Today, water scarcity affects between 1 – 2 billion men, women and children, most of them living in the drylands. For these people, a lack of water controls every aspect of their lives.

In dry seasons, women and children typically spend 6 – 12 back-breaking hours each day collecting water for drinking, cooking, cleaning and washing, leaving precious little time and energy for anything else.

Mary Peter, Wendano wa Kithyululu self-help group member, told us:

"It takes me many hours to collect water from the river. It is really very far. There was no way out. I had no other option.”

But there is a simple, long-lasting solution. And with it, the chance to escape poverty, reduce disease and improve education.

It costs just £10 per person.

Please donate today and support drylands communities to harvest rainwater where it falls, creating a reliable source of water close to home.

The hours of time people save each day for farming, schooling and earning a living, completely transform their lives.