A Drop of Hope: The Power of Harvesting Rainwater in Tanzania

Worldwide, 785 million people still lack basic drinking water services, and almost 300,000 children under five die each year from diarrheal diseases caused by unsafe water, according to UNICEF. This crisis underscores the importance of World Water Day, observed annually on March 22.

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Raising Awareness on World Water Day

World Water Day raises awareness about the global water crisis and promotes solutions that align with United Nations Sustainable Development Goal 6 (SDG 6): Clean Water and Sanitation for All by 2030. A well-managed water cycle underpins progress in health, education, gender equity, economic development, and climate adaptation. Without proper water governance, competition for water will intensify, leading to further crises.

The Struggle for Clean Water in Rural Tanzania

In rural Tanzania, families walk long distances to collect water from wells and streams, water that is often unsafe to drink without first boiling it. The lack of accessible clean water affects every aspect of life, from health and education to economic stability. Women and children in the Ukwega Ward spend hours each day fetching water, often carrying heavy buckets over long distances. This time-consuming and physically demanding task poses significant challenges, including expending precious hours that could be spent in school or generating income.

According to the World Health Organization, in Tanzania only 45% of people from rural areas have access to at least basic drinking water services, while 88% of the people from urban areas do, and the country spends much of its health budget on preventable diseases caused by inadequate water, sanitation, and hygiene.

The Life-Changing Benefits of Rainwater Harvesting

Global Volunteers’ Reaching Children’s Potential (RCP) Program has introduced rainwater harvesting systems in the Ukwega Ward to provide a simple yet transformative solution. By capturing and storing rainwater, which is abundant in the region, families can access clean water right at home, dramatically improving their quality of life.

With rainwater harvesting systems in place, families gain six key advantages:

1. Preventing waterborne diseases – Diarrhea and other illnesses caused by poor sanitation are drastically reduced when families have access to clean water.

2. Reducing dependence on distant water sources – Families can more easily cultivate nutritious food close to home.

3. Boosting economic and domestic productivity – Time spent collecting water can now be redirected to work, education, and childcare.

4. Increasing children’s time in school – Instead of fetching water, children can focus on their studies, improving educational outcomes.

5. Enhancing hygiene and sanitation – Families can wash clothes and maintain clean living conditions more easily.

6. Ensuring year-round water supply – Even during dry seasons, stored rainwater provides a reliable source of clean water.

How Rainwater Harvesting Works

Husna Waziri, RCP Technology Manager, explains the setup of a household water harvesting system: metal sheet roofs are fitted with U-shaped PVC gutters, which direct rainwater into a 5,000 to 10,000-liter poly tank. A filter ensures the water remains clear of debris.

“This system allows us to have access to water year-round,” Husna explains. “When the rainy season starts, if you harvest water, you don’t have to worry about scarcity anymore. Depending on the size of your storage tank and the number of family members, you can even harvest water to use until the next rainy season.”

Clean Hands Keeps Kids in School

Thanks to a grant from Xylem Watermark, 2,700 schoolchildren, teachers, and families have greater access to clean water and improved health and hygiene. This grant funded two new rainwater water harvesting systems – 10,000-liter poly tanks – and handwashing stations at the Mkalanga and Makungu Primary schools, handwashing stations for 60 new RCP families in Kisinga village, and ongoing handwashing supplies and maintenance for existing RCP families.

When children have access to clean water and handwashing supplies during the school day, they learn more. Girls are not expected to leave class to walk and fetch water. Children do not miss school due to illnesses caused by unclean water or unwashed hands. Easy access to water means that hot, nourishing school meals can be prepared with ease. Any time we can remove a barrier to education, there is a brighter future in store for children.

Taking Action: A Simple Yet Powerful Solution

Rainwater harvesting is a cost-effective, sustainable solution to Tanzania’s water crisis. Each household system, designed for a family of seven, includes a 5,000-liter poly tank, gutters, screens, filters, and spouts. The system can provide clean water for decades but requires an upfront investment, which many families cannot afford.

With the support of donors and volunteers, more families can gain access to clean, accessible, life-saving water. You can help by funding a household rainwater harvesting system, handwashing stations, and other water-focused technologies, ensuring that more families no longer have to struggle for this basic need. Click the button below to make your gift today.

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