Water Harvesting Techniques Research Articles

Selection of Rainwater Harvesting Sites by Using Remote Sensing and GIS Techniques: A Case Study of Dawa Sub Basin Southern Ethiopia

Water is one of the vital requirements for life, economic and social development. Water scarcity affects the environmental, economic and developmental activities of an area. The rainfall in the sub-basins is often very local, erratic, unreliable and unevenly distributed over the whole area of Dawa sub-basin. The pastoral and agro-pastoral communities are usually vulnerable to drought. The present study was an attempt to describe the state of Rain Water Harvesting (RWH) techniques and the contribution of Remote Sensing and GIS technologies for this RWH in the Dawa Sub basin. The study was conducted using physiographic factors of Dawa sub basin. Landsat image with spatial resolution 30m were used to identify LU/LC types. The thematic layers used were land use/land cover, slope, soil, drainage and runoff from derived from Landsat and collateral data. The image processing software Erdas IMAGINE and GIS software were used to process the image and to establish a geo information system by comprising digital data set of satellite image, topography, soil, metrology, drainage density and metrology. This data was used to study RWH was used to study the watershed network in the Dawa sub basin and to identify areas generally suitable for water harvesting in order to determine water harvesting techniques for those sites. Analytical Hierarchy Process (AHP) was used to calculate weighting and the analysis result indicates that the sub-basin supports promising opportunity for the establishment and development of RWH structures. From the total area of 17,402.7 km², The GIS evaluation predicts that 3,092.342 km² (22.853%) is extremely suitable, 4,524.221 km² (33.435%) is very suitable, 2,968.685 km² (21.939%) is suitable, 1,988.986 km² (14.7%) is less Suitable and 957.18 km² (7.07%) is not suitable for RWH.

Assessing the Use of Hillside Rainwater Harvesting Ponds on Agricultural Production, a Case of Unicoopagi Cooperative Union

This research was conducted on the assessment of the use of hillside rainwater harvesting ponds on Agricultural Production in Unicoopagi cooperative union located in Nyamigina cell, Tare sector of Nyamagabe District. The research involved both primary and secondary data. The primary data was collected using questionnaire, interview and observation while secondary data was derived from existing document dealing with rainwater harvesting pond at national and worldwide. The results from collected data showed that the level of adoption of rain water harvesting ponds was used by 51.5% farmers; the main reason of failing level of RWH ponds is due to small plot size of farmers; and the main factors contributing to the use of this technology include land acquisition and irrigation. It is further revealed that the use of rain water harvesting pond impacted positively; the agriculture production on 0.5 hectares per 4 years, has generated the income of 17,772,800 Rwandan Francs for non-irrigated plot, while the same plot irrigated with the use of rain water harvested the income increased up to 20,296,450 Rwandan Francs. Beside this rain water harvesting ponds has some observed negative effect among water users that include social conflicts, accident and breeding of mosquitoes with percentage equivalent to 41%, 27% and 32% respectively. The analysis of variance (ANOVA) results show that the amount of agriculture production and generated income was significantly different between adopted and non-adopted rain water harvesting techniques. The implication of these findings is that the adoption of rainwater harvesting ponds presents a way forward for reducing rural poverty. With the increase of rainfall variability and evaporation due to climate change, rain water harvesting will become a key intervention in adaptation and in reducing vulnerabilities of crop water stress. Therefore, extent knowledge in RWH techniques needs to be considered as an important, manageable resource in water management policies, strategies and plans. Considering that farmer’s perception in increasing crop yield is due to rain water harvesting, this will encourage the adoption of this techniques. Thus for the RWH techniques to be effective and bring higher return to farmers, it should goes hand in hand with other improved agriculture Techniques and Agro- inputs uses such as Land consolidation, improved seeds, pesticide and fertilizers.

Effects of water harvesting and organic fertilizer on vineyard (Vitis vinifera L.) yield and soil moisture content under arid conditions

Water harvesting techniques increase the amount of rainfall per unit area, directing the rainwater to the crop area. The rain water is stored in the soil profile with mulch and similar applications and helps the plant to benefit during the arid periods. Water harvesting techniques can be supported with mulching and fertilizing practices in order to crop yield increase. This study was carried out on 20 years old vineyard in farmers' garden in 2015 - 2016, produced on dry conditions, with economical prescription for Kilis province. Four different doses of leonardite fertilizer were applied in combination with soil bund rainwater harvesting in the experiment. The highest soil moisture was obtained from 370 mm to 7 kg/vineyard leonardite application. The maximum plant water consumption was determined to be 389.5 mm on average from the application of 7 kg/vineyard fertilizer. The minimum plant water consumption was obtained from the control with 310.7 mm. In terms of yield, there was no difference between 5 and 7 kg/vineyard leonardite fertilizer.

Water harvesting technologies in semi-arid and arid areas

With the increases in world population, the demand for natural resource like water also increases. Groundwater and surface resources have been used are being utilized quicker than they could be replaced. Thus, water harvesting is an exercise that has been implemented by several countries as a feasible means of water management techniques. The aim of this paper is to review of literature on various types of water harvesting technologies available in different semi-arid and arid areas; to show features of water harvesting technology use and storage mechanisms; and to overview major pros and cons of water harvesting. It is concluded that since there are various water harvesting techniques with their unique characteristics, pros, and cons, it is always crucial to take the local context in to account where the water harvesting techniques are implemented.

Studying Rain Water Catchment Potentialities in the Northwest Coast of Egypt Using Remote Sensing and Geographic Information System

Sustainable agricultural development of the desert areas of Egypt under the scarcity of irrigation water is a significant national challenge. Existing water harvesting techniques on the northwest coast of Egypt do not ensure the optimal use of rainfall for agricultural purposes. Basin-scale hydrology potentialities were studied to investigate how available annual rainfall could be used in agriculture irrigation to increase crop production. The present study includes data related to agricultural production in the form of geospatial layers including climate, soil, land covers unite and rain water catchment areas. Thematic classification of Sentinal-2 imagery was carried out to produce the land cover and crop maps following based on the (FAO) system of land cover classification. Contour lines and spot height points were used to create a digital elevation model (DEM). Then, DEM was used to delineate basins, sub-basins, and water outlet points using the Soil and Water Assessment Tool (Arc SWAT). Main soil mapping units of the study area identified from Land Master Plan maps it was(Very shallow gravelly and rocky soils and barren rock). Climatic data collected from the Central Laboratory for Climate. The results showed that the study area receives a significant amount of precipitation almost every three years, however, water harvesting methods are inappropriate to store water to be used in agricultural during drought seasons. The amount of precipitation(81.9 mm), surface water runoff(4.46 mm), potential evapotranspiration(70.5 mm), and actual evapotranspiration(7.10 mm) for the years (2004 to 2017) shown as results of (Arc SWAT). The land cover map showed that tree crops (olive and fig) cover 195.8 km2 when herbaceous crops (barley and wheat) cover 154 km2. The maximum elevation was 250 meters above sea level while the lowest one was -3 meters below sea level. The study area receives a massive variable amount of precipitation; however, water harvesting methods are inappropriate to store water for purposes.

Rainwater harvesting: Practiced potential for Integrated Water Resource Management in drought-prone Barind Tract, Bangladesh

Present study aims to aid for sustainable management plan of the study area by assessing the potentiality of Integrated Water Resource Management (IWRM) following Bangladesh Water Act (BWA) 2013 and implementing its pilot model through Rain Water Harvesting (RWH) technique as a scientific outcome. The livelihood in the area is at high risk due to drought-situation and expansion of groundwater based irrigated agriculture over the last decade. The stream network and watersheds have been delineated for assessing the potentiality of surface water conservation. The implemented RWH process includes technologically modified dug well recharge and recharge well, runoff water conservation in re-excavated ponds, Kharies along with constructed check dam, and Beels. The annual bimodal distribution of rainfall has high harvesting potentiality during rainy season along with direct runoff amount of 1215 mm. The total harvested amount of rainfall from rooftop, settlement area and cultivated area are 9670869 m3, 145329128 m3 and 730431628 m3 respectively with total amount of 885431625 m3.The total harvested amount of rainfall and runoff water can fulfill 71% of the total water demand of household and agriculture. After implementation of MAR technique situation started to reverse, that is GWT started rising in response to the augmented groundwater recharge artificially. Analyzed physical, chemical and bacteriological parameters of groundwater quality for pre- and post- MAR technique application stages found suitable for drinking purpose. Before implementation of surface water management scheme water was available for three to five months but after implementation it is round the year. Moreover, the implemented RWH schemes and cross dam, reduce pressure on groundwater withdrawal and provide benefits to farmers particularly women for domestic uses, pisciculture, duck rearing etc., pinpoint '4R' principles of IWRM. Beneficiaries are happy about the inclusiveness and sustainability of schemes with most positive attitude for IWRM practice in study area.

Effect of Different Moisture Harvesting Techniques on Seedling Survivals and Growth of Trees in Degraded Lands of Southern Tigray

Tree planting on degraded lands play a key role in forest rehabilitation processes through afforestation and/or reforestation. Moisture harvesting structures (MHSs) has significant impact on seedling survivals at degraded lands. The objectives of this study were to investigate the impact of water harvesting techniques on seedling survival and growth performance of trees. Field experiments were conducted for two rainy seasons in southern Tigray, Atsela watershed. The experimental design followed was the split plot design. The MHSs as main plot used were eye-brow basins (EBs), micro trench (MTs), improved pit (IPs) and as control normal pit (NPs). The tree species grown as subplots were Eucalyptus camaldulensis, Grevillea robusta, Olea europaea and Cupressus lusitanica. The four tree species were planted by using seedlings. The tree survival rate, height, crown width (CW) and root collar diameter (RCD) of the four tree species were measured every six months after transplanting. The result shows that MHSs were significant in tree seedling height, CW and RCD but not in tree survival rate. Tree seedling height and CW grown in EBs were significantly higher than those grown in MTs, IPs and NP (P≤0.05). RCD of tree seedling was higher when grown in EBs than NP (control) (P≤0.05). The interaction of tree species seedlings and MHSs shows that those seedlings grown on MHSs were significantly thicker, taller and more survived than those grown on the NPs (control) (P≤0.05). So based on the experiments, it is concluded that MHSs particularly the eyebrow basin was considered as the most appropriate planting pit. Therefore, further demonstration of eyebrow basin tree planting should be carried out.

Effect of traditional check dams (jessour) on soil and olive trees water status in Tunisia

In the arid regions of south eastern Tunisia, the land use is predominated by olive trees cropping, where two main cultivation strategies can be found: using of water harvesting techniques to overcome the scarcity and variability of rainfall (in the Matmata mountains) and dryland farming (in the Jeffara plain). In these arid areas, soil moisture is the main limiting factor for crop growth and it should be monitored to benchmark different management options. Different conventional methods are available for point soil moisture monitoring, but the increased availability of remotely sensed data offers major opportunities for spatial analyses. The aim of this paper is to perform a comparative study on the soil water status for rainfed olive tree growing in three major landscape areas: in the mountains with traditional water harvesting check dams (called jessour), in the piedmont on floodwater harvesting (called tabias), and in the plain with full dryland farming conditions. Time series of Normalized Difference Infrared Index (NDII), derived from Landsat 7 satellite, were retrieved from the novel Google Earth Engine platform. NDII values were related to measured soil water content, which was taken at non-regular time intervals between 2009 and 2017. The analysis of NDII data, indicating the water content of the vegetation, shows that jessour can adequately ensure water supply for olive trees. Increased soil moisture conditions in the jessour areas are visible both in the dry and the humid seasons, indicating the effectiveness of this traditional water harvesting system. Moreover, our results show that Landsat 7 NDII values are correlated with the root-zone soil moisture in the monitoring sites (r2 ranging from 0.62 to 0.67), allowing the use of NDII to estimate soil water contents in our study area.

Effect of Water Harvesting Techniqueson Soil Properties in the South Omdurman Area- Sudan

This study was conducted at Khartoum New International Airport, South Omdurman area, Khartoum State, Sudan. A complete randomized block design was followed to study the effect of Holes and Crescents water harvesting techniques on the soil moisture content soil sample were taken prior and immediately after rains and at three weeks intervals. The results indicated that the Holes and Crescents water harvesting techniques affected positively some soil physical properties especially at the upper soil layer (0 – 30 cm) which was subjected to excavation by a loader. These soil properties included porosity, field capacity and infiltration rate as they have direct influence on the soil moisture content. The Holes water harvesting techniques showed an increase of 15% in soil moisture content resulting in better improvement of the soil physical properties as compared to the Crescents water harvesting techniques, hence the farmer techniques recommended for adoption

Kuru Üretim Zeytin Bahçelerinde Yağmur Suyu Hasadı Malç Uygulamasıyla Toprak ve Su Muhafazasının İncelenmesi

Su hasadı teknikleri kurak alanlarda yağmur sularını biriktirerek su sıkıntısının ve kuraklığın etkilerini azaltmanın yanı sıra, toprak ve su koruma açısından da yarar sağlamaktadır. Bu çalışmada, yağışların yetersiz olduğu yarı kurak iklime sahip Güneydoğu Anadolu bölgesinde, sulama olanağı bulunmayan genellikle eğimli arazilere tesis edilmiş zeytin bahçelerinde toprak ve su erozyonu kontrolünü sağlamak amacıyla, Negarim mikro havza yağmur suyu hasadı tekniği uygulanmıştır. Bu çalışmada; yağmur suyunun bitkinin kök bölgesinde birikimini sağlamak amacıyla Negarim adı verilen mikro havzalar içerisine yerleştirilen plastik örtü, taş örtü, mikro-havza yüzeyinin sıkıştırılması ve kontrol konularından oluşan 36 adet mikro-havzanın toprak ve su erozyonuna olan etkisi değerlendirilmiştir. Araştırmada 2009-2010 yılları boyunca yüzey akış ve sediment kayıpları ile bitki gelişimi ölçülmüştür. Araştırma sonuçlarına göre yıllık ortalama yağışı 250 ile 400 mm arasında değişen deneme alanında, 2 su yılı boyunca meydana gelen ortalama maksimum yüzey akış 6201 L/parsel ile plastik örtü konusunda, ortalama minimum yüzey akış 810 L/parsel ile taş örtü konusunda belirlenmiştir. Ortalama maksimum sediment kaybı 1163 g/parsel ile yüzey sıkıştırma konusunda, ortalama minimum sediment kaybı ise 673,5 g/parsel ile taş örtü konusunda ölçülmüştür. Mikro-havza yüzeyi plastik örtü ile kaplı olduğundan erozyon kontrolünü en iyi şekilde sağlayan uygulama plastik örtü olarak saptanmıştır. Plastik örtü konusu en iyi yüzey akışı gerçekleştirdiğinden bitki boyu gelişimi yönünden ortalama 107,5cm uzunluk ile en iyi uygulama olmuştur. Sonuç olarak kuru koşullarda ve eğimli arazilerde üretimi yapılan zeytin bahçelerinde Negarim mikro havza su hasadı tekniğinin ağaçların büyüme ve gelişimi arttırmanın yanı sıra toprak ve su muhafazası açısından da yararlı ve uygulanabilir bir teknik olduğu sonucuna ulaşılmıştır.

The State of Traditional Stone Spouts in Relation to Their Use and Management in Kathmandu Valley, Nepal

ABSTRACT Water resource management is a major challenge throughout the world. People still use traditional water harvesting and conservation techniques in many long-established societies. However, traditional methods are in decline or have been abandoned in many countries even though they are more efficient and cost effective than modern water harvesting techniques. Nevertheless, traditional approaches continue to be valuable in some countries, including Nepal. This research documents the state of such traditional methods, in this case stone spouts, in relation to their use and management within urban and peri-urban areas of Kathmandu Valley, Nepal. This study shows a somewhat surprising outcome that spout condition is better in unprotected areas than in protected areas.

Modelling the water balance on farming practices at plot scale: Case study of Tougou watershed in Northern Burkina Faso

In the Sahel region, farmers have adopted various farming practices to improve agricultural yields in order to offset an increasingly variable climate regime and the extension of degraded land. This study analyses the functional behaviour of such three selected water-harvesting techniques (stone rows, zaï and half-moon) as compared to the traditional tillage method through a comprehensive experimental setup monitored during three consecutive growing seasons (2015–2017). The results indicate that these farming practices allow a runoff reduction by 25 to 100%. We propose a continuous model simulating the hydrological dynamics of the farming techniques at plot scale. This model is able to reproduce accurately the observed runoff (R2 = 0.73 − 0.95), and gives an insight of the variability of the water storage for each type of techniques in response to the rainfall regime. It appears in particular that zaï and half-moons are able to mitigate the effect of dry spells by sustaining available water for crops over extended periods up to three weeks, whereas the direct seeding and stone row techniques rapidly leads to plant water deficit after five days. Even though water infiltration is essentially fostered by surface water retention during rainfall events, our observations suggest that the changes induced to the hydrological dynamics by farming practices also affect soil physical, chemical and biological properties. These effects help completing the explanation of crop yield improvements, but raise some questions of soil evolution and farming practice performances in the long run.

Evaluating the Effects of In-situ Rainwater Harvesting Techniques on Soil Moisture Conservation and Grain Yield of Maize (Zea mays L.) in Fedis District, Eastern Hararghe, Ethiopia

In the drier farming regions of the world, where crop production is constrained by short growing period, unpredictable and short rainfall with sporadic run-off, in-situ rainwater harvesting is vital for successful crop production. In connection to this, a study was conducted in Fedis district of Oromia region during the main rainy seasons of 2015 and 2016 to evaluate the effects of in-situ rainwater harvesting techniques (Ridge Furrow (RF), Contour Ridge (CR), and Tied Ridge (TR)) on soil moisture conservation and grain yield of maize. A spilt-plot design was used and soil moisture content was measured at three growth stages of the crop to a depth of 60 cm with 20 cm interval. The results showed that water harvesting techniques significantly increased moisture conservation compared to the control, which was flat bed preparation. Averaged over the three stages, the TR, CR and RF treatments increased soil moisture storage by 134.59, 128.57, and 121.87%, respectively, compared to the control. The study also revealed that the in-situ rainwater harvesting techniques, due to the improved soil moisture storage, significantly affected grain yield of the maize. Averaged over the two years, the TR, CR, and FR increased the grain yield 143.14, 131.47 and 121.16%, respectively, over the control treatment. Therefore, in drier environments, such as Fedis, in-situ rainwater harvesting techniques can be recommended for better moisture conservation and subsequent improvement in crop production.

English

Rainfed agriculture is practiced in the central clay plains of Sudan and is affected by the high rainfall variability in time and space within and between seasons. This study focused on analyzing rainfall variability and trend using a 30-year record (1985-2014) of seven meteorological stations at the major agricultural production areas in Gedarif state in eastern Sudan. Yearly rainfall has relatively low variability compared to monthly variability. According to annual rainfall totals, it was possible to classify stations into two groups; one with annual rainfall more than 600 mm and the second with rainfall ranging between 500 to 600 mm. In both groups, the majority of rainfall (60%) occurred during July and August. Trends of rainfall were inconsistent and the cropping season extended from June to September. Farmers in areas having high rainfall and extended growing season (group I) could grow suitable crops and varieties and their appropriate management practices should be implemented. In areas of low rainfall and short growing seasons (group II), farmers could grow crops of short maturing varieties and water harvesting techniques. There is a need for research activities that examine rainfall trends and how agricultural practices might adapt accordingly. Key words: Rainfall, variability, trend, sorghum yield, Gedarif, Sudan.

English

Drought is the primary cause of yield loss in agriculture throughout the world, and is currently the most common reason for global food shortages. Three-quarter of the most severe droughts in the last ten years have been in Africa, the continent which already has the lowest level of crop production and drought adaptive capacity. The increased incidences of drought and erratic rainfall have thrown small holder farmers in Africa into deep poverty, hunger and malnutrition. In this paper, the drought situation in sub-Saharan Africa and its impact on rice production was reviewed. Rice is particularly vulnerable to droughts as it has higher water requirement as compared to other crops. The review has also highlighted physiological and molecular plant responses to drought, with special focus on effects of drought stress on rice grain yield and other related-traits. With climate change predicted to exacerbate the problem of water security in Africa, it is imperative that we develop robust, well-planned and informed strategies to mitigate against drought. Various drought mitigation strategies including breeding for drought tolerance and water harvesting and conservation techniques are also outlined. In order to adapt to drought, there is need for a broad based approach that includes development of appropriate policies, putting in place necessary water related investments and institutions as well as capacity building at various levels. Key words: Drought, tolerance, rice, sub-Saharan Africa, quantitative trait loci (QTL), mitigation, adaptation.

Climate Variability and Its Effects on Gender and Coping Strategies in Baringo County, Kenya

Climate variability has often been described as one of the most pressing environmental challenges. Our lifestyles, economy, health, income, livelihood and our social well-being are all affected by climate. This paper therefore, assessed climate variability, its effect of gender and coping strategies they adopt in Baringo County, Kenya. Descriptive and inferential statistics were used in analyzing the data obtained for the study. Findings show that there is consisent decrease in rainfall and increase in temperature in recent times. Male gender dominates household decisions and roles such as land preparation, livestock keeping/feeding, pesticide application and fence construction in Baringo County, Kenya while the female gender dominates household roles such as water supply, domestic home chores and more of agricultural activities. Livestock migration was the major traditional coping strategy adopted in Baringo County. 56.8% of the respondents shows that cutting grasses for livestock was the major short term coping strategy adopted while Rainfall harvesting and storage (5.92%) was the least adopted in the studied area. Long term coping strategy to climate variability mostly adopted by the rural populace in is livestock migration (48.52%), it was also observed here that the least long term coping strategy adopted is finding alternative job as reputed by 4.44% of the respondents. Special intervention projects such as rain water harvesting techniques, drought resistant crops, short term crops etc, should be provided to rural populace/dwellers in Baringo County, and other parts of Kenya experiencing severe variability in climate, resulting to drought.

Evolution of capture technologies of water in the oases: Moghrar, Tiout and Boussemghoun (Algeria)

Abstract This article discusses the various water harvesting techniques used in the oases of Boussemghoun, Moghrar and Tiout for more than nine centuries. Several hydrological assessments have been conducted in the three oases since 2002 including surveys and investigations with the local communities. The results obtained showed that after the decrease in discharge of the sources, the population had resources to various ancestral hydraulic infrastructures such as: well, foggara, and small dams (Essad). The water harvesting technique is specific to the region and depends on the hydrogeology and the topography. Traditional low-flow water-saving technologies preserve the environment, modern hydraulic techniques give more water but have a negative impact on the environment. The drying up of springs and lowering of water tables are the result of the population growing and the socio-economic development. They require more and more water. A compromise between traditional and modern techniques (or types of management) can solve this problem.

Water harvesting techniques based on terrain modification enhance vegetation survival in dryland restoration

To successfully restore drylands, where the scarcity of water is one of the main limiting factors for plant survival, water inputs should be enhanced as much as possible. A specific type of water harvesting that concentrates runoff generated in bare areas upslope (runoff source areas) in a planting area downslope (runoff sink area) is an effective technique that, unlike traditional restoration, does not entail much over-cost. The objective of this study was to analyze the effectiveness of terrain modification techniques, aimed at water harvesting, on a degraded hillslope at a quarry restoration site in an arid area (Almeria, southeast Spain). Two different terrain modifications, to harvest surface runoff and increase soil water retention, were applied at two different hillslope sectors: a) micro-catchments were constructed on the upper section of the hillslope, where the slope gradient was high and b) narrow terracing was done in the middle part of the hillslope, which was characterized by moderate slope gradients. An additional sector, not subjected to terrain modification treatment, was used as a control, and was set in the lower part of the hillslope where the slope gradient was the lowest. A similar planting system was adopted for all experimental treatments; planting was done in 12 fertility island patches. Within each patch 12 different autochthonous plant species were planted in a staggered pattern with 80 cm separation. All plant species, which were from a nursery, were planted within a 1 L container made from organic fibers and containing compost from plant residues enriched with zeolites. To determine the microtopographical modifications required in the analysis of the optimal water harvesting strategy, a digital elevation model, with 0.2 m spatial resolution, was created from the data generated using a terrestrial laser scanner. Runoff flow direction and contribution areas, as well as a set of topographical attributes strongly related to the terrain water retention capacity (wetness index, slope gradient, aspect, USLE LSF factor, etc.), were calculated. Results indicated that micro-catchments had the highest plant survival rates and vegetation coverage values because they were the terrain treatment areas with the largest capacity to retain run-on from contributing areas. The areas without terrain modification (control areas) showed the highest plant mortality.

Facing climate variability in sub-Saharan Africa: analysis of climate-smart agriculture opportunities to manage climate-related risks

In the literature, a lot of information is available about climate change perceptions and impacts in sub-Saharan Africa. However, there is limited attention in the region to emerging initiatives, technologies and policies that are tailored to building the adaptive capacity of agricultural systems to climate change and variability. In this paper, we discuss the prospects for climate-smart agriculture technologies and enabling policies in dealing with climate change and variability at different sub-regional levels of sub-Saharan Africa to sustain farm productivity and livelihoods of agrarian communities. The review provides substantial information suggesting that without appropriate interventions, climate change and variability will affect agricultural yields, food security and add to the presently unaceptable levels of poverty in sub-Saharan Africa. Although some of them were already existing, the past decades have seen the development and promotion of climate-smart agriculture innovations such as the use of high yielding drought tolerant crop varieties, climate information services, agricultural insurance, agroforestry, water harvesting techniques, integrated soil fertility management practices, etc. In the context of climate change, this appears as a stepping up approach to sustainably improving farm productivity, rural livelihoods and adaptive capacity of farmers and production systems while contributing to mitigation. The development of regional, sub-regional and national climate change policies and plans targeted at mitigating climate change and improving adaptive capacity of the African people have also been developed to enable mainstreaming of climate-smart agriculture into agricultural development plans. Financial commitments from governments and development agencies will be crucial for improving large scale adoption of climate-smart agriculture.

Development of Water Harvesting Technique in Qargha Reservoir Watershed of Paghman District, Afghanistan

Development of Water Harvesting Technique in Qargha Reservoir Watershed of Paghman District, Afghanistan