Natura Sciences features LIFE

17 June is World Day to Combat Desertification and Drought. To mark the occasion, Natura Sciences interviewed Attaher Souleymane, our WASH lead (Water, Sanitation and Hygiene) at LIFE.

He talks about the vital role of wells in communities hit by drought, made worse by climate change, and about LIFE's work to bring drinking water to people around the world.

Why wells matter in arid regions

In countries such as Mali, Niger, Cameroon, Benin and Togo, drought and water shortages are a constant challenge. A heatwave in March–April 2024, with temperatures reaching 48.5 °C in Mali, for example, shows how global warming is making things worse. Building drinking water wells is therefore vital and urgent for people in these countries.

The benefits are countless

Wells provide:

∙ Access to drinking water, essential for drinking, cooking and washing.

∙ Less need to walk long distances to fetch water. Children go back to school, and women can take up income-generating activities.

∙ Better public health: waterborne diseases such as cholera decline.

∙ Economic development: people are healthier and more productive.

∙ Food security: livestock survive and crops can be irrigated (where there are no other options).

∙ Biodiversity is protected, as natural habitats for wildlife are maintained.

Why sustainable well management matters

To avoid depleting groundwater, it is crucial to manage water sustainably, with monitoring systems and the involvement of local communities.

Making projects last

It is essential to help local communities take ownership of their wells. LIFE sets up Water Management Committees and a financial contribution scheme to pay for well maintenance.

What LIFE does

LIFE has built more than 2,000 wells in Africa and Asia over the last ten years. We work closely with local communities. Each project is carefully tailored to the specific needs of the region, taking into account the geology and water conditions. We make sure wells are fitted with optimised pumping systems, whether manual, electric or solar. We also run training for local people, teaching them best practice in well maintenance, so the wells stay effective and last for the long term.

Together, let's bring drinking water to people around the world.