Identified needs through a needs assessment include: Very low household incomes; Prolonged dry seasons in addition to very irregular amounts of rainfall; Inability to pay school fees for children and therefore high school drop-outs; Inability to meet basic household needs; Rudimental and very basic farming methods; and Environmental degradation arising from cutting down trees to burn charcoal. Over 90% of residents derive their livelihood from farming. The Lukaaka Water for Production Project will enable about 1500 farmers in Lukaaka, Mawale and Semuto Villages engage in agriculture during the dry season and boost their family income. The farmers in this derive their livelihood from vegetable and fruit farming. Market prices in the main harvest season are very low but if they were to have produce in the dry season when the products are scarce and the prices are quite high, they would increase their household incomes significantly and would be able to afford better medical care, pay school fees for their children and afford basic necessities in the homes. Having a reliable source of income would also reduce on the charcoal burning in the dry season in the area which is quite rampant and has degraded the environment.The activities for which the project funds will be used will include:Topographical studies and valley dam site clearance; Construction of the valley tank; and Establishment of farmer Field Schools. Our partner, the Ministry of Water will contract an organisation, called C-Care to provide support including training and skilling in diverse modern farming methods (for both crop and animal husbandry), mindset change empowerment, skilling and promotion of entrepreneurship. They have supported similar initiatives in the country. The project is to be implemented between July 2020 and December 2023.The role of host Rotarians working with Rotaractors will include: Project planning, procurement of critical inputs and services; Partnership and networking with the relevant agencies; Technical guidance as appropriate; Mobilization of farmer for participation and training; Monitoring, evaluation and reporting - promoting sustainability and value for money; Participation in mentoring and training activities; Linking farmers to market for their produce; Mentoring of the RCC. Monitoring and guiding the work of the Water for Production Committee. The international partners/Rotarians roles include: Resource mobilization; On-spot guidance during visits; and Monitoring together with the host club.
The Project will be implemented in Two Phases. Phase 1 will cover excavations, Phase two will cover piping of the water, demonstration farm demonstration farm, capacity building of farmers, farmer training and the fish farming project. Phase 1 will cost USD 90,000.
Note: as of July 1, 2015 there is a 5% additional support fee for cash contributions. This fee does not appear in the financials above because it does not apply if the funds are sent directly to the project account (without going through TRF, and therefore without Paul Harris credit). Clubs sending their cash contribution to TRF must be aware they will have to send an additional 5%.