Utooni Development Organization
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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Equator Prize 2014
Sub-Saharan Africa
Freshwater Management
Drylands Management
Contact Information
P.O Box 89, Kola, Machakos,
Eastern Province 90108
Kenya
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