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2018 | OriginalPaper | Chapter

Adaptations in Water Harvesting Technologies for Enhancing Food Security and Livelihood: A Multi-country Study in Sub-Saharan Africa

Authors : D. Snelder, F. Kahimba, O. Korodjouma, A. Abebe, E. Oughton, L. Bunclark, R. Lasage

Published in: Rainwater-Smart Agriculture in Arid and Semi-Arid Areas

Publisher: Springer International Publishing

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Abstract

The objective of this paper was to examine farmer-directed technology adaptation of selected water harvesting technologies (WHTs) in order to enhance their potential contribution to food security and livelihood improvement in sub-Saharan Africa. The selected WHTs included micro- and meso-scale reservoirs that store water in the soil (in situ) or in a reservoir, respectively: household ponds in Ethiopia, ndiva systems in Tanzania and combinations of mechanized zaï, grass strips and bunds in Burkina Faso. The impact of non-adapted WHTs was below expectation. Although WHTs improved yields, most families were unable to meet their (nutritional) food needs every year and experienced limited or no long-term effects on sustainable livelihood. The lining of household ponds and conveyance canals with durable materials gave promising results, yet needs economic consideration; a minimum investment may form a barrier particularly to resource-poor farmers. Incorporation of the location-specific nature of farming and livelihoods into WHT interventions is recommended, along with incentive measures to support farmers including the provision of access to credits and inputs for agricultural production.

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Metadata
Title
Adaptations in Water Harvesting Technologies for Enhancing Food Security and Livelihood: A Multi-country Study in Sub-Saharan Africa
Authors
D. Snelder
F. Kahimba
O. Korodjouma
A. Abebe
E. Oughton
L. Bunclark
R. Lasage
Copyright Year
2018
DOI
https://doi.org/10.1007/978-3-319-66239-8_6