Needs identified were improved access to water and energy, the establishment of systems to maintain water and energy facilities, a network of trained Community Agents to inform, educate and mobilize families on prevention and treatment of common diseases, and the creation of Farmer Field Schools to help smallholders improve production and adapt to prevailing conditions in a sustainable way.

105 Community Health Agents worked with more than 11,162 families on improving health and sanitation through disease prevention messages, encouragement to build latrines and hand washing systems, cleaning campaigns, vaccination, malaria testing and promoting the use of health centres. 35 schools participated in disease prevention and the maintenance of the water systems. Teachers gave health lessons and pupils organised actions and events in their communities. All schools had Water and Sanitation Groups.

29 Farmer Field Schools organised training sessions for 1,225 members to help improve production and increase environmental sustainability. Horticulture, organic fertiliser, natural pest control, nurseries for propagation, small animal breeding and
marketing of produce were promoted.

The project achieved a milestone in 2019 when, despite the continuing severe drought, the target communities enjoyed the combined services of water and electricity. The eight community solar energy systems, completed in 2018, proved to be very reliable sources of energy and brought changes in the lives of the inhabitants. Finding equally reliable sources of water was not always easy but 2019 saw the completion of this component with 8 boreholes producing an extra 80,000 litres of water each day for nearby communities.

Schools, clinics, drinking troughs, communal washing areas and fountains were connected to the systems. 2020 saw the structures in place activated to mobilize every family in the target area about COVID-19 and help them take preventative measures. In 2021 the focus is on adapting to life in the “new normal” with COVID-19, and continuing to building resilience in the face of climate change.

and establish sustainably community management of the water points and installations. 18 existing sources of water are being rehabilitated and 24 new sources constructed, while construction or rehabilitation of 39 small distribution systems will ensure the water reaches the communities. 293 women and 293 men will attend training on community management of the water sources and distribution systems.

As part of the project, CODESPA are establishing Farmers’ Field Schools and promoting more efficient use of water for agriculture, cattle and other domestic animals.
The project forms part of the Strengthening of Resilience and Food and Nutrition Security programme (known as FRESAN from the Portuguese) which supports vulnerable smallholder families in Huíla and Namibe too.