RAINWATER HARVESTING IN ARID AND SEMI-ARID LANDS OF AFRICA: CHALLENGES AND OPPORTUNITIES

Abstract

Aim of the study: Arid and semi-arid lands often face a shortage of freshwater due to uncontrolled runoff. In arid and semi-arid regions of Africa, rainwater harvesting is a promising solution that can be implemented for multiple purposes such as agriculture, recreation, flood control, and drinking water. This study highlighted numerous benefits of rainwater harvesting that can bridge the gap between water demand and availability. Although water scarcity remains a major constraint to life and economic development, it is an obvious fact that arid and semi-arid regions of Africa are slowly adopting effective rainwater harvesting measures. In arid and semi-arid areas of Africa limited knowledge and experiences regarding rainwater harvesting systems coupled with financial inadequacies, inexistence of feasibility studies, lack of understanding among farmers, and resistance to new technologies pose challenges. The present work highlights the benefits, opportunities and challenges associated with rainwater harvesting in arid and semi-arid lands of Africa. Based on the findings on benefits and challenges of water harvesting in arid and semi-arid lands of Africa, the present study recommends that policymakers should invest in mass education to adopt rainwater harvesting as complement to traditional water sources, engage experts to comprehensively design infrastructure for rainwater harvesting using necessary techniques that will optimise collection and storage. To make progress, further research is needed to identify potential zones for runoff harvesting, and rainwater harvesting should be integrated with the much-needed green revolution and climate change adaptations for land reclamation.