Global Water Challenge and Cargill Improve Clean Water Access for 150,000 People in Water-Stressed Regions

Cargill Currents Partnership Benefits 150,000 through Clean Water Access and Community Empowerment

WASHINGTON--(BUSINESS WIRE)--Today Cargill and Global Water Challenge (GWC) announced an important milestone of improving access to safe drinking water for more than 150,000 people through their Cargill Currents partnership.

Spanning five continents, Cargill Currents’ achievements demonstrate the power of strategic partnerships and collective action in addressing critical issues in water-stressed regions.

Cargill Currents, a joint initiative of Global Water Challenge and Cargill, tackles water challenges in priority communities through adaptable solutions tailored to local needs. The partnership supports Cargill’s global ambition to enable a water positive impact in its operations, supply chains and communities – significantly contributing to Cargill’s goal of improving access to safe drinking water and sanitation for 500,000 people by 2030.

To date, Cargill Currents has:

• Improved water, sanitation and hygiene (WASH) access for over 150,000 people in 87 communities across Brazil, Cameroon, Côte d’Ivoire and Ghana.
• Empowered over 50,000 women through time savings, skills-building and income-generating activities – a key focus of the project as women are disproportionately impacted by water scarcity.
• Increased water security in rural Gujarat, India, benefiting over 120 acres of land and improving the livelihoods of over 600 women through training in income-generating activities.

“Access to clean water is essential for building resilient and sustainable communities. By reaching 150,000 individuals with improved water access, we are not only addressing critical water challenges but also boosting climate resiliency, strengthening farmers’ livelihoods and empowering women. Achieving this milestone is a testament to the power of our partnership with Global Water Challenge. Together, we are leveraging our combined expertise and resources to drive meaningful and scalable impact around the world,” said Pilar Cruz, Cargill's Chief Sustainability Officer.

As water challenges vary across regions, the partnership’s success lies in its local approach, targeting specific water needs such as water access, availability and quality issues in priority communities.

In Cameroon, elementary school student Marguerite (featured in picture) has benefitted from Cargill Currents through the construction of a new mechanized borehole and water purification that provides access to clean drinking water for students and teachers at her school. “Before, we often had to leave class to go and fetch water from the stream – the long journey was so tiring. But now, with the new borehole, we have access to water at all times. It makes such a difference,” said Marguerite. The teachers at Marguerite’s school have also seen the positive effects of the borehole, reporting that students spend more time in class, are healthier and miss fewer days of school, contributing to an overall improvement in their education and well-being.

In addition to building more enabling environments for communities and women to thrive through improved WASH and clean water infrastructure, the partnership creates opportunities for more resilient food systems, enhancing food security for more sustainable livelihoods. From successful income-generating initiatives in cassava flour production and soap-making by women in Cameroon, to promoting kitchen gardens among women farmers in India, Cargill Currents’ activities are designed to alleviate the socio-economic effects of water stress while delivering tailored, entrepreneurial and financial skills, and water-smart agricultural training.

“We celebrate this important milestone together with our many local partners and communities around the world. The success of our partnership is made possible by them and by Cargill’s unwavering commitment to addressing water security challenges. We look forward to having more impact together,” said Monica Ellis, GWC’s CEO.

With active projects in Brazil, Bulgaria, Cameroon, Côte d’Ivoire, Ghana, India and the U.S., Cargill Currents will expand to additional countries in the coming years. Through a strong network of local partners, GWC and Cargill are building on their progress together – prioritizing sustainable solutions that benefit both people and ecosystems while helping communities adapt to local water challenges.

Learn more about Cargill’s global water ambition here.

About Cargill

Cargill is committed to providing food, ingredients, agricultural solutions and industrial products to nourish the world in a safe, responsible and sustainable way. Sitting at the heart of the supply chain, we partner with farmers and customers to source, make and deliver products that are vital for living.

Our approximately 160,000 employees innovate with purpose, providing customers with life’s essentials so businesses can grow, communities prosper and consumers live well. With 160 years of experience as a family company, we look ahead while remaining true to our values. We put people first. We reach higher. We do the right thing—today and for generations to come. For more information, visit Cargill.com and our News Center.

Global Water Challenge (GWC)

Global Water Challenge (GWC) is a sector leader in mobilizing clean water access, advancing water security and community empowerment in high need regions around the world. Since 2005, GWC has positively impacted more than 3 million people across Africa, the Americas and Asia with improved WASH delivery while providing critical tools, data and best practices to reach millions more. With our 100+ multi-sector partners, we engage for action – catalyzing financial resources and driving innovative programming for sustainable, local solutions. For more information, please visit globalwaterchallenge.org.