People and water : social soundness analysis for the Mandara mountains water resources project for USAID-Yaounde

Analysis is based on site visits and interviews with potential project beneficiaries. An investigation of 21 of 47 dam sites revealed that 10 are questionable for various reasons. Increased vegetable and fruit cultivation associated with the dams is expected to improve the nutrition of villagers. Fish raised in dam reservoirs are also expected to be nutritionally significant. Economic benefits may result for both men and women through the better use of time during the dry season. However, unless actions are taken, project benefits will be overshadowed by the known negative impact of health problems associated with stagnant water. Further, survival of the dams will depend on regular and efficient maintenance, requiring the services of a year-round watchman, regular and professional checks by the Genie Rural, and voluntary villager participation in routine dam and well cleaning. To improve project performance, it is recommended that: wells independent of the dams be placed outside the dams" radii of influence; wells with filtering systems be linked to reservoirs to minimize health problems; reliable nylon cord and metal bucket pulley systems be fixed to the wells; strong thorn fences be placed around the reservoirs; construction begin in the Maka and Podokwo areas because of their immediate need for water; the 10 questionable dam sites be reconsidered and the remaining 26 sites be studied; villagers be paid for their participation in construction; construction take place in the dry season; hiring of laborers be restricted to participating villages; voluntary labor be recruited for dam maintenance; the Genie Rural be upgraded to ensure professional dam maintenance; health campaigns be organized to sensitize villagers to the better and more efficient use of water; an aquaculture project be seriously studied; and a continuous monitoring and assessment study be undertaken during and after the completion of the first several dams.