Equator Prize for Sustainable Land Management in Sub-Saharan Africa

Utooni Development Organization uses the innovative, low-investment “sand dam” technology in the communities of southern Kenya. Over 80 self-help groups were formed and 2700 farmers trained in water management, food security, sustainable agriculture, tree planting, and alternative income generation. Over 1500 sand dams have been built - concrete walls built around seasonal rivers that store water in sand, raising the water table, and increasing the size of local aquifers and availability of clean water. This low-cost technology hedges against droughts so communities can manage water resources in harmony with local ecosystems. Tree cover, bird populations, fish stocks, and farmer incomes have all increased as a result.

 

Key Facts 

Equator Prize Winner: 2014

Founded: 2002

Location: Operating in Machakos, Makueni and Kajiado

Counties, Kenya

Beneficiaries: 75 self-help groups, 22,200 individuals

Area of Focus: Biodiversity, drylands management,
habitat restoration

 

Case Study

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