In addition to providing training to rural farmers, EATBETA is involved in facilitating the construction of hand-dug water wells in rural communities. Most rural communities in sub-Saharan Africa have a serious shortage of clean water; thus, our goal is to construct hand-dug water wells, particularly, in the villages where EATBETA carries out training and outreach programs.

EATBETA’s programs are much more successful in rural communities where we establish water wells. In constructing a hand-dug water well, the villagers are involved in the process; either by digging the hole themselves or by providing local materials, such as bricks or sand, needed in the construction of the well. Then EATBETA uses funds raised through donations, to build the water well and to purchase materials which the villagers cannot afford—such as cement, hand pumps, water tanks, pipes, etc. Involving the villagers yields two important benefits.

Firstly, villagers take ownership of the project and they feel engaged in the process. Secondly, it helps to minimize the construction cost to about $2,000 per well. We can’t begin to describe the joy that is expressed by the villagers in elaborate celebrations when a water well is launched in their community. More importantly, the availability of clean water enables rural communities to avoid infections and diseases resulting from using stagnant pond water. We humbly welcome donations toward this effort. Please click here to make a water well donation.