Rainwater harvesting

Rainwater harvesting takes several forms. Water can be harvested from rooftops, bare rock, sloping land or even from roads, and stored in ponds, reservoirs or tanks. Field structures can be used to increase storage of water in the soil. Such methods have a lot to offer rural populations. For dryland farmers they can make the difference between harvesting a crop and losing it, and can also be of great value in livestock production. For crop farmers, harvesting rainwater can enable production of high-value crops, such as fruits and vegetables. And simply by boosting the water holding capacity of their soils, farmers can increase their chances of producing a harvest, even if the rains finish early. This resource pack highlights successful rainwater harvesting by individuals and communities from across Africa.

Technical information, pack usage details, resources and full scripts (PDF Format)

Water harvesting pans for dry areas 5’48”

Pans are a simple method of storing water, particularly relevant for livestock farmers in arid areas.

Government support for upland rainwater harvesting 7’20”

Contour bunds or ridges are used to protect soils from erosion and conserve moisture in the soil.

Storm drains and level ditches 5’54”

On sloping land, storm ditches can protect land from erosion, while level ditches increase infiltration of rainwater runoff.

Contour ridges on steep slopes 2’53”

A farmer explains why he has built contour ridges on his land in a hilly area.

Helping the soil to hold more water 4’38”

Adding compost and farmyard manure to soil both increases fertility and soil health, and improves the water holding content.

Roof top rainwater collection 3’33”

A civil engineer explains how low-cost guttering and ponds can enable a family to harvest significant quantities of water from their roof.

Low cost water storage tanks and ponds 7’48”

Ponds and underground water tanks can store large quantities of water for domestic or agricultural purposes.

Drip irrigation – an efficient system of water use 4’26”

A farmer explains his system of using drip irrigation with harvested rainwater to grow vegetable crops.

A natural pumping system for rainwater 5’01”

Transporting water uphill without the need for a pump – a farmer explains his innovative system.