Situation: Gansu, north-west part of China is a mountainous area where drought and lack of rainfall are prevalent. The harsh natural conditions severely limit the development of its agriculture and economy.

Impact: The livelihoods of these communities are affected by poor housing, pushing them further into poverty, affecting their health, wellbeing and living standards.

Response: 10 households living in inadequate houses with no labour and low income generation ability were provided with new houses. Providing improved living standards, alleviation of poverty and improving the local community.

Jiang, a 72year-old farmer lives in a rural village in the mountain areas of China with his wife. Most of his income comes from farming. However, his farm land is small and the weather conditions in the area are mostly drought, which limits his farming income.

The house Jiang has lived in for more than 50 years is an old cave house built by his father. The house is dilapidated and dangerous for living purposes, but Jiang and his family cannot afford to build a new house or move out. Jiang was one of the 10 beneficiaries in the Zhongtei Township, and received a new house built for him from the returns of Waqf shares. This project has helped up to 9 other families like Jiang’s by improving their living standards, livelihoods and quality of life.