The Clean Water Project

Rethinking How We Can Change The Lives Of Tomorrow Cocoa Farmers

Does your drinking water make you sick? Most likely not, but it is estimated that poor sanitation, hygiene and unsafe water claim the lives of 1.5 million children under the age of five every year. The United Nations also declares that more than one person in four lacks access to safe water.

A priority for the team at SUCOFA is for cocoa growing communities and families to have access to clean drinking water and water for farming and livestock in Cameroon. Access to clean water and sanitation is a fundamental need and basic necessity which plays a vital role in improving health conditions and encouraging social and economic development.

SUCOF APPROACH TO COCOA COMMUNITIES CLEAN WATER PROJECT

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Because SUCOFA clean water project is to help the cocoa growing communities by looking deeper into a village problem through discussions and learning experiences to find simple solutions, rather than contradicting their culture and beliefs, one of the leading cocoa growing community in Meme Division – South West Region Cameroon is currently experiencing effects of guinea worm from their village. Once believed that the disease came from jou-jou, the gods or witchcraft, the people realized the true cause of the disease during SUCOFA Cocoa Farmers Workshop training, recognizing that their water was the source of the problem when SUCOFA staffs taught them how to strain their water with cheese cloth which cleaned the water of the larvae. The team at SUCOFA is presently looking forward for a sponsor who will help this community to eradicate the GUINEA WORM through an increased supply of clean water.

Clean water is the key to successful development. Crops cannot reach their full potential if communities’ water sources are distant, meager or contaminated. Health care services may be available nearby, but if the clinic does not have a source of clean water or proper sanitation, then its capacity to heal is greatly diminished. Families may be eager to adopt practical and proven techniques for improved hygiene and sanitation, but they are unable to do so without water.

One of the unique ways SUCOFA have use to addresses the issue of water in communities is to work with each community on the management of the water system. This community involvement applies to all aspects of our clean water projects, including the maintenance and repair of the physical system; the management of the distribution of water; conservation of the land around the water source, and concrete financial and governing rules about the water program. Combined with education on hygiene, food preparation and clean water for good health, Our clean water projects are going to be long-lasting and there are maintained by the community members.