We began with two urgent priorities in Sub-Saharan Africa: 

Access to clean, safe water and sustainable agriculture. 

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We listened deeply to community voices longing for reliable access to clean water and better crop yields. Today, we address those needs by installing solar-powered water wells and cultivating community gardens in strategic locations. These efforts bring permanent solutions to food insecurity, create economic opportunity through surplus crops, and improve overall health and nutrition.

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But our work doesn't end there. We also connect with local schools, churches, and organizations to help meet educational and social needs. Through these relationships, we’re building communities that are resilient, equipped, and full of hope.

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THE GLOBAL WATER CRISIS

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1 out of 9 people worldwide lack access to clean, safe drinking water. In Southern Africa, millions of women and children must walk 4 miles and sometimes 5-8 hours daily to access water. Any water they can access is above ground in streams and rivers, and is often filled with bacteria and diseases that cause even more suffering for the local villages. The water crisis is the #1 global risk facing our communities today based on its impact on society.​

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THE CONTINUAL DISADVANTAGE OF HUMAN POVERTY

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The Southern Africa region has undergone decades of social plight of women, men, and children. The reality of global poverty today leaves communities without access to resources that can help promote education, health, income levels, and the overall thriving of human potential.

 

We aim to help these communities access the resources they desire. Through our work, we can offer educational supplies, fees for schooling, clothing, tools, transportation, and much more.

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THE LACK OF SUSTAINABLE FARMING SKILLS

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The dry, Sub-Saharan climate of Southern Africa leaves rural communities struggling to keep crops healthy and viable throughout the year. Many communities practice survival gardening: planting crops year-round so that they have enough to provide for themselves and their families. The lack of access to sustainable food is one of the most urgent world emergencies. People in Southern Africa are some of the most disadvantaged regarding farming skills and sustainable agriculture.​

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STEPS TO SUSTAINABILITY

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When the team at Intuba evaluates the individual community projects, we consider the many variables each community and country offers. Our overarching goal for each project is to establish a self-sustainable community that can take on the many variables that living in a Sub-Saharan climate offers. We want the communities in which we work to grow and thrive!     

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Our goal for every community project has the following components in each, with variables added depending on the specific community needs and challenges:

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• WATER SOURCE: A supply of clean water available year-round and not susceptible to climate change or drought. The average cost of drilling a borehole in Sub-Saharan Africa is over $10,000, and Intuba contracts out to reputable and trustworthy partners to drill our wells. We will also evaluate existing boreholes to determine whether we need a new well or to rehabilitate an existing well. Water catchment projects are also part of the strategy that Intuba uses (Khomga, South Africa) if drilling a new well is not permitted or possible.

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• WASH PROGRAM: Intuba understands that bringing in a clean water source without effective education is irresponsible. We teach a simple method of WASH (water, sanitation, and hygiene). Our objective is to have a new latrine built in the community close to the water source and to teach simple but effective hand-washing techniques to all community members. It has been stated by the World Health Organization that when you include a complete WASH program, the overall health of a community is improved by 93%.​​

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• RAISED BED & DRIP IRRIGATION GARDEN: Once a sustainable source of clean water is provided to a community, Intuba will begin to develop a community garden, bringing a much-needed source of nutrition to the members of the community. As the garden is expanded, the intention is to produce a sufficient quantity of vegetables. The excess is then taken to and sold at the local market, thus producing a much-needed source of community revenue.​​

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• FENCING: Unless the new borehole and gardens have effective fencing, animals and external elements will destroy or limit the life of the community project.​​

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• TRAINING: Our Intuba team leader will work with the community leaders to ensure proper training and methods are taught to all community members. It is to be understood that this project is their project, and the responsibility for success comes from within the community. Part of the training that Intuba undertakes is to establish a firm understanding of sound business principles and ethics.​​​

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• SOLAR PUMPS AND STORAGE TANKS: It is not uncommon for a new borehole in Southern Africa to serve a vast territory and population. Due to the excessive use of the borehole, it is usually necessary to include a submersible pump powered by solar panels and to have the water pumped into large storage containers to which the community has access, day and night.

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• BUSINESS EVALUATION AND TRAINING: Intuba does not consider a project complete until we conduct a regional business seminar led by a certified Intuba Team Leader. This two-day seminar will include sound business practices such as reinvesting profits into the community and saving proceeds to repair and maintain boreholes and garden improvements. We will also assess the local community's needs and determine what protein project best serves the community and the surrounding area.​​​

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• ‘PROTEIN’ PROJECTS: Intuba will introduce a protein project into each community project, depending on the community's needs and potential market. These projects include chicken (either egg or broilers), rabbits, fish, goats, cattle, pigs, etc. These protein projects start small and can be scaled according to the community's needs and abilities.