In Uganda, a simple yet transformative solution is improving lives: replacing dirt floors with affordable, sustainable clay-based alternatives. Dirt floors, common in many homes, can harbor parasites and contribute to respiratory issues due to dust.

Enter EarthEnable, a nonprofit organization operating in Uganda, Rwanda, and Kenya. They offer earthen floors made from local materials like murram, sand, and a flaxseed-based sealant. These floors cost about $65—approximately 70% less than concrete—and can be paid for in installments, making them accessible to low-income families.

Since 2017, EarthEnable has installed over 5,000 floors in Uganda. Beyond health benefits, the initiative creates jobs by training local masons, including marginalized youths, thereby fostering community development.

Beneficiaries like Simon Tigawalana and Rehema Namukose report improved health and hygiene for their families. This initiative not only addresses a housing deficit of 2.6 million units in Uganda but also offers a sustainable alternative to concrete, which contributes significantly to carbon emissions.

An innovative, low-cost solution that can have a profound impact on health, the environment, and economic empowerment.