Knowledge and Practices for Rainwater Harvesting Technologies in Semi Arid Region of Mbeere North Sub County, Kenya

Abstract

Technology refers to the application of scientific knowledge for practical purposes and it is closely related to development throughout the world, in informal organisations, factories, and farming system. Adoption of technological production can assist a resource-poor country to overcome its natural handicaps and conversely a county which relies on its rich diversity of natural resources may stagnate and fall victim to the perils of underdevelopment. In Kenya, there is poor accessibility of viable safe drinking and nearly 70% of the people reside in rural areas whereby the main sources of livelihood are dependent on rainwater. This study examined knowledge and practices for adoption and utilisation of rainwater harvesting technologies in semi-arid region of Mbeere North sub-county, Kenya. More specifically the study examined sources of knowledge for rainwater harvesting technologies, factors that enable households adopt rainwater harvesting technologies, benefits of utilisation of rainwater harvesting technologies among households and the challenges faced by households in adopting rainwater harvesting technologies. The study found out that rainwater harvesting is essential for households both in rural and urban areas of Kenya and its largely practiced. The key factors influencing adoption and utilization of rainwater harvesting technologies include, the available knowledge about rain water harvesting RWH and some of the benefits that are as the result of adoption; water harvested is used for irrigation, for livestock, cooking, drinking, washing and too sold to non-harvesters or those that harvest less. Availability of capital and labor too contribute to the adoption of water harvesting technologies for farm and for domestic use. The study recommends the following; education and training of farmers on modern technologies of rainwater harvesting, emphasizes on community mobilization and sensitization about rainwater harvesting technologies, stresses on the need for more contact with agricultural extensions at the village level and to recommend that value chain analysis of crop production be undertaken.