Background
In most semi-arid areas, studies have shown that only a small fraction of rainwater reaches and remains in the root zone, long enough to be useful to crops.In recognition of the potential of rainwater harvesting (RWH) to improving water availability and land productivity in the semi-arid areas, efforts have been done to promote the use of the technology in Tanzania. In trying to promote the technology, one of the major challenges has been the identification of potential sites for RWH. It is on this basis this project was formulated.
Objectives
The main objective of the research was therefore to develop a methodology for identifying potential sites for RWH in order to improve water availability, and consequently land productivity. The specific objectives were to:
- Identify indigenous knowledge (IK) related to RWH
- Develop a decision support system (DSS) for identification of potential sites for RWH
- Test and validate the DSS
- Assess economic potentials of RWH
- Enhance capacity of targeted NGOs, extension staff, and district planners in spatial decision-making process related to RWH.
Outputs
- Mbilinyi B.P., S.D. Tumbo, H. F. Mahoo,E.M. Senkondo and N. Hatibu (2005). Indigenous Knowledge as Decision Support Tool in Rainwater Harvesting. Physics and Chemistry of the Earth 30, pg 792-798.
- Frank Onesmo Mkiramwinyi (2006). Identification of potential sites for rainwater harvesting using remote sensing and GIS in the Makanya catchment, Same district, northern Tanzania. MSc Thesis, Sokoine University of Agriculture, Morogoro, Tanzania (Unpublished).
