Project summary
This project aimed to develop further and to promote the use of the Parched Thirst (PT) model, a support tool for planning and managing rainwater harvesting (RWH) systems, at District and National levels in East Africa. Another key objective was to provide users with sustainable technical support and the provision of hands- on training. The purpose of this project was to improve the integrated management of rainwater resources, by providing a robust tool for planning and managing rainwater harvesting systems.
Background
This research project built upon earlier projects funded by DFID/NRSP all of which were concerned with the development and promotion of rainwater harvesting in semi-arid Tanzania. These included the development and validation of a computer model (PARCHED-THIRST, V1.0), which was intended to assist planners, and development agencies, in the design and management of rainwater harvesting (RWH) systems. NRSP Project R7888, ‘Promotion of rainwater harvesting systems in Tanzania
– Phase 1’, confirmed the role of rainwater harvesting in improving the livelihoods of people living in the target areas, and NRSP project R7949, ‘PARCHED-THIRST model: Development of a client-friendly version 2.1’, supported the development of a user-friendly version of PT (V2.1), including the transfer of the source codes from the University of Newcastle (UK) to Sokoine University of Agriculture in Tanzania.
Objectives
- To obtain feedback from clients on Parched Thirst version 2.1.
- To produce an improved version of the Parched Thirst model (v2.4).
- To implementstrategies to ensure the sustainability of the Parched Thirst model.
Output
- Maize yield simulation under rain-fed and rainwater harvesting systems using Parched-Thirst model.
- Using PARCHED – THIRST software to match catchment area to cropping area in rainwater harvesting system: A case study of a field in Makanya Village in Same district.
- Using PARCHED–THIRST software to understand drought characteristics and planting dates for Morogoro peri-urban, Tanzania.
- Using the PARCHED–THIRST software to determine appropriate water management practices for maize production: A case study of Fulwe village in Morogoro District.
- A manual for virtual experiments in agriculture: The use of PARCHED- THIRST software in agricultural systems simulations.
- PT model as a tool for studying farming and conservation measures in high slope areas: A case study of Vidunda village in Kilosa district.
- Using the PT model to determine appropriate management for maize production. A case study of Fulwe Village in Morogoro District for Morogoro District.
