Sichombolwa

Sichombolwa is a community facing multiple challenges that touch on nearly every part of daily life. Water is a constant struggle. Residents rely on the Zambezi and Kafue rivers through irrigation schemes like Tauya, but unpredictable rainfall has made water supply uncertain, bringing both floods and droughts. The rivers are also highly turbid, meaning that treating water requires more chemicals, electricity, and maintenance which are costs that are difficult for the community to sustain. Education is limited, with only one school serving the area, and healthcare access is difficult due to the nearest clinic being 7 km away and the hospital 20 km. Food is scarce locally, forcing residents to purchase it at high prices, while widespread idleness has allowed small companies to trap people in cycles of debt through predatory loans. Income comes mostly from charcoal burning, which has contributed to deforestation and environmental degradation. Despite these challenges, the community is beginning to see change. FARM STEW activities, including VSLA savings groups and agricultural training, are empowering residents to regain control over their lives. People are learning practical skills to grow successful gardens, and some, like one woman who cultivated a productive garden on sand using imported black soil, are proving that determination and innovation can overcome even the toughest conditions. Slowly, the community is finding ways to break free from dependence, building resilience, and creating opportunities where there was nothing before.