Improving Household Agriculture with Roof-Harvested Rainwater: A Case Study in Sydney and Nairobi

Caleb Christian Amos,Ataur Rahman,Mohammad A Alim,Sayka Jahan,John Mwangi Gathenya

doi:10.3390/w13202920

Caleb Christian Amos, Ataur Rahman + Show 3 more

Open Access

https://doi.org/10.3390/w13202920

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Abstract

The production and distribution of a sufficient quantity of food and water of satisfactory quality is at the heart of sustainable development. At the small domestic scale, roof-harvested rainwater can make a significant contribution to food supply and distribution systems (production, handling, storage, and transportation). In this paper, we compare the potential crop production of a small garden plot using three methods of watering: (1) rainfed only with no irrigation; (2) irrigated with the ideal amount of water; and (3) rainwater tanks of various sizes installed and used to irrigate the plot. Yield was determined on the basis of the yield calculation method presented in FAO 33. It was found that yields can be increased considerably by installing a correctly managed rainwater storage system (RSS). A 3 kL RSS connected to a 120 m2 roof can increase yields in Nairobi from 40 kg to 96 kg. In Sydney, a larger roof of 200 m2 can increase yields from 66 kg to 143 kg. This study makes an important contribution to water and food security-related sustainable development goals.

Highlights

Freshwater scarcity is one of the prime challenges that the world is currently facing [1].The increased stress on water supply systems due to rapid population growth, accelerated urbanization, and climate change—along with improved socio-economic development—has increased the demand for both potable and non-potable water [2]
It should be noted that this study found a huge variety in the yields of home gardens, ranging from 0.44 to 22 kg/m2, which is in line with the range of 0.22 to
It has been suggested that each person requires 18.5 m2 of land to provide their fruit and vegetable needs [42], which is in agreement with the findings presented here

Summary

Introduction

Freshwater scarcity is one of the prime challenges that the world is currently facing [1].The increased stress on water supply systems due to rapid population growth, accelerated urbanization, and climate change—along with improved socio-economic development—has increased the demand for both potable and non-potable water [2]. The increased stress on water supply systems due to rapid population growth, accelerated urbanization, and climate change—along with improved socio-economic development—. Changes in rainfall patterns and increased drought days due to climate change have affected numerous countries including Australia, where freshwater scarcity has become a subject of concern [4,5]. Scientists and professionals around the world have been searching for alternative options to satisfy the increasing demand for water in a sustainable way. In this regard, the effective and well-planned harnessing of rainwater can ease the burden on water supply systems and eventually support smarter water use [6]

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Conclusion