Project: Farm Pond

During this process, the farmers identified a farm pond as a key intervention — an accessible water source that reduces dependence on distant kiosks and rivers. The jointly developed pond collects rainwater, while small dams and tree planting prevent erosion and restore soil health. It is more than just a water source; it is a community-driven strategy for long-term resilience.

The pilot project, carried out by local farmers with support from experts, will be monitored over the coming year to refine the design and explore opportunities for scaling up. Over time, these ponds could form a network of ‘water pearls,’ transforming the landscape into a more productive and climate-resilient environment. This project underscores the power of community engagement as a tool for co-creating solutions that combine ecology, water security, and local knowledge.

This project was carried out in collaboration with VE-R Urbanism and Landscape Architecture.

Before construction began, the farm pond’s design took shape during a participatory workshop with around 30 members of the local community — farmers, a teacher, and schoolchildren — hosted in the village of Ka’Wongo. Working in small groups, participants mapped out their own ideas for improving water availability, soil quality, and agricultural productivity, building toward a shared vision for one integral intervention: an earth dam designed to collect enough water for five nearby households, and the first step toward longer-term investments like livestock and biogas production.

The outcome was later presented to around 150 farmers at the community’s annual meeting. As one participant put it: “Uka wone vata wa kiwú!” – “Come and see the importance of water!”