Kikondo, UG – FAITH gardening family invests in rainwater collection system with a long-term plan Mar 2025

The MER family celebrates with their plumbers as they complete installation of their new 10,000 liter rainwater harvesting system purchased with savings and income from vegetable and staple crop sales. In the four years since joining the Zinabala VICOBA, the family managed to save three million shillings (about 860 USD) to invest in a water system that comes with high hopes for the future. During that time they had a target of investing to increase their income

The family can save money from their 12-bed organic vegetable garden sales of cabbage, kale, and eggplant, now that their older children have grown and no longer require school tuition payment. In addition to their savings, their first son contributed about a third of the rainwater system cost. Collected rainwater now will supply their daily water needs at no additional cost, saving 4,000 shillings (about 1.14 USD) every day. Instead of buying water, they expect to sell water to their neighbors. In about three years the savings plus water sale income should match the cost of the collection system, with many more years remaining in its useful life. Meanwhile they will continue to save a part of their income with new goals.

With help from Wamukisa, Mr. MER is going to start making compost for his staple crop garden. This will greatly nourish and improve his soil and lead to having more garden output. He will continue to save for more income generating projects at his house. He wants to start a poultry project in January 2026 and later in August 2026 start a piggery project.

A challenge to the family plans is their water system at the house is far away from his staple crop garden. They remain hopeful and focused on their future.