Strengthening the water autonomy of Indigenous households in the Sierra Mazateca, Oaxaca

Rural Indigenous women and their families face a daily struggle to find water in the Sierra Mazateca of Oaxaca. Women often walk up to four hours each day to haul a mere five gallons of water home for use for the whole family. The rugged environment and lack of roads or electricity has made it impossible to install standard water pipes.

The IAF supports innovative solutions for consistent access to clean water.

Our grantee Lluvia para todos A.C. (Isla Urbana) is working with local leaders and residents to provide rooftop rainwater harvesting systems to Indigenous families in the Sierra Mazateca.

It is also training a network of local rainwater harvesting technicians to install, monitor, maintain, and repair systems.

With access to clean water, families health and sanitation will improve and women can dedicate their time to other activities that improve the wellbeing of their children, families, and community.