Sustainable Waterpans

In Tanzania and Kenya, water scarcity remains a daily challenge, especially in arid and semi-arid regions. While rivers and lakes are well-known sources, waterpans-have long been an underestimated yet crucial resource for domestic use and livestock. A waterpan, whether naturally formed or deliberately constructed, is a critical resource, capturing and storing rainwater run-off. These water sources, often in the form of dug-out ponds or small reservoirs, serve communities and individual farms by providing water for livestock, agriculture, and domestic use. Water pans are linked ecological, technical and social systems with multiple uses that shape and influence roles and opportunities in communities. In Tanzania and Kenya, waterpans play an essential yet often overlooked role in achieving universal access to safe water and supporting SDG targets. These water sources are invaluable to poor and marginalized communities, shortening long walks to surface water sources and offering seasonal relief in dry areas.