Managing Water

by Brandon Lundy, Săo Domingos, Cape Verde

On the islands of Cape Verde, the cămaras (local government) manages the water supply by regulating the amount that can be pumped from the ground by farmers and individuals. The cămaras also distributes water, and helps farmers build wells, irrigation canals, and rock walls. The government also helps keep the desalination plant in working order.

Since many working-age men migrate from Cape Verde to work abroad, women head most families. Therefore, women are responsible for distributing water within their households.