihoods of smallholder farmers by increasing their income and food security. This will be measured through surveys and interviews to track changes in household income levels and food consumption patterns.

• Environmental Sustainability: Another goal is to promote sustainable water management practices and environmental conservation. We will measure progress by monitoring changes in soil erosion rates, groundwater levels, and biodiversity in the area.

• Community Resilience: We seek to build resilience within the community by reducing their vulnerability to climate change and water scarcity. Progress towards this goal will be assessed through participatory assessments and community feedback on their ability to cope with and adapt to changing environmental conditions.

To measure our progress towards these impact goals, we will use a combination of quantitative and qualitative indicators, including:

• Crop yield data collected through field assessments and farmer surveys.

• Household income levels measured through income and expenditure surveys.

• Food security indicators such as dietary diversity scores and food consumption patterns.

• Environmental data including soil erosion rates, water quality, and biodiversity assessments.

• Community feedback and perceptions gathered through focus group discussions and key informant interviews.

By regularly monitoring these indicators and evaluating our progress against our impact goals, we can ensure that our solution is effectively addressing the needs of the community and creating meaningful, transformational impacts on their lives and the environment.

The core technology powering our solution encompasses several components that integrate modern and traditional approaches to address water scarcity and enhance agricultural productivity:

• Water Collection Infrastructure: The installation of water pans equipped with inlet and outlet piping and sieves utilizes basic engineering principles to efficiently capture and store runoff water from roads during rainy periods. This technology ensures the effective utilization of a previously untapped water resource.

• Tree-Based Water Conservation: Integrating trees into the solution serves as a natural means to reduce evaporation and enhance water retention in the soil. This approach leverages traditional knowledge of agroforestry practices to mitigate water loss and improve soil moisture levels.

• GIS and Mobile Mapping App: Geographic Information Systems (GIS) and mobile mapping applications are utilized to collect relevant data on factors such as topography, land use, and hydrology. This technology enables precise site selection for water pan installations, as well as ongoing monitoring and evaluation of project outcomes.

• Traditional Knowledge Systems: The solution incorporates traditional knowledge systems related to water management and agriculture, such as indigenous farming practices and community-based water conservation techniques. This ensures the integration of culturally appropriate and locally relevant strategies into the project design and implementation.

By leveraging a combination of modern and ancestral technologies, our solution harnesses the power of science and evidence-based knowledge to address the pressing challenges of water scarcity and agricultural productivity. This approach not only benefits people by improving livelihoods and food security but also contributes to the sustainability of the environment by promoting resilient and adaptive water management practices.

Our solution team consists of:

• Full-time staff: 3 members (2 co-founders and 1 project manager on the ground).

• Part-time staff: 1 member (research consultant).

Our team has been actively working on our solution for the past year and two months.

Ensuring diversity, equity, and inclusion within our team is a core value that we actively prioritize. Here's how we promote diversity, minimize barriers to opportunity, and foster a welcoming environment for all team members:

• Gender Diversity: We're proud to have achieved gender balance within our team, with 50% women representation. We recognize the importance of diverse perspectives and experiences, and we're committed to maintaining this gender balance as we grow.

• Cultural Diversity: Our team values and respects different cultural backgrounds and perspectives. Our project manager, who is from a different tribe than the community we work with, brings valuable insights and understanding to our projects. We actively seek to include diverse voices and perspectives in our decision-making processes.

• Inclusive Leadership: Our leadership team is committed to creating an inclusive environment where all team members feel valued and respected. We prioritize open communication, collaboration, and mutual respect among team members. Additionally, we actively seek feedback from team members to ensure that everyone's voice is heard and considered.

• Equitable Opportunities: We strive to provide equitable opportunities for career growth and development within our team. We offer training, mentorship, and support to all team members, regardless of their background or experience level. Additionally, we prioritize fair and transparent recruitment and promotion processes to minimize barriers to opportunity.

• Continuous Learning and Improvement: We recognize that diversity, equity, and inclusion are ongoing processes that require continuous learning and improvement. We regularly assess our practices and policies to identify areas for growth and take proactive steps to address any disparities or challenges that arise.

Overall, our team is committed to fostering a culture of diversity, equity, and inclusion where all team members feel valued, respected, and empowered to contribute to our mission. We believe that by embracing diversity and creating an inclusive environment, we can better serve the communities we work with and achieve our goals more effectively.

Our business model revolves around providing value to the smallholder farmers and communities we serve while also ensuring sustainability and financial viability for our organization. Here's how our business model works:

• Products and Services:

  • Installation and maintenance of water collection infrastructure: We provide the necessary equipment and expertise to install water pans equipped with inlet and outlet piping and sieves in households to capture and store runoff water.

  • Training and capacity building: We offer training and guidance to farmers on effective water management techniques, including how to use the collected water for irrigation and maximize agricultural productivity.

  • Environmental conservation services: We integrate tree-based water conservation methods into our solutions to reduce evaporation and enhance soil moisture retention, thereby promoting environmental sustainability.

  • Data collection and analysis: We utilize Geographic Information Systems (GIS) and mobile mapping applications to collect and analyze relevant data on factors such as topography, land use, and hydrology to inform our project implementation and decision-making processes.

• Revenue Streams:

  • Project funding: We secure funding from various sources such as grants, foundations, and government agencies to implement our water management and agricultural productivity projects.

  • Consultancy services: We may offer consultancy services to other organizations or communities seeking expertise in water management, environmental conservation, and agricultural development.

  • Product sales: We may generate revenue through the sale of water management equipment, agricultural inputs, or related products and services to farmers and communities.

  • Partnerships and collaborations: We may enter into partnerships or collaborations with other organizations, businesses, or government agencies to jointly implement projects or initiatives related to water management and agricultural development.

• Value Proposition:

  • For smallholder farmers: Our solutions provide access to reliable water sources for irrigation, which helps increase crop yields, improve food security, and enhance livelihoods.

  • For communities: We contribute to environmental conservation and resilience to climate change by promoting sustainable water management practices and enhancing ecosystem health.

  • For funders and investors: Our projects deliver tangible social, environmental, and economic impacts, making them attractive investments for organizations looking to support sustainable development initiatives.

Overall, our business model enables us to deliver value to our key customers and beneficiaries while also generating revenue to sustain and expand our impact over time. We remain committed to balancing social and environmental impact with financial sustainability to achieve our mission of improving the lives of smallholder farmers and communities.

Our plan for achieving financial sustainability involves a combination of revenue streams and cost-effective strategies to cover our expenses. Here's how we plan to become financially sustainable:

• Sustained Donations and Grants: We will continue to actively seek grants and donations from foundations, government agencies, and philanthropic organizations that support initiatives related to water management, agricultural development, and environmental conservation. These funds will provide the foundation for our work and allow us to implement projects in underserved communities.

• Capacity Building Services: We will offer capacity building services to farmers and communities, charging a nominal fee for training sessions, workshops, and technical assistance related to water management, agricultural productivity, and environmental conservation. By monetizing these services, we can generate additional revenue while empowering farmers with valuable knowledge and skills.

• Commercialization of Water Pan Construction: We plan to commercialize the construction of water pans by offering our expertise and services to larger entities, such as government agencies, corporations, and NGOs, who may want to adopt our model for water management initiatives in their own projects or communities. By leveraging our experience and track record, we can generate revenue through service contracts and consultancy fees.

• Product Sales and Partnerships: We may explore opportunities to sell products and services related to water management, agricultural inputs, or environmental conservation to farmers and communities. Additionally, we will seek partnerships and collaborations with businesses, research institutions, and other organizations to jointly develop and implement innovative solutions that align with our mission and generate revenue.

• Cost-Effective Operations: We will prioritize cost-effective operations and efficient resource management to minimize expenses and maximize the impact of our funding. This may involve leveraging technology, optimizing supply chains, and implementing monitoring and evaluation systems to track our progress and improve our effectiveness over time.

Evidence of Success:

• We will track our revenue generation and expenditure patterns over time to ensure that our revenue streams are covering our expected expenses and contributing to our financial sustainability.

• Success stories and testimonials from farmers and communities who have benefited from our capacity building services and water management initiatives will serve as indicators of our impact and effectiveness.

• Partnerships and collaborations with government agencies, corporations, and NGOs to commercialize our water pan construction model will demonstrate the scalability and replicability of our approach.

Overall, by diversifying our revenue streams, maintaining cost-effective operations, and continually innovating and adapting to evolving market needs, we believe we can achieve long-term financial sustainability while making meaningful impacts in the communities we serve.