Water Harvesting in Sub-Saharan Africa

Water Harvesting in Sub-Saharan Africa PDF

Author: William Critchley

Publisher: Routledge

Published: 2013-01-04

Total Pages: 219

ISBN-13: 1136273050

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Agriculture in Sub-Saharan Africa is constrained by highly variable rainfall, frequent drought and low water productivity. There is an urgent need, heightened by climate change, for appropriate technologies to address this problem through managing and increasing the quantity of water on farmers’ fields – water harvesting. This book defines water harvesting as a set of approaches which occupy an intermediate position along the water-management spectrum extending from in situ moisture conservation to irrigated agriculture. They generally comprise small-scale systems that induce, collect, store and make use of local surface runoff for agriculture. The authors review development experience and set out the state of the art of water harvesting for crop production and other benefits in Sub-Saharan Africa. This includes an assessment of water harvesting schemes that were initiated two or three decades ago when interest was stimulated by the droughts of the 1970s and 1980s. These provide lessons to promote sustainable development of dryland agriculture in the face of changing environmental conditions. Case studies from eight countries across Sub-Saharan Africa provide the evidence base. Each follows a similar format and is based on assessments conducted in collaboration with in-country partners, with a focus on attempts to promote adoption of water harvesting, both horizontally (spread) and vertically (institutionalization). Introductory cross-cutting chapters as well as an analytical conclusion are also included.

Innovative approaches to agricultural water use for improving food security in Sub- Saharan Africa

Innovative approaches to agricultural water use for improving food security in Sub- Saharan Africa PDF

Author: A. Inocencio

Publisher: IWMI

Published: 2003

Total Pages: 25

ISBN-13: 9290905085

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This paper provides an overview of innovative options for developing and using water for food production in sub-Saharan Africa (SSA) in light of the growing scarcity and competition for water resources. These options include rainwater harvesting, selective development of wetlands for agriculture, exploitation of shallow groundwater, and recycling urban waste. The options are largely based on low-cost individualized technologies, which lend themselves to private-sector promotion.Water-demand management approaches are also discussed.

Innovative Water Resource Use and Management for Poverty Reduction in Sub-Saharan Africa: An Anthology

Innovative Water Resource Use and Management for Poverty Reduction in Sub-Saharan Africa: An Anthology PDF

Author: Chanie, Paulos

Publisher: OSSREA

Published: 2014-04-03

Total Pages: 282

ISBN-13: 9994455753

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Like in many parts of the world, water resources in sub-Saharan Africa (SSA) have been pivotal for human survival, economic growth, social development, and practicing certain religion and cultural ethos. However, in spite of the intrinsic values of water, its use and management in sub-Saharan Africa has not been without limitations. The demand for water resources is increasing mainly due to rapid population growth, industrialization and urbanization and dealing with water-related issues has been complex and challenging for sustainable growth. Whilst there are various efforts by national governments, non-government organizations and communities to effectively and efficiently utilize and manage water resources, there are few comprehensive studies in sub- Saharan Africa that show the impact of the efforts on poverty reduction. Although certain reports indicate that many SSA countries lack clear vision on how water use can be harnessed with pro-poor growth and how poor communities can be capacitated to use water for poverty reduction, there are little exhaustive studies that clearly show familiar and innovative water use and management interventions followed by communities, national governments and other stakeholders, and demonstrate the challenges and successes of the same. Cognizant of the knowledge gap, in 2012 OSSREA launched a research project on ordinary and innovative water use and management patterns and practices in SSA, with a view to generate new knowledge on unexploited opportunities that could enhance the contribution of water resources to poverty reduction. This anthology documents various issues including water use and management in agriculture especially in irrigation projects in Ethiopia, Kenya, Uganda and Zimbabwe; water harvesting in Kenya and Uganda; the role of local water use institutions in Ethiopia; and water source maintenance and protection in Uganda.

Water Harvesting for Plant Production

Water Harvesting for Plant Production PDF

Author: Chris Reij

Publisher:

Published: 1988

Total Pages: 0

ISBN-13: 9780685600009

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This report examines specific water harvesting systems in sub-Saharan Africa. Case studies of thirteen systems from six different countries are presented, and conclusions are drawn under the headings of techniques and engineering, production, socio-economic and project management aspects. A number of projects throughout the region, set up in the 1980's, have included water harvesting components. However, there is a wide range of techniques, approaches and costs - and the impact of these projects varies considerably. The majority of systems introduced are for crop production, but there are examples of water harvesting to establish trees in dry areas and for rehabilitation of grazing land also. The need for voluntary participation in all stages of project development is highlighted. It is evident that without this participation there is little or no chance of widespread adoption. The importance of indigenous systems of water harvesting, and their potential role as a base for planning, is stressed in the conclusions.

Water Harvesting for Plant Production

Water Harvesting for Plant Production PDF

Author: Chris Reij

Publisher:

Published: 1988

Total Pages: 152

ISBN-13: 9780821319352

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This report examines specific water harvesting systems in sub-Saharan Africa. Case studies of thirteen systems from six different countries are presented, and conclusions are drawn under the headings of techniques and engineering, production, socio-economic and project management aspects. A number of projects throughout the region, set up in the 1980's, have included water harvesting components. However, there is a wide range of techniques, approaches and costs - and the impact of these projects varies considerably. The majority of systems introduced are for crop production, but there are examples of water harvesting to establish trees in dry areas and for rehabilitation of grazing land also. The need for voluntary participation in all stages of project development is highlighted. It is evident that without this participation there is little or no chance of widespread adoption. The importance of indigenous systems of water harvesting, and their potential role as a base for planning, is stressed in the conclusions.

Handbook of Water Harvesting and Conservation

Handbook of Water Harvesting and Conservation PDF

Author: Saeid Eslamian

Publisher: John Wiley & Sons

Published: 2021-04-19

Total Pages: 62

ISBN-13: 1119775981

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Water harvesting is gaining more and more recognition as the sustainable and resilient alternative to other water supply options. It is economically viable, socially compatible and environmentally friendly. Water harvesting has proven to be a robust solution to overcome or reduce water shortages all over the world. To apply this in a sustainable and effective way, it is important to understand exactly where it can be applied to make full use of its potential. The Handbook of Water Harvesting and Conservation: Case Studies and Application Examples is the most comprehensive, up-to-date and applied casebook on water harvesting and conservation yet published. The editors bring together the many perspectives into a synthesis that is both academically-based and practical in its potential applications. The Handbook of Water Harvesting and Conservation: Case Studies and Application Examples will be an important tool for education, research and technical works in the soil, water and watershed management area, and will be highly useful for drought strategy planning, flood management and adaptation to climate change in all urban, agricultural, forest, rangeland areas.

Smallholder Irrigation Technology

Smallholder Irrigation Technology PDF

Author: Melvyn Kay

Publisher: Food & Agriculture Org.

Published: 2001

Total Pages: 52

ISBN-13: 9789251045947

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This report is a view of irrigation technologies for smallholders in the context of improving rural livelihoods, especially in regard to the prospects for sub-Saharan Africa. The role of traditional technologies is evaluated and modern water distribution technologies, such as sprinkler and trickle irrigation, are reviewed. A broad classification has been made based on climate and the traditional agricultural background of the local people, which links technology options to specific places--to agricultural regions and to countries.