Watering Hope: Fatima’s journey from despair to becoming a green champion
Fatima, a mother, wife, and now a thriving farmer in Dumne, Adamawa State, reflects on the transformation in her life thanks to the USAID-funded Small-Town WASH (STWASH) Activity. “Before STWASH came, life wasn’t easy. We relied on water vendors for drinking and cooking. Sometimes, when we could not afford to buy water, we trekked long distances to fetch it from the central well. Even then, the water was not always clean. And during the rainy season, we would collect rainwater, which was often dirty. We had no choice but to use it.” Fatima highlighted.
Fatima often worried about how to ensure her family had safe, healthy food to eat. She said “I depended on market sellers for raw food items to cook for my family. The problem was that I never knew how the food was grown or processed. In the market, sellers want to make a profit, and sometimes they mix chemicals to speed up the growth of crops or increase their size. For example, many people use carbide to ripen bananas quickly, which is harmful to the body. And this was just one example. Often, my family would fall ill with food poisoning or other sicknesses after eating food from the market.”
Life changed when STWASH identified Dumne as a community in need and built a 50,000-liter water borehole facility. The water was not only accessible from multiple points but also piped directly into homes, including Fatima's. “It was like a miracle,” Fatima said. “Suddenly, I had clean water right in my compound. I didn’t have to worry about where our drinking or cooking water would come from anymore.”
With the constant supply of clean water, Fatima decided to start farming. She said “I thought, if I have clean water, why not use it to plant my own food? I started with zogele (moringa), guava, groundnut, and aloe vera with the intention to expand further. I recently planted ayaba (banana). Now, I don’t have to depend on market sellers. I know exactly what my family is eating, and it is all organic.”
Having her own garden has transformed the health and well-being of her family. “Since we started eating the food I grow, we are healthier. My children are no longer getting sick from contaminated food. We eat organic vegetables, and I am sure they are safe. This has given me peace of mind.” Fatima said joyfully.
Fatima’s small farm also benefits her neighbors. “I share what I harvest with others in the community, especially orphans and other mothers. It is my way of giving back because just like STWASH gave us clean water, I feel I should give back by sharing the fruits of my labor.”
But for Fatima, the story doesn’t end there. She is also mindful of the environment. “Every plant I grow is part of the bigger picture. They clean the air, help the soil, and contribute to a healthier climate. If more people planted, we could improve the environment in our community and the world. Imagine what could happen if every home had a garden.”
Encouraging others, Fatima says, “Water is a gift, and with it, we can grow not only food but also opportunities. I urge other women to plant, even if it is small. It helps the family, saves money, and is good for the earth.”
Fatima’s journey from relying on contaminated water and questionable market produce to becoming a self-sustaining farmer shows the broader impact of STWASH. The clean water provided did not just solve immediate needs, it empowered women like Fatima to take control of their health, finances, and future.
In her words, “STWASH gave us water, but it gave us hope and a better life for our families.” Through water, farming, and community, Fatima’s life now embodies sustainability, health, and growth, benefiting not only her family but also the environment.
About STWASH
The Nigeria Small Town WASH Activity (STWASH) is a 5-year program funded by USAID and implemented by Mercy Corps in partnership with WaterAid in Borno, Yobe, and Adamawa states.
The program aims to strengthen the capacity and accountability of key institutions to provide and sustain access to water and sanitation services for 140,000 individuals in small towns across northeastern Nigeria.
The program will facilitate the economic recovery of crisis-affected communities and strengthen the capacity of state governments in providing essential WASH services, while creating and sustaining an enabling environment for Small Towns Water Supply and Sanitation Agencies (STWSSAs) and Water Consumers Associations (WCAs) to operate.
The small towns where the program is being implemented include Mandara Abdu of Biu LGA, Wagini/Anguwan Baba Adamu of Shani LGA, and Kwaya of Kwayakusar LGA; Dumne of Song LGA, Vinikilang of Girei LGA, and Gangarasso-Sangassumi of Ganye LGA; Lailai of Potiskum LGA, and Kelluri of Geidam LGA.