Elizabeth Muthoni, a school teacher and community organiser, adeptly balances her domestic responsibilities with her crucial role in community-based environmental initiatives. She not only manages her household but also leads projects that advocate for sustainable farming practices and water conservation in her village. Her efforts play a vital role in ensuring food security and water availability, while also educating her community about the significance of environmental conservation.
Grace Wangari, a nurse, leads health education programmes in her community. Beyond her professional duties, she engages in tree-planting campaigns and waste management initiatives, advocating for cleaner environments and healthier lifestyles. Her leadership in environmental stewardship reflects her commitment to balancing societal and ecological responsibilities, inspiring others to adopt sustainable practices.
Across the Nile Basin, women’s roles as primary caregivers have extended beyond their households, fostering a profound commitment to safeguarding the region’s ecological and cultural heritage. Women drive community-led conservation initiatives that emphasise sustainable land use and effective water resource management, which are essential for the region’s environmental and social resilience.
Both Elizabeth Muthoni and Grace Wangari are from Kenya’s Laikipia County, where women participate in a range of activities and programmes focused on biodiversity conservation. Organisations like the Laikipia Wildlife Forum provide platforms for women to engage in biodiversity conservation. Through educational programmes, women gain expertise in conservation practices, enabling them to spearhead initiatives such as planting indigenous trees, restoring degraded landscapes, and implementing sustainable farming techniques.
In areas reliant on the Ewaso Ng’iro River, women participate in local water committees and community-based organisations, advocating for sustainable irrigation and equitable water distribution. Additionally, they promote eco-tourism, which blends traditional practices with sustainable principles, celebrating the region’s cultural heritage and natural landscapes. These efforts foster environmental stewardship and support local economies, making conservation economically viable for diverse communities.
A hallmark of the women-led efforts in Laikipia County is their dedication to environmental education within families, schools, and community centres. These efforts empower children to become informed environmental stewards capable of addressing future challenges sustainably.
For instance, community leader Jane Njeri educates local communities about sustainable water use and conservation. Through local water committees and educational programmes facilitated by organisations like the Laikipia Wildlife Forum, Jane ensures equitable water distribution and instils a deep appreciation for water resources among children and adults alike.
Similarly, Mary Wanjiku, a farmer and mother, teaches her children sustainable farming techniques that prioritise soil conservation and biodiversity. Her efforts contribute to food security and nurture a generational commitment to safeguarding Laikipia’s natural resources.
By engaging children in tree planting and recycling projects, women like Sarah Njeri, a primary school teacher, instil a sense of ownership and responsibility towards preserving Laikipia’s natural resources. Sarah integrates environmental education into the curriculum, teaching children about biodiversity conservation and sustainable farming practices. Through hands-on activities, she encourages her students to become advocates for environmental sustainability within their families and communities.
Community leader Lucy Akinyi organises educational workshops where children learn about water conservation and ecosystem protection. These workshops not only educate but also encourage children to advocate for environmental sustainability within their families and communities. Lucy’s inclusive approach transcends traditional gender norms by empowering both girls and boys to actively participate in caring for their environment.
We often talk about solving problems, overcoming challenges, or transforming issues. But what if we focused on limiting our participation in the creation of these problems in the first place? This is exactly what the women in Laikipia County are doing. They ensure that future generations do not contribute to the issues we face today.
By blending their caregiving roles with proactive environmental activism, the women in Laikipia County protect natural resources, shape their community’s identity, and advance gender equity. Their initiatives foster a deep reverence for the environment among younger generations, promoting a unified dedication to conservation and equitable roles in sustainable resource management.
These efforts highlight the importance of inclusive leadership and shared responsibility in safeguarding our planet’s heritage. Through their dedication, these women demonstrate how local action can inspire global movements, ensuring a sustainable future for all and reinforcing their community’s identity as stewards of the Nile Basin.
From the main highway in Marigat, a small town in Kenya’s Great Rift Valley, the sun rises over the waters of Lake Baringo. This vast freshwater lake, home to over 500 species of birds and fauna, plays a crucial role in the lives of the local community. The lake supports seven species of freshwater fish, including the Nile tilapia subspecies, Oreochromis niloticus baringoensis.
Beyond its ecological significance, Lake Baringo is central to the local economy, mainly through fishing. The communities around the lake depend on it for water, livestock, and fish, which have been integral to their way of life for generations. However, the lake is also home to Nile crocodiles, dangerous to those living nearby.
The Nile crocodile is a natural inhabitant of Lake Baringo. Its proximity to human activity can sometimes lead to dangerous encounters. However, in Kampi ya Samaki, a settlement on the lake’s shores, a group of women has found a way to coexist with these animals, ensuring their safety and livelihood.
Lilian Chebui, a fish vendor from Kampi ya Samaki, has worked in the fish trade since 2007. “I started my fish business after getting married,” she recalls. “It’s been 17 years now.” Chebui waits for the fishermen to return with their catch every day, which she sells to her buyers.
Chebui and her fellow fish vendors have adapted to the changing conditions around the lake, including the increasing crocodile population. “We have lived with the crocodiles around here for a very long time,” Chebui says. “When they come to us, we feed them – the spoiled fish.”
Feeding the crocodiles has helped the women avoid attacks, allowing them to work without fear. On a good day, Chebui earns up to KSH 2,000 (USD 15), which helps support her family and educate her children.
Emily Chebet, who started in the fish trade three years ago after closing her shop during the COVID-19 pandemic, shares a similar experience. “On a good day, I can make between KSH 7,000 and KSH 9,000,” she says. She adds that the relationship with the crocodiles is built on mutual understanding: “Once they’re fed, they have no problem with anyone.”
Stella Chepkoech, the chair of the fishing camp, has also seen the benefits of this coexistence. “We interact mainly with seven crocodiles,” she explains. Although she has been in the trade since childhood, learning from her mother, she has never experienced a crocodile attack.
However, the women face challenges, particularly the lack of adequate infrastructure such as refrigeration and sufficient boats. “Improved facilities could enhance our economic stability,” says Samuel Cherotich, Kampi ya Samaki’s beach chairperson.
Despite these challenges, the women of Lake Baringo continue to support their families and maintain their way of life. Their story is one of adaptation to the challenges imposed by nature and the community’s need to balance their safety with their livelihoods. Their work is not just about survival but about maintaining a balance with nature.
As a refugee from Uganda to Canada in 1972, Amina Mohamed built a successful career in the film and television industry. Drawing from her experiences, she founded Cameras For Girls to address gender inequality and poverty in Africa. Her organisation trains young women in photography, teaching them storytelling and employable skills that boost their confidence. Despite cultural challenges, Mohamed remains dedicated to making a positive impact, guided by her belief that “serving others makes the world a better place.”
In Uganda, where women’s economic participation faces significant barriers, Justine Kyanjo Kivumbi is making a substantial impact. Through her initiative, Growing an Online Business in Uganda, she mentors women in starting and marketing their businesses online. To date, she has mentored over 100 women, enabling them to achieve financial independence. “Mentoring these women has been a rewarding journey,” says Kivumbi. “It’s incredible to witness the transformative power of guidance and continuous learning.” Kivumbi is changing lives and reshaping the economic landscape for women in Uganda and beyond. Her guiding principle is: “Empower women, change the world.”
Facing societal judgement as a pregnant teenager, Winnie Atyang found solace and strength in rugby. Her successful career, including participation in the 2009 Rugby World Cup Sevens, motivated her to complete her university education. “Rugby is my redeemer,” she says. Now, Atyang trains women in rugby and teaches practical skills such as soap making and crafts to support their livelihoods. Her efforts have earned her awards for promoting women’s rugby in Uganda. Her guiding principle is: “Embrace every challenge as an opportunity. Live your life to the fullest.”
Inspired by her environmentalist mother and the plastic littering in Kampala, Sandra Asiimwe founded Ecoville Uganda in 2021. Her company offers biodegradable bamboo and papyrus products sourced globally and from local Ugandan women. With 50 products available, Asiimwe aims to eventually source everything locally and also leads tree planting efforts. Her guiding principle is: “No matter the challenges, keep going. Never wait for perfect conditions to start; start with whatever you have.”
Motivated by the need to support her autistic child named Mapalo, Kansiime Honest conceived the idea of a “pant pad.” She founded a manufacturing factory called Mapalo Period Pants, which employs dozens of women. This Ugandan company produces period pants that provide convenience during menstruation. The biodegradable material helps women maintain hygiene during their periods, allowing them to go about their daily routines.
University student Margret Birungi started Mcreatives, a business that ingeniously recycles items like car tyres and plastic bottles into products such as crochet bags and furniture. Motivated by the pollution problem in Kampala, she collects non-biodegradable waste to create useful materials. Birungi has trained over 30 women in this work, promoting environmental conservation and community improvement. Her guiding principle, “a skilful generation for a prosperous future,” reflects her dedication to sustainability.
Esther Muwombi put together the profile of Justine Kyanjo Kivumbi. The remaining profiles are by Mugume Davis Rwakaringi.
On a foggy morning, Lake Hawassa’s waters are clouded with trash—plastic bags, bottles, and even discarded shoes float among tangled weeds. The lake’s shoreline is littered with branches, wood scraps, and city waste, affecting the livelihood of traditional fishermen who navigate their boats through polluted waters.
“I remember when the lake was crystal clear and full of fish,” says Daniel Bula, a 20-year resident. “Now it’s painful to see the decline. Waste from towns and industries and runoff from the highlands end up here.”
A fishing boat on the polluted Lake Hawassa reflects the urgent need for restoration efforts. Photo: The Niles / Solomon Yimer
Bula’s concerns are shared by many residents who depend on the lake. Lake Hawassa, located in Ethiopia’s Rift Valley, supports biodiversity and local livelihoods through farming, fishing, tourism, and industry. But rapid population growth and climate change now threaten this vital resource.
Formed in 2018, the “Protecting Lake Hawassa Partnership” unites private, public, and civil groups. Supported by GIZ’s Natural Resources Stewardship Programme, the partnership works on reforestation, waste management, and community engagement. Each team addresses critical issues to safeguard the lake’s ecosystem and promote sustainable development.
A boy swims in Lake Hawassa’s polluted waters despite health risks from untreated wastewater. Photo: The Niles / Solomon Yimer
The lake is home to fish, birds, and animals like hippos and monkeys, providing 85% of local fisheries’ catch. However, siltation and pollution disrupt habitats, threatening both aquatic life and the livelihoods of fishers like Lucas Ganche, chairman of the Lake Hawassa Fishing Association. “Yearly declines in fish populations due to silting and waste make it difficult for fishermen to earn a living.”
Lake Hawassa lies in a growing urban area, capturing untreated stormwater, industrial waste, and household runoff from the city, with no outlet for these pollutants. Soil erosion from deforestation in the uplands carries sediment into the lake, altering its boundaries and degrading water quality.
Ecohydrological structures in Boricha Village work to curb erosion and protect Lake Hawassa’s health. Photo: The Niles / Solomon Yimer
Dr. Mulugeta Dadi Belete from Hawassa University leads the Afforestation and Soil Erosion Task Force. Using ecohydrological methods, Dr. Mulugeta and his team prevent sediment from reaching the lake by building wood, bamboo, and plastic barriers to manage water flow and control erosion. “Our approach has stopped erosion, retaining 350,000 cubic meters of soil in 18 months,” he explains.
The project’s success depends on community involvement, and locals have embraced tree planting and soil conservation practices, seeing visible improvements in land and lake health.
The Hawassa Wubet Plastic Collection and Recycling Association, another project partner, tackles plastic waste in Lake Hawassa. Operating across 11 towns, the association collects 5.2 tons of plastic daily for recycling, creating jobs and reducing pollution.
The Hawassa Wubet Association’s recycling efforts visibly reduce plastic waste and restore pride in Lake Hawassa. Photo: The Niles / Solomon Yimer
“Lake Hawassa is our pride,” says Henock Dangoto, the association’s chairman. “By raising awareness and recycling, we protect the lake and offer jobs to local youth and women.” The initiative supports around 1,500 collectors and has created over 85 permanent jobs, with plans to expand operations by acquiring recycling machines.
In Boricha Village, 56-year-old Nigussie Dongato recalls a time when lush forests and fertile soil yielded bountiful crops. With population growth and deforestation, the land’s productivity dwindled. However, conservation efforts bring new hope. “We can see the land changing, with grass and shrubs growing back,” he observes.
Women planting trees around Lake Hawassa bring renewed life to the upper catchment. Photo: The Niles / Solomon Yimer
The return of vegetation and healthier fields is a positive sign, but residents wonder if these efforts can keep pace with the lake’s ongoing challenges. With community-led initiatives like tree planting, recycling, and soil conservation, the people of Hawassa strive to secure a sustainable future for their lake and livelihoods.
Over the past century, Burullus Lake has shrunk by about 30%, decreasing from over 600 square kilometres as urban development and agriculture have converted wetlands into farmland and fish farms.
A recent study in the Egyptian Journal of Aquatic Biology and Fisheries (2023) highlights how these changes have critically affected the lake’s biodiversity.
Native plants of Burullus Lake thrive near the sea, while an old fish circle and invasive plants dominate the area closer to the Nile. Photos: The Niles / Sara Haggag
Fishermen navigate shrinking waterways. Photo: The Niles / Sara Haggag
Marine species such as Dicentrarchus labrax have declined, and some, like Argyrosomus regius and crabs, have disappeared altogether.
On the other hand, freshwater fish production, particularly tilapia and catfish, has fluctuated dramatically, showing an overall shift towards species adapted to freshwater.
Burullus Lake: A landscape under transformation. Photos: The Niles / Sara Haggag
Local fisherman Ahmed ElGammal observes these changes first-hand: “I used to catch plenty, but now fishing all day brings little. In winter, the smell from pollution is terrible, and fish move further from the shore.”
Burullus Lake faces pollution from untreated sewage and agricultural runoff, introducing harmful chemicals into the water. The invasive water hyacinth thrives in these conditions, blocking sunlight and consuming oxygen, which harms aquatic life.
Invasive water hyacinth fills Drain 9, choking native plants and obstructing boat travel. Photos: The Niles / Sara Haggag
The dense hyacinth mats also hinder water flow, leading to stagnation. “The wind brings them here,” shared a fisherman from Shakhlouba. “Moving our boats has become a struggle.” However, some fishermen have adapted by using the plants to create makeshift traps for fish.
Once a haven for birdlife, Burullus Lake now witnesses dwindling bird populations. Breeding colonies like herons are declining due to habitat loss and pollution. While studies indicate a rise in species diversity, community density has dropped, signalling an imbalance in local ecosystems.
A lone egret wanders the polluted shores of Burullus Lake, where habitat loss has driven many birds away (left). A deceased egret near the shore reflects the ongoing impact of pollution on bird populations (right) and one with the catch of the day (bottom) Photos: The Niles / Sara Haggag
Lake Burullus has gained attention as an ecotourism spot, drawing visitors for bird-watching and boat tours and boosting the local economy.
In response, government efforts aim to clean the lake’s waters and manage water hyacinths. Community leaders in Damro report annual efforts to clear the hyacinths, with the main push in June.
The future of Lake Burullus hinges on a committed conservation approach that balances ecosystem protection with sustainable human use.
Antoine Mukeshimana, 45, grew up on Sharita Island in Rwanda’s Bugesera District. Situated in Lake Rweru at the confluence of the Akagera River, Sharita Island has long been cut off from modern infrastructure, with no roads, schools, or healthcare facilities.
In a family of seven children, Antoine has spent his life navigating the island’s risks. These include threats from hippos, floods, and waterborne illnesses from using unfiltered lake water for drinking and cooking.
Ten years ago, Antoine’s life changed dramatically after a hippo attack left him with severe injuries and the eventual loss of his right leg. On March 19, 2014, he gathered papyrus with his neighbour, Athanase Biziyaremye, when they encountered a hippo.
The animal rammed Antoine’s boat, throwing him into the water. In the ensuing struggle, the hippo mauled his leg, leaving him with life-threatening injuries.
Hippos navigate the waters and shores of the Akagera River in Rwanda’s Eastern Province, close to Sharita Island. Photo: The Niles / Samuel Ngendahimana
“I tried to swim to shore, but the hippo was relentless. When I finally reached land, it attacked again, leaving me too weak to fight back,” he recalls.
His neighbour, though safe from the attack, stayed close to help, ultimately carrying Antoine to the mainland, where he was taken to Kigali’s University Central Teaching Hospital. There, doctors amputated his leg after a three-month recovery period.
Residents cross the channel from the market to their homes on Sharita Island, highlighting their reliance on the lake for transport. Photo: The Niles / Samuel Ngendahimana
In 2016, Antoine and his family became part of a relocation initiative to move residents from high-risk areas.
As one of the first families to resettle in Rweru Model Village, they were provided a fully equipped four-bedroom house, access to clean water, electricity, and a cow to help sustain their family.
“Living on the island was dangerous. Here, I finally feel secure, and my children can drink clean water and go to school,” Antoine says.
Antoine Mukeshimana feeds the cow he received from the government after his family’s relocation from the island. Photo: The Niles / Samuel Ngendahimana
In May 2024, Antoine revisited Sharita with the photographer to reflect on where he once called home. Over 70 percent of the island’s population has been relocated, but the risks remain for those who stay.
Antoine Mukeshimana poses with his children in front of their new home in Rweru Model Village. Photo: The Niles / Samuel Ngendahimana
Antoine’s journey from Sharita to Rweru Model Village represents part of Rwanda’s broader effort to support residents in high-risk zones. Each year, on Liberation Day, Rwanda inaugurates new model villages across the country, aiming to improve the lives of vulnerable communities.
The Nile River flows an impressive 6,695 kilometres, winding through multiple countries before reaching the Mediterranean Sea. The two main tributaries, the White Nile and the Blue Nile, converge in Sudan’s capital, Khartoum. The White Nile is commonly traced back to Burundi’s highlands, and Rutovu is one of the recognised starting points.
Youth make their way up the hilly terrain, venturing towards Rutovu. Photo: The Niles / Nitanga Tchandrou
Herman Nahimana, a former military officer who has spent the past two decades guiding visitors to Rutovu, recalls his first visit to the Nile’s source. This journey ignited his love for sharing his homeland’s stories. “I met an environmentalist named Albert Mbonerana,” he says. “He handed me a brochure about Burundi’s landscapes, and that moment stayed with me.”
The German explorer Burkhart Waldecker is credited with marking Rutovu as the Nile’s southernmost source in 1934. After a gruelling four-year journey from Egypt to Burundi, he identified Rutovu and erected a pyramid to commemorate his discovery, paying homage to past explorers.
A pyramid built by Waldecker marks Rutovu as one of the sources of the Nile, recognising its significance in exploration history. Photo: The Niles / Nitanga Tchandrou
In a community near Rutovu, we meet Delphin, a twelve-year-old boy filling a water container at a tap installed in 2009. Delphin, the youngest of seven, knows the importance of this clean water supply. His mother, Pascasie, recalls, “Before this tap, we relied on the Jiji River, but it often made my children sick.”
The Jiji River, one of the smaller rivers in the area, flows near Rutovu. Photo: The Niles / Nitanga Tchandrou
Cows graze near the Jiji River, another critical water source for residents. Photos: The Niles / Nitanga Tchandrou
Men swim in spring waters near the Nile’s source in Rutovu, a place where swimming is restricted for the nearby Batwa community. Photo: The Niles / Nitanga Tchandrou
Nearby, Ndabegamiye, a father of ten and a leader of the local Batwa community, faces challenges despite living close to Rutovu. “Our children often get sick, and finding secure land is a struggle,” he shares, pointing to the grass houses his community builds only to be repeatedly displaced.
The Batwa community’s grass houses symbolise a resilience honed through adversity and their deep connection to traditional ways. Photo: The Niles / Nitanga Tchandrou
While life near Rutovu offers access to water, it also presents daily challenges. Delphin, Pascasie, and Ndabegamiye’s stories reflect a complex relationship with the river that sustains them, highlighting the community’s social and environmental issues. Their experiences show the need for fair access to clean water and sustainable development.
Delphin heads home after collecting water, a daily necessity made easier by the community tap near Rutovu. Photo: The Niles / Nitanga Tchandrou
As our journey through Rutovu ends, we are reminded of the historical and cultural significance attached to the Nile’s many sources. Rutovu, with its people and landscape, remains a place where nature’s beauty meets the realities of daily life.
In 2012, I began my journey into the world of dragonflies and damselflies in Sudan, collectively known as Odonata. Their vivid colours, oversized eyes, and mighty wings captured my imagination, and I became fascinated with their distribution, behaviour, and efforts to conserve them.
My first surveys took place close to home—in my garden, along water canals, and in the temporary lakes surrounding my village in the East Nile region.
Living near the Nile River has always felt like a privilege. Here, one can endlessly observe aquatic life, watch sunsets, and enjoy coffee by the riverbank. Yet, my search for these incredible creatures soon extended beyond my village.
A dragonfly perches on a stick. Photos: The Niles / Esra Elfaki
I travelled across Sudan’s varied landscapes—from the deserts and semi-deserts in the North to the dense forests and green mountains in the West and even to the lutas ponds near the borders of South Sudan and Red Sea State in the East.
Sudan’s unique environments became intertwined with my own identity. I was drawn to the elements these insects depend on: lush greenery, clean air, clear water, and the freedom to move unencumbered.
Dragonflies are symbols of strength, courage, happiness, and spiritual growth across cultures. Their reliance on freshwater, especially for reproduction, underscores their importance to the ecosystem.
Nymphs shape aquatic habitats, while adults select their environments based on vegetation and other structural features. Due to their sensitivity to environmental shifts, such as deforestation and erosion, Odonata are indicators of human impact on the natural world.
Dragonflies during the day and at sunset. Photos: The Niles / Esra Elfaki
During the rainy season, dragonflies engage in peak activities—flying at dusk, hunting, mating, laying eggs, and resting among tree branches. My task has been to capture these moments.
By last year, we had identified 89 species in Sudan. However, this year, everything changed. The ongoing conflict introduced smoke, fire, and pollution, making the environment and my homeland unsafe. I was forced to leave Sudan, relocating to a country vastly different in climate and culture.
Biodiversity along the Nile in Sudan. Photos: The Niles / Esra Elfaki
In my new surroundings, I sincerely wish to return to a peaceful Sudan, where I can again document dragonflies gliding over a clean and healthy river. Like these insects, I yearn to flourish in the place I call home.
In Mwanza City’s Mabatini-Buzuruga area, steep hillsides and unplanned settlements create a unique challenge: managing sewage is nearly impossible without reliable infrastructure. Houses cling to rocky slopes, and basic sanitation remains out of reach for many.
For 51-year-old Chacha Nyechi, who has worked as a toilet emptier since he was 14, sanitation work is both a livelihood and a challenge. “I’ve done this since 1988. One day, I slipped into a pit while working. You can’t do this job sober,” he jokes.
Chacha and his “toilet emptying specialists” earn their living by charging local households to empty pit latrines—a crucial service in a community with few alternatives.
A bird drinks from a polluted stream, highlighting Mwanza’s waste management challenges. Photo: The Niles / Said Sindo
In Mwanza’s Nyamagana District, Mabatini Ward is home to nearly 24,500 people, but only 23% have access to the city’s sewage services, which are managed by the Mwanza Urban Water and Sewerage Authority (MWAUWASA). This gap forces residents to adopt makeshift waste management solutions, which contributes to pollution in nearby water sources.
One such source is the Kenge River, which borders Mabatini and flows into the heavily polluted Mirongo River and eventually Lake Victoria. With limited access to clean water infrastructure, many residents depend on the river for essential activities such as washing clothes, preparing food, and bathing. However, this reliance comes with health risks, as pollution from waste has made the river a hazardous resource.
People engage in various activities along the Mirongo River—washing, fetching water, and using it as an open toilet. Photo: The Niles / Said Sindo
A 2023 InfoNile investigation found high levels of E. coli, lead, and microplastic in Lake Victoria, indicators of the region’s severe pollution issues. For the residents of Mabatini, however, the lake and rivers remain vital water sources despite these hazards.
Recognising these risks, MWAUWASA recently introduced a sewage system covering two streets within Mabatini Ward, connecting homes to a central treatment facility. While a promising start, most of the ward still awaits connection to safe sewage systems. Local leader Esther Dwashi Masanja donated stones from her property to aid the project, and resident Revina Audax hopes the initiative will improve sanitation and access to clean water.
New sewage infrastructure built by MWAUWASA connects households to a central treatment system in Mabatini South. Photo: The Niles / Said Sindo
Despite these efforts, areas like Northern Mabatini remain reliant on open pits, particularly during the rainy season, when waste is often washed into the Mirongo River. Anthony Msafiri, chairman of St. Benjamin Street, expresses his concerns: “When only part of the area has safe systems, everyone is still at risk of diseases like cholera.”
Clothes dry on rocks near the river, surrounded by litter and waste, showing the community’s dependence on this polluted water source. Photo: The Niles / Said Sindo
MWAUWASA has promoted ecological solutions to address these ongoing challenges, including urine-diverting dehydration toilets (UDDTs). These toilets separate waste for safe reuse, protecting local water sources and benefiting agriculture. Initiatives like the Lake Victoria Water and Sanitation Initiative (LVWATSAN) aim to support Mwanza’s gradual expansion of sanitation infrastructure.
A local leader, Esther Dwashi Masanja (67), expresses her satisfaction with new sanitation initiatives improving life in Mabatini South. Photo: The Niles / Said Sindo
Lawrence Samuel stands by the Nile River, reflecting on how much Juba has changed since he was born in the 1950s. Back then, Juba was a quiet riverside town; today, it is the bustling capital of South Sudan.
He recalls how families once gathered at the river to collect water, carrying it home in tin cans balanced on their heads. This daily ritual created a sense of community, with designated parts of the river for bathing and others for drinking, blending practicality with tradition.
Alongside drinking and bathing, the river also provides food, with fish as a part of resident’s diet.” Photo: The Niles / Samir Bol
Lawrence reminisces about neighbours supporting each other and sharing laughs as they collected water—a task that was also a social lifeline. But things are different now. With Juba’s rapid growth, there’s a high demand for clean water but no comprehensive system to meet it.
Street vendors after work, adapting to the city’s rapid growth and the mounting demand for essential resources like clean water. Photo: The Niles / Samir Bol
Lawrence also remembers when the government established a piped water system in the late 1970s and early 1980s, making access easier. However, that system no longer functions today, and residents rely on external sources.
Sizeable blue water tankers have become a common sight. These trucks provide water but serve as a reminder of the city’s unresolved water crisis.
Water tankers are filled to supply Juba’s residents with much-needed water. Photo: The Niles / Samir Bol
Resident Rabeh George Lado notes that after the 2005 peace agreement, water tankers became increasingly common with the arrival of more residents and foreign workers. The growing population raised demand, but it also highlighted the challenge of creating local jobs and ensuring self-sufficiency in water supply.
Edward Nagbong, who manages a water station, points out that about 90% of water transporters are from outside South Sudan. This reality raises questions about the country’s reliance on outside sources and the need for local, sustainable solutions to water access.
The streams that once supported the community for bathing, washing, and farming have faded from daily life, leaving only memories. With climate change and urbanisation, Juba now faces new challenges, as the Nile’s unpredictable behaviour tests the city’s resilience.
After heavy rains, little streams carry plastic waste and debris from the city, underscoring the strain on Juba’s waste management. Photo: The Niles / Samir Bol
With climate change, seasonal flooding now displaces residents near the river, forcing them to higher ground. Guerkek, a community near the Lado Mountains, regularly experiences severe flooding, which drives families from their homes during the rainy season.
The community’s strength emerges as people like Diana Nene and Henry Sule volunteer to help their neighbours, using boats to transport displaced families to safe locations. While such acts showcase solidarity, residents desire long-term solutions, such as reinforced embankments or improved drainage systems, to reduce future risks.
Rising water levels from the Nile pose challenges for communities as flooding affects the land and access to clean water. Photo: The Niles / Samir Bol
And outside of flood season, water access can be precarious. In Malakia, a construction worker named Rami John pays a dollar per barrel for water delivered over 3–4 kilometres. For residents with limited means, the high price of water places added pressure on their lives.
As August turns to September, the story shifts to those who depend on the river to sustain agriculture. In Bogor, farmer Joseph Akulang uses river water to irrigate his crops, underscoring the Nile’s ongoing role in supporting local farming, even amid climate challenges.
In Bogor, Joseph Akulang tends to his crops with water drawn from the Nile, reflecting the river’s enduring role in sustaining agriculture in Juba. Photo: The Niles / Samit Bol
Looking ahead, Juba’s water challenges call for innovative, sustainable approaches. Collaborative efforts to improve waste management, reinforce embankments, and expand local water infrastructure could strengthen resilience against flooding and secure cleaner water for all.
Initiatives like community-led water stations, support for local water tankers, and climate-adaptive agricultural practices offer pathways to a more self-sufficient and sustainable water future.
For Juba’s residents, the Nile will continue to be a source of life and opportunity, and with coordinated action, it can better support the community’s needs and growth in the years to come.