Community Access to Water

Access to water in Mozambique, particularly in rural areas where JFS-RESET operates, remains a fundamental and urgent need. This reality highlights significant gender inequalities in the management of household resources. Women are responsible for 88% of water collection within households, followed by girls (6%). In contrast, the contribution of men and boys is minimal—3% and 1%, respectively. As a result, 93% of the workload related to water collection falls on women and girls.

This gender imbalance places a heavy physical and time burden on women, negatively affecting their participation in education and economic activities. In addition, access to water in Mozambique faces structural challenges, including lack of transparency, limited accountability, and low awareness of rights and responsibilities related to water, all of which hinder effective planning and community management.

Another major challenge is water treatment: 93% of households do not use any form of purification, making them highly vulnerable to waterborne diseases such as cholera, diarrheal illnesses, and parasitic infections. Only 5% boil water before consumption, and just 1% use filters or solar disinfection, highlighting a significant gap in water treatment solutions in rural areas.

JFS-RESET RESPONSE

In 2023, JFS-RESET launched the “Cotton for Safe Water” project with the support of the Aid by Trade Foundation, aiming to provide safe water access to local cotton-producing communities.

The initiative began in 2022 with the rehabilitation of Khomane Complete Primary School, benefiting students and their families. In 2023, it expanded to four communities in Cuamba district (Mepuata, Macuobazia, Nacussupa, Horonwana) and one urban locality in Metarica (Niputa).

These communities share a common challenge: many households must walk between 5 and 10 km to access water, often under unsafe and unsanitary conditions. The project focuses on creating safe and protected water sources, with accessible collection points and improved community management systems.

IMPACT

• Khomane school community has been equipped with safe water and sanitation solutions, benefiting students and teachers (2023);

• The project has already reached 5,500 people, including adults and children, across the newly supported communities;

• It is expected to significantly improve public health and gender equity indicators, by reducing time spent on water collection, promoting better hygiene, and preventing waterborne diseases.

This integrated model demonstrates that access to safe water is a fundamental right and that it is possible to promote health, equity, and sustainable development in remote areas of Mozambique through locally adapted and participatory solutions.

---

RESET is committed to the Sustainable Development Goals (SDGs). This study is linked to several SDGs. The SDGs, also known as the Global Goals, were adopted by the United Nations in 2015 as a universal call to action to end poverty, protect the planet, and ensure that by 2030 all people enjoy peace and prosperity.