Deadline: 21-Jun-2026
UNICEF is seeking applications to support community mobilization, sustainable sand dam construction, water access, climate resilience, and productive water use in southern Madagascar. The initiative combines community-led infrastructure development with livelihood enhancement through irrigated agriculture, efficient water management, market access, and long-term maintenance of water resources.
The programme is divided into two complementary components: sand dam infrastructure development and community mobilization, and the productive use of water for climate-resilient agriculture and sustainable livelihoods. Together, these interventions aim to improve water security, strengthen community resilience, and promote sustainable economic development in drought-prone areas.
Programme Overview
Southern Madagascar faces persistent challenges related to water scarcity, climate change, environmental degradation, and limited livelihood opportunities. To address these challenges, UNICEF is implementing a comprehensive initiative focused on sustainable water infrastructure and productive water utilization.
The programme supports community participation throughout all stages of implementation, from planning and construction to maintenance and long-term management. It aims to strengthen local ownership while improving access to water, sanitation, environmental sustainability, and climate-resilient agricultural production.
Focus Areas
The initiative supports activities related to:
- Community mobilization
- Water access and water security
- Sustainable sand dam construction
- Livelihood development
- Climate resilience
- Natural resource management
- Environmental protection
- Basic sanitation and hygiene
- Community participation
- Sustainable infrastructure maintenance
- Irrigated agriculture
- Climate-smart farming
- Efficient water management
- Capacity building
- Producer organization strengthening
- Market access and commercialization
- Environmental and social management
- Sustainable use of water resources
Understanding Sand Dams
A sand dam is a simple and sustainable water harvesting structure built across seasonal riverbeds. During rainy seasons, sand accumulates behind the dam and stores water within the sand layers.
Benefits of sand dams include:
- Improved year-round water availability
- Reduced vulnerability to drought
- Groundwater recharge
- Support for agriculture and livestock
- Improved community resilience
- Reduced water collection time
- Enhanced environmental sustainability
Sand dams are recognized as effective climate adaptation solutions in arid and semi-arid regions.
Programme Structure
The initiative consists of two independent but complementary lots.
Lot 1: Community Mobilization and Sand Dam Infrastructure Development
This component focuses on community engagement, construction of sand dams, environmental management, and long-term infrastructure sustainability.
Lot 2: Productive and Multi-Purpose Water Use
This component focuses on utilizing water resources generated through sand dams to strengthen livelihoods, support climate-resilient agriculture, improve market access, and build local economic opportunities.
Lot 1: Infrastructure Development and Community Mobilization
Administrative and Regulatory Preparation
Before construction begins, all required approvals and documentation must be completed.
Key requirements include:
- Approval from local authorities
- Environmental impact assessments
- Land-use agreements
- Written authorization from landowners
- Construction access approvals
- Future maintenance agreements
- Environmental compliance documentation
These measures ensure legal compliance and long-term sustainability.
Community Preparation and Engagement
Community participation forms the foundation of the project.
Activities include:
- Community awareness sessions
- Project orientation meetings
- Participatory planning exercises
- Stakeholder consultations
- Community sensitization campaigns
- Identification of local leaders and representatives
Communities are informed about project objectives, benefits, responsibilities, and expected outcomes.
Community Commitment Framework
A formal commitment process is established through:
- Signed responsibility charters
- Stakeholder agreements
- Community participation commitments
- Local authority endorsement
This approach strengthens accountability and local ownership.
Workforce Mobilization and Capacity Building
Local labor is identified, trained, and organized to participate directly in construction activities.
Activities include:
- Recruitment of community workers
- Skills development training
- Formation of work groups
- Daily task planning
- Supervised practical learning
This process helps build local technical capacity while creating community ownership.
Site Preparation and Operational Readiness
Before construction starts, operational conditions must be established.
Preparatory activities include:
- Road access development
- Material storage arrangements
- Site security measures
- Installation of sanitation facilities
- Establishment of safety systems
- Environmental protection measures
All construction sites must be fully operational before work begins.
Environmental and Social Safeguards
Environmental sustainability is integrated throughout the project.
Measures include:
- Anti-erosion planting
- Environmental risk mitigation
- Social risk management
- Environmental and Social Management Plan implementation
- Grievance redress mechanisms
- Community feedback systems
These safeguards help reduce environmental impacts and promote sustainable outcomes.
Procurement and Logistics
The programme ensures timely availability of construction materials and equipment.
Procurement activities include:
- Purchase of construction materials
- Equipment acquisition
- Tool distribution
- Transportation management
- Fuel supply management
- Inventory tracking
Communities also contribute locally available materials such as:
- Stones
- Sand
- Gravel
Transparent inventory systems ensure accountability throughout implementation.
Sand Dam Construction Activities
Construction takes place under the supervision of qualified technical experts.
Community members participate in:
- Foundation excavation
- Reservoir excavation
- Shallow well construction
- Material preparation
- Cement mixing
- Water provision for construction
- Site management activities
Through active participation, communities gain practical infrastructure management skills.
Post-Construction Activities
Following construction, communities continue participating in sustainability activities.
Key activities include:
- Site cleaning operations
- Infrastructure inspections
- Installation of India Mark pumps
- Plantation maintenance
- Environmental management activities
- Community refresher training
These actions help ensure long-term functionality of the infrastructure.
Operation and Maintenance Training
Communities receive training on:
- Sand dam operation
- Infrastructure maintenance
- Water resource management
- Environmental protection
- Preventive maintenance procedures
- Community governance mechanisms
This training strengthens local capacity to manage water infrastructure independently.
Lot 2: Productive and Multi-Purpose Water Use
Climate-Resilient Agriculture Development
The second component focuses on transforming water access into sustainable livelihood opportunities.
Activities include:
- Irrigated vegetable production
- Climate-smart agriculture
- Drought-resilient farming practices
- Water-efficient cultivation methods
- Agricultural diversification
These activities improve food security and household incomes.
Role of Bush Angels
Bush angels provide technical support and guidance to participating communities.
Their responsibilities include:
- Agricultural coaching
- Farmer mentoring
- Technical assistance
- Capacity development
- Water management guidance
They help communities maximize the benefits of improved water access.
Efficient Water Management
Producers are trained in:
- Water conservation techniques
- Equitable water distribution
- Irrigation efficiency
- Sustainable extraction practices
- Climate adaptation strategies
Effective water management is essential for long-term sustainability.
Producer Capacity Strengthening
The programme supports producer organizations through:
- Organizational development
- Leadership training
- Agricultural skills development
- Financial management training
- Cooperative strengthening
These interventions improve productivity and resilience.
Market-Based Approaches
The initiative promotes sustainable economic opportunities through:
- Market access support
- Collective marketing
- Value chain strengthening
- Commercialization strategies
- Producer group development
These activities help producers increase income and improve economic sustainability.
Management Committees
Local management committees are established to:
- Oversee infrastructure maintenance
- Promote responsible water use
- Coordinate community participation
- Monitor sustainability measures
- Support long-term governance
Strong local governance is critical to the success of the programme.
Who Is Eligible?
The initiative is intended for organizations with expertise in:
- Community mobilization
- Water infrastructure development
- WASH programming
- Environmental management
- Climate resilience
- Agricultural development
- Livelihood strengthening
- Capacity building
- Community-based development
- Natural resource management
Potential applicants may include:
- Non-governmental organizations (NGOs)
- Civil society organizations
- Development organizations
- Community development institutions
- Environmental organizations
- Agricultural development agencies
Applicants should demonstrate experience working in rural and climate-vulnerable communities.
Why This Programme Matters
Southern Madagascar remains highly vulnerable to drought, water scarcity, food insecurity, and climate-related shocks.
This initiative helps:
- Improve water security
- Strengthen climate resilience
- Enhance agricultural productivity
- Support sustainable livelihoods
- Increase community ownership
- Improve environmental sustainability
- Strengthen local governance systems
- Reduce vulnerability among rural populations
The programme combines infrastructure development with economic empowerment, creating long-term and sustainable development outcomes.
How to Apply
Step 1: Review Programme Requirements
Carefully assess the objectives, activities, and implementation requirements of both programme lots.
Step 2: Assess Organizational Capacity
Demonstrate experience in:
- Infrastructure development
- Community engagement
- Environmental management
- Agricultural support
- Capacity building
Step 3: Develop a Technical Proposal
Outline:
- Implementation strategy
- Community mobilization approach
- Environmental safeguards
- Capacity-building activities
- Sustainability plans
Step 4: Prepare a Budget
Include:
- Procurement costs
- Training costs
- Staffing requirements
- Logistics arrangements
- Monitoring and evaluation activities
Step 5: Submit Application
Complete all application requirements and provide supporting documentation as requested by UNICEF.
Tips for a Strong Application
- Demonstrate experience with community-led infrastructure projects.
- Include a clear sustainability strategy.
- Highlight environmental management expertise.
- Show experience in climate-resilient agriculture.
- Present realistic implementation timelines.
- Include strong community participation mechanisms.
- Demonstrate capacity for monitoring and reporting.
Common Mistakes to Avoid
- Insufficient community engagement planning.
- Weak environmental management strategies.
- Lack of sustainability measures.
- Incomplete risk management approaches.
- Unrealistic implementation schedules.
- Limited experience in water infrastructure projects.
- Weak monitoring and evaluation frameworks.
Frequently Asked Questions (FAQ)
What is the main goal of this initiative?
The programme aims to improve water security, strengthen climate resilience, support sustainable livelihoods, and promote community ownership through sand dam construction and productive water use.
What are the two programme lots?
Lot 1 focuses on community mobilization and sand dam infrastructure development, while Lot 2 focuses on productive water use, agriculture, and livelihood development.
What is a sand dam?
A sand dam is a water-harvesting structure that stores water within accumulated sand, providing reliable access to water during dry periods.
Who participates in construction activities?
Local communities actively participate in construction under the supervision of qualified technical experts.
What happens after construction is completed?
Communities receive training on operation, maintenance, environmental management, and sustainable water use to ensure long-term functionality.
How does the programme support livelihoods?
The programme promotes irrigated agriculture, climate-resilient farming, producer organization development, and improved market access.
Why are management committees important?
Management committees oversee infrastructure maintenance, water governance, sustainability measures, and community participation.
Conclusion
UNICEF’s Southern Madagascar Sand Dam and Sustainable Water Use Initiative combines climate-resilient infrastructure, community mobilization, environmental stewardship, and livelihood development to address water insecurity and vulnerability. Through community-led construction, sustainable resource management, agricultural development, and market-based approaches, the programme aims to create long-lasting improvements in water access, food security, resilience, and economic opportunities for rural communities across southern Madagascar.
For more information, visit UN Partner Portal.