Rainwater Harvesting for Agriculture in the Dry Areas

Water shortage is one of the most critical topics at the global level. This volume examines methods and techniques of water harvesting to make more water available to humans and animals and for irrigation purposes in dry environments where rainwater is the only source of water. The book covers all aspects of water harvesting, from hydrology and technical aspects to socioeconomic and policy dimensions. With many photos and figures published for the first time, the book presents practical implementation in the field. It is of primary interest to policy-makers, engineers, and other professionals faced with these issues.

Dry areas suffer not only from limited rainfall but also ‘natural leakage’—90% of rainwater is lost directly or indirectly, and is unavailable for agriculture or domestic use. Water harvesting is a low-cost, easy-to-use, environmentally-friendly way to recover a large part of this lost water.

How does water harvesting work? Which sites or areas are best suited and how can these areas be identified? How to design, build and maintain a water harvesting system tailored to local needs? How can water harvesting contribute to combating land degradation, enhancing food security and adapting to climate change? This book provides the answers.

The book is based on many years of research, training and development by three of the world’s leading experts in water management and agriculture. It is authoritative, comprehensive, and easy to read, containing practical examples, many illustrations and little jargon. This volume will be of great interest to researchers, development workers, farmers, policymakers, students of the natural sciences—in fact, anyone interested in efficient, sustainable management of water resources and agriculture.