On Mount Elgon, water comes to life in a beautiful way. According to the Nile Basin Initiative, higher areas catch the water when it rains, which then flows down the slopes, creating springs and streams.
This water seeps into the flatter land, where the rocks are soft and weathered. It fills up an underground aquifer that eventually shares its water with local communities through springs, dug well and boreholes among others.
The Mt. Elgon aquifer is a water system shared by Uganda and Kenya. It covers an area of about 4,900 km².
On the Kenya side of Mount Elgon aquifer, a serious problem is affecting local communities. Deforestation is damaging the environment, causing water supplies to become scarce.
However, groundwater has emerged as a critical lifeline for the residents in this area, as they seek fresh and reliable water sources.
Through this photo story, photographer Jesse Chenge, aimed to highlight how groundwater supports life in Mt. Elgon region of Kenya and why it is essential to take care of it.
Deforestation and shrinking water supplies
The story begins with the aerial view of Mt. Elgon forest. However, this beauty is damaged by deforestation.
Large areas of land have been cleared, threatening the environment and putting crucial water supplies at risk for wildlife and local communities.
The effects of deforestation extend beyond trees and wildlife. In this part of the region, residents struggle with shrinking water supplies that impact agriculture and everyday life. Families face challenges to their livelihoods and food security.
In the face of these challenges, innovation shines through.
One such innovation is Naibei’s solar-powered borehole, which pumps water to a storage tank, bringing hope to the community.
This 32-foot groundwater system is helping to provide water for domestic use and agriculture to the community.
Naibei’s Solar-Powered Water System
Access to clean water, a matter of survival
For many families in Kopsiro, Mount Elgon, the responsibility of fetching water falls heavily on women and children, who often travel long distances to reach distant wells.
But with Naibei’s Solar-Powered Water System in Chemwenda village in Kopsiro, Mount Elgon, their struggle is starting to ease. Groundwater is now accessible in their community, allowing mothers and their children to spend less time collecting water and focusing on health, education, and family.
The Power of Groundwater in Agriculture
In Kopsiro, there is a farmer named Towett Naibei. He uses a pipe that brings water from deep underground to his fields.
Every time Towett uses this water, his crops grow strong and healthy.
This clever way of watering his plants is helping him keep his farm alive.
And, it is not only sustaining his livelihood but also showcases the vital role of groundwater in agricultural resilience.
Even when the weather is changing and challenges like deforestation are on rise, Towett isn’t worrying. He knows that using groundwater allows him to provide food for his family and community.
Chemwenda Spring: A Community Treasure
Still in Kopsiro, Mount Elgon, a small community near the River Malakisi, there is a water source called the Chemwenda water spring.
This spring is one of many residents’ last reliable, clean water sources.
Each day, families gather at the Chemwenda spring with jerrycans, buckets, and jugs to fill them with water flowing from the ground.
Lately, however, the water has been flowing less and less. This has raised concerns among community members about where they will find water for drinking, cooking, and washing. With this challenge, many people have begun to realize how vital it is to protect this water source.
locals including Judith Chebet from Korong’otuny in Cheptais are advocating for raising awareness about the importance of sustainable practices in saving the Chemwenda Spring. They believe that by caring for their environment, they can ensure continued access to clean water for years.
This photo story was produced with support from NBI Secretariat (Nile-Sec), which, in partnership with the United Nations Development Program (UNDP) and with funding from the Global Environment Facility (GEF), implemented a program across the Nile Basin focused on shared groundwater aquifers. The project’s goal was to improve water resource management at both the national and basin levels.
The first phase concentrated on building knowledge and capacity for the sustainable use and management of significant transboundary aquifers within the Nile Basin. Three aquifer areas were selected for intervention: the Kagera aquifer shared by Uganda, Tanzania, Rwanda, and Burundi; the Mt Elgon aquifer shared by Uganda and Kenya; and the Gedaref-Adigrat aquifer shared by Sudan and Ethiopia. These aquifers are located in various climates, including arid, semi-arid, and tropical regions.
Initially, the phase involved gathering existing data and creating a Shared Aquifer Diagnostic Report (SADA) for the three selected aquifers. The subsequent phase engaged in groundwater modeling to enhance understanding of the aquifers and analyze scenarios based on changes in climate and groundwater use.
