From Water Scarcity To Prosperity

Felicio Fundi is a young, dedicated farmer residing in Rianjeru village, Mbeti South, Embu County. He is a loving husband and also a proud father of one. Felicio bears the essential responsibility of providing for his family, and he achieves this through a diverse array of agricultural pursuits, including dairy farming, pawpaw cultivation, and banana farming.

In the semi-arid region of Rianjeru, clean water is scarce. The community depends on the "Rupingazi Rweru" water project, funded by the World Bank, but water is only available on specific days. During dry seasons, residents often go an entire week without any water. Felicio and his young family faced significant challenges, struggling to secure enough water for their crops, livestock, and daily needs. They often stayed up all night collecting and storing water when it's accessible, leaving them vulnerable to bandits and troublemakers who exploit the darkness. This situation made life difficult and dangerous for them.

This predicament weighed heavily on Felicio, as it began to slow down his ability to manage the day-to-day activities on his farm. At times, he resorted to hiring a water tanker, which came at a steep cost of Ksh 3,000 for 6,000 liters of water, necessitating five deliveries in a month. This was not only financially burdensome but also unsustainable in the long run. Felicio yearned for a lasting and secure water solution for his family.

Fortunately, Felicio was a member of BIMAS Microfinance, where he had been tapping into loans to support his farming endeavors. In March 2021, he received news that BIMAS was offering financing for water tanks to its customers. This was a golden opportunity for him to finally experience an abundance of water in his home. With the support of BIMAS, Felicio secured a loan of Ksh 78,000, enabling him to purchase and install a substantial 10,000-liter water tank on his property. The transformation was worth it.

The family was no longer at the mercy of dry seasons; they now had a reliable and ample water supply for both their domestic needs and farming activities. Felicio's family life took a turn for the better. He radiated happiness as a father and husband. With their newfound water security, the family harbors ambitious plans to expand their farming enterprise. They even own another farm situated near a river, and BIMAS's support extends to financing the purchase of a water pump for this venture.

In Felicio's own words, he joyfully exclaims, "I can now farm with confidence throughout the year. My small-scale farming business has thrived since partnering with BIMAS. We are no longer constrained, and our lives are no longer endangered during the night. We can rest early and wake up refreshed to tend to our farming."

Felicio’s success story highlights BIMAS Microfinance's commitment to Sustainable Development Goal 6 by ensuring sustainable water management. By financing water tanks and pumps, BIMAS tackles water scarcity in semi-arid regions like Rianjeru, enhancing farmers' quality of life and promoting sustainable agriculture. This support boosts both economic and social well-being in the community, demonstrating a commitment to improving water access and management.