Sustainability of rainwater harvesting systems in rural catchment of Sub-Saharan Africa
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Date
2009-02-28
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Abstract
Sustainability of rainwater harvesting in enhancing water productivity in
various biophysical and socioeconomic conditions of SSA is a key in large scale
livelihood improvement. A study was undertaken in Makanya catchment of rural
Tanzania to assess sustainability of storage type of rainwater harvesting systems
including microdam, dug out pond, sub-surface runoff harvesting tank and rooftop
rainwater harvesting system. The increasing population in upstream areas of the
catchment has forced use of RWH systems for streams and river water abstraction.
The agricultural intensification in hillslopes has affected the water availability for
downstream uses. Rainfall variability, runoff quality and quantity, local skills and
investment capacity, labour availability and institutional support influence sustainability
of rainwater harvesting systems.
Description
Water Resour Manage 2009, Vol 23:2815–2839
Keywords
Sub-Saharan Africa, Makanya catchment, Rainwater harvesting, Sustainability, Water potential, Effective water use