What Happens in the Next Decade Truly Matters
Climate change is intensifying seasonal monsoons. The population of Africa, primarily in large urban centers, is expected to double by 2050. There is no time like now. Terra Firma’s approach reduces catastrophic flooding and erosion while developing a clean water supply.
Terra Firma centers local experts, community leaders and community members within a Human-Centered Design process. We help local communities best manage the natural resources and lands they depend on while providing meaningful, community-centered business opportunities.
Terra Firma helps facilitate change envisioned by local people to find the best sustainable solutions for each community. Solutions look different in each area we serve, even in the same city. Local planning restrictions and community dynamics combined with variable terrain, infrastructure and location opportunities demand creative, flexible solutions.
We don’t pretend to have all the answers, but we have decades of experience in engineering and managing water as well as a willingness to listen, learn and support local ideas and innovation.
Rainwater Harvesting
Catching the Rain
Every resident benefits from collecting, storing and utilizing the vast amounts of rainfall that arrive during the rainy season. Because the majority of residential roofs in Kinshasa and Brazzaville are made from sheets of corrugated metal, Terra Firma has developed easy-to-install, affordable and adaptable gutter hangers that quickly attach to corrugated metal roofs. We work with engineers, manufacturers and homeowners to develop unique catchment and collection systems.
Terra Firma has developed an affordable roof clip and gutter system that is easy to install and maintain and will be manufactured locally.
Terra Firma is installing neighborhood-scale demonstration projects to show the effectiveness of rainwater collection systems. Residents are able to personally experience the benefits of using collected water for household and agriculture uses. As the number of household systems installed grows, the link between collecting and storing rainwater and subsequent reductions in runoff and life-threatening erosion will be clear.
Demonstration Projects
Education and Outreach
Getting the Word Out
We work with local university and community leaders to educate residents on the relationship of rain, drainage, erosion, household water and food supply. Our educators want every community member to clearly understand three critical aspects of water:
Urban growth creates more impermeable surfaces and an even greater need for stormwater management to control massive runoff during the monsoons.
Rainwater collection systems reduce runoff while providing domestic water and the opportunity for urban agriculture.
Climate change is intensifying the monsoons.
Seeing is Believing
As the big picture of monsoonal rains and catastrophic erosion comes into focus, individuals see clearly that the best decision for their household is also best for their community.
To create system and policy changes, Terra Firma is working with universities as well as local and regional governments to assist with large-scale stormwater master planning and sustainability projects. We link young student/experts in engineering and planning with local municipalities in dire need of technical expertise.
Economic Opportunities
Focus on Local Entrepreneurs
Terra Firma works with local businesses, community leaders and governments to solve water supply and urban flooding issues. Neighborhood demonstration projects show the functionality and effectiveness of rainwater collection while providing opportunities for local entrepreneurs to manufacture, install, and maintain systems. Supporting small businesses to grow the capacity to meet demand as installation projects expand will ensure long-term success for all.
Empowering Women
We recognize the gender disparity in income opportunities . Collected water allows for urban farming at the household-scale. Small plots that were once compacted bare ground can be converted to areas of high value crops to be consumed or sold at local farmer’s markets. This program follow in the footsteps of proven successes like the United Nation’s Growing Greener Cities initiative in Kinshasa, DRC.