The Face of Water - Samburu

PhotographerRudi Dundas
PrizeSilver in Fine Art / People_FA
Entry Description

The Face of Water Drinking water is life’s most basic need. Yet nearly a billion people on our planet do not have access to it. For the past five years I have traveled to over 15 countries making portraits of the people affected by lack of clean water, including the Samburu in Northern Kenya, whose portraits here bring a human face to the story of how each person has been affected by the water crisis. The Samburu of NW Kenya are traditionally nomadic, but the government has settled them so that they can be taxed and documented. Now when there is drought, they can no longer move to another area. Young girls walk many hours every day carrying 43 lb. jerry cans on their backs to bring water for the family. Deep tube wells must be dug to supply the water that they need to survive. With well water, the Samburu are learning to make drip irrigation gardens, and grow their own food for the first time in their history. The face portrays the grace and nobility of culture, to show the human side of this crisis.