Cotton for Safe Water – Enhancing Water Access in Rural Mozambique

The “Cotton for Safe Water” project, led by Sociedade Algodoeira do Niassa – João Ferreira dos Santos (SAN-JFS), aims to improve access to safe water in cotton-growing communities in Cuamba and Metarica districts, Niassa Province, Mozambique. The initiative is supported by the Cotton made in Africa (CmiA) Community Cooperation Programme (CCCP) and seeks to address water scarcity, empower women and youth, and strengthen local water management systems. The project will establish five new water supply systems, train local water management committees, and introduce economic opportunities linked to water supply services.

Key Findings

The target communities face significant challenges in accessing clean water, with only 54.78% of Cuamba’s rural population living within a 30-minute walk to a safe water facility. Existing water sources are poorly managed, financially unsustainable, and lack trained personnel for maintenance. Cultural norms also hinder the financial sustainability of water systems, as many community members expect free water access, leading to difficulties in maintaining infrastructure. Furthermore, women and youth have minimal participation in water governance, despite bearing the responsibility for water collection. The project will introduce equitable and sustainable water management models to address these challenges.

The intervention includes the construction of five new water supply systems, focusing on sustainability, community participation, and gender inclusion. It will train and support local water management committees, with an emphasis on empowering women and youth in operations and maintenance. Additionally, the project aims to stimulate local economic activities, such as selling spare parts and managing savings groups for water services, ensuring long-term financial viability. The initiative also leverages insights from a 700-household survey, which confirmed high water demand and community willingness to engage in better management practices.

A structured implementation plan outlines key activities from June to December 2024, including stakeholder engagement, infrastructure development, and capacity-building programs. Regular monitoring and evaluation will ensure that the project delivers measurable impacts, such as increased access to safe water, enhanced management capacity, and improved public health outcomes. Women’s participation in water governance, savings groups, and entrepreneurial activities will also be a key indicator of success. The project aligns with Mozambique’s national water strategy and serves as a replicable model for future rural water supply initiatives.

The “Cotton for Safe Water” project presents an innovative approach to linking water access with sustainable cotton farming. By improving water supply infrastructure, strengthening local management, and empowering women and youth, the initiative will enhance livelihoods, health, and agricultural productivity. Ensuring financial sustainability through revenue-generation activities and community ownership will be crucial for long-term success. With strong local engagement and strategic investment, the project can serve as a model for rural water development in Mozambique.

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RESET Foundation is committed with the The Sustainable Development Goals (SDGs). By integrating water access into cotton production sustainability, the project will improve living conditions, strengthen economic resilience, and support climate adaptation in rural Mozambique The Cotton for Safe Water is linked to several SDGs:

The SDG'sG's, also known as the Global Goals, were adopted by the United Nations in 2015 as a universal call to action to end poverty, protect the planet, and ensure that by 2030 all people enjoy peace and prosperity.