Thriving with New Water Access
For years, Sydney 44, a small-scale farmer in Namwala district, watched his efforts wash away with each dry season. With only a small piece of land and no reliable water source, he could barely grow enough vegetables to feed his family, let alone sell at the local market.
“Every planting season felt like a gamble and a loss,” Sydney recalls. “Sometimes the rains came too late, and sometimes they didn’t come at all,” he adds.
With such limited resources, Sydney was only able to cultivate a small bed of 10 to 15 leafy vegetable plants. It was nowhere near enough to sustain his family for even a week.
“Life was tough. Most days, I had to do odd jobs just to earn enough to feed my family,” Sydney remembers.
He also recalls the heartbreak of seeing his children go to sleep hungry and waking up in the middle of the night, crying from hunger.
Everything changed when World Vision Zambia, through its Enhanced Livelihood and Resilience interventions, began constructing the Chitongo Dam in his community. The dam provided a reliable and sustainable water source, turning Sydney’s hopes into tangible opportunities.
“With water from the dam, I expanded my vegetable garden and started irrigating even during the dry months,” Sydney explains. “I transformed from a small backyard garden into a larger plot where I now grow tomatoes, onions, cabbage, and leafy greens all year round.”
The impact on his life has been profound. Sydney now harvests more produce than ever before, earning a steady income from selling vegetables at the local market and transporting surplus to nearby towns.
“Gone are the days when I felt sad watching my children go to bed hungry,” he says happily. “When my vegetables are ready, I sell to community members, the local market, and neighbouring towns. By the end of the week, I can earn at least 500 kwacha ($21).”
This new income isn’t just about food — it’s transforming his family’s future.
“I can now pay school fees without worry,” Sydney shares with pride. “My children no longer miss school. Seeing them in class every day motivates me to work even harder.”
Beyond his own household, Sydney’s story is inspiring others in his village. “People used to think farming was pointless without rain,” he explains. “Now, they see what’s possible when we have water year-round.”
The construction of the Chitongo Dam has marked a turning point—not only for Sydney, who can grow vegetables year-round and earn a stable income, but also for many other families facing similar struggles. The dam has also benefited livestock farmers, providing reliable water that keeps animals healthier, increases milk production, and improves household nutrition. It has even opened new business opportunities for families seeking to grow their livelihoods.
“I’m grateful to World Vision Zambia for bringing us water,” Sydney says. “Water has given me the power to change my life and secure my children’s future.”
Through initiatives like this, World Vision’s work continues: every 60 seconds, a family gains access to water, a hungry child is fed, and a family receives the tools to overcome poverty.
With sustainable projects like these, World Vision Zambia remains committed to transforming dry ground into fields of promise and turning hardship into lasting hope.