Water Access That Supports Daily Life

In the cocoa growing communities of Meagui, Côte d'Ivoire, members of the SCAES cooperative recognized a critical need. They wanted to secure reliable access to clean water for their households. Previously, families depended on a nearby river and distant wells for their daily water. Supply was often inconsistent, and water quality remained largely unsafe, especially during the dry season. Collecting water demanded long walks and heavy physical effort. This daily burden fell mostly on women and children, while the unsafe water caused preventable illnesses throughout the community. Empowered to create lasting change, cooperative members invested Community Development Funds to prioritize the installation of a modern water pump. Since 2017, the producer-led committee has directed approximately $258,000 USD towards this vital project. The pump successfully draws safe, potable water directly from an underground aquifer. The community installed the pump close to homes to make daily use much more practical. Its thoughtful design allows women to fill containers while standing upright, even when carrying heavy containers on their heads. This immediately reduces physical strain and saves hours previously spent collecting water. Today, the water system serves approximately 10,000 beneficiaries. It directly improves local health by eliminating exposure to unsafe water sources. Irie Lou Cristiana, a community member, described the profound change. She said it gave women independence from men, reduced diseases, and meant they no longer relied on a distant well that often ran out of water during the dry season. This easier access significantly reduces daily workloads and fosters greater independence for women. It also helps families maintain healthy, stable routines for their households and their work.