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Transforming Lives and Conserving Water Sources Through Community Empowerment

The Collaboration Action to Conserve Water Sources (CACOWAS) project has been a beacon of hope for communities, driving transformative change by merging conservation efforts with sustainable livelihoods. By engaging local communities, the project has empowered individuals and groups to safeguard the environment while improving their economic prospects.

Through the CACOWAS initiative, 150 beehives have been distributed to community members, enabling them to generate income from honey production while playing a vital role in environmental conservation. “Before receiving the beehives, I struggled to make ends meet. Now, I can sell honey and support my family,” shared Consolata Semuhotelwa, a local farmer. “I’m also proud to be contributing to conservation efforts by protecting the forests around us.”

Fish farming groups have also experienced a remarkable transformation, with the project equipping them with over 35,000 fingerlings and seven fish feed production machines. This has led to a significant boost in fish production, providing a sustainable source of income. “Fish farming has changed our lives,” explained Mikado Kikoti, a group leader. “We now have enough fish to sell at the market and even feed our families. The project has given us hope for a better future.”

To restore and protect critical water sources, the CACOWAS project has facilitated the planting of over 30,000 seedlings. This effort ensures the regeneration of natural vegetation and the preservation of these resources for generations to come. “Our water sources were drying up, and we were losing hope,” said Elikus Ngweta, a village elder. “Thanks to the seedlings we’ve planted, the streams are flowing again, and our community is revitalized.”

These collaborative efforts demonstrate that conservation and development are not mutually exclusive. As water sources remain secure and communities thrive economically through honey and fish production, the CACOWAS project funded by MERZ stands as living proof that sustainability can transform lives and protect nature simultaneously.

“This project has shown us that when we work together, we can achieve incredible things,” concluded Semuhotelwa. “We’re not only improving our lives but also leaving a legacy for future generations.”
© Japhary Kiwanga
Bee keeping for nature and livelihoods