Addressing the historic El Niño drought in Angola

Angola is grappling with its most severe drought in a long time, affecting more than 30 million people across Southern Africa. Residents struggle to find water not only for their gardens but also for basic household needs. We rehabilitate water points and distribute essential materials to transport and conserve water in Angola's Chibia and Humpata municipalities. We will reach up to 4,100 households and 24,000 people, with particular attention paid to women, children, and people with disabilities.

We provided aid to Mrs. Cunga Gurina, which included buckets, jerry cans, detergents, and other materials needed for carrying water and washing. She finds these items very helpful, saying,

This assistance is crucial in enhancing the communities' quality of life. Buckets and drums offer a practical and immediate water transportation and storage solution. Adding bleach to the stored water ensures its potability, preventing illness and promoting health. By supplying these essential resources, we not only alleviate the physical burden on beneficiaries but also significantly contribute to the water security and overall well-being of families.

Ensuring access to drinking water for the most vulnerable groups

Women, children and people with disabilities frequently face additional challenges in accessing vital resources, which is why we primarily direct our efforts towards supporting these vulnerable groups. Women, who often bear the responsibility of water collection, can benefit significantly, as these improvements can free up time for other productive and educational pursuits. Likewise, ensuring potable water access for children and individuals with disabilities substantially enhances their well-being and fosters social inclusion.

Our main goal is also to empower local communities. In collaboration with the World Vision team, we plan to train thirty members of the Water and Sanitation Groups (GAS) using the Community Water Management Model (MoGeCa). This crucial step will ensure the long-term sustainability of our interventions. Our efforts will equip residents with the comprehensive skills and knowledge necessary for effective and independent management of water resources.

In addition to capacity building, we will rehabilitate the infrastructure around fifteen community water collection and distribution points. This effort is vital not only for ensuring the supply of drinking water but also for supporting agricultural irrigation and animal needs, thereby bolstering the region's food and water security. The rehabilitation of these facilities is expected to significantly impact the quality of life, significantly reducing the time and labour invested in collecting water. Moreover, these enhancements will advance public health standards and boost agricultural productivity.

The combination of training in community water management with infrastructure rehabilitation ensures that the benefits are immediate and long-lasting. By empowering the local community and improving existing infrastructure, we will contribute to the resilience and self-sufficiency of local people, enabling them to face future water-related challenges more effectively.

We will strengthen the resilience of local communities affected by El Niño and ensure the well-being of the most affected populations. Together with World Vision, we reaffirm our commitment to sustainability and community development in Angola. 

El Niño drought in Southern Africa
The far-reaching effects of the El Niño phenomenon, which began globally in July 2023, have led to a severe rainfall deficit across the Southern African region, with temperatures reaching five degrees above average. The region experienced its driest February in 100 years, receiving 20 per cent of the expected precipitation for this period. According to the World Food Programme (WFP), Angola, Malawi, Mozambique, Namibia, South Africa, and Zimbabwe are all reeling from the impact of the drought. Meanwhile, Namibia, Malawi, Zambia, and Zimbabwe have declared states of emergency.