The Role of On-Farm Rainwater Harvesting in Agriculture as an

Adaptation to Climate Change in KenyaLawrence Kiguro

World Vision Kenya

Rainwater harvesting is concentrating, diverting, collecting, storing, utilizing, and managing runoff for productive purposes (Ngigi, 2003).

• Subsoilers;• Zay-pits;• Sunken beds;• Bakaards and on-farm water-

pods (Silangas)

Methods of on-farm rainwater harvesting for crop production based on field experiences in

Kenya

Sub-Soilers

Help to break the hardpan and hence improve water infiltration into the soil for use by crops.

Zay-pitsThese are pits or holes that are well fertilized with deeply loosened soil, which enables intensive planting that gives high yields from a small unit area of land.

Sunken BedsThese are beds that

are well fertilized with deeply loosened soil, suitable for vegetable and especially for kitchen gardening1m wide (max) to avoid people from trampling inside the bed while working

Water-Pans (Silangas)/Small Farm Reservoir (SFR)/BaarkardsIn the drylands, road runoff shouldn’t be wasted as damages cropsRunoff should be put to good use through on-farm reservoirs. The water can then be used to irrigate using a Pendle Pump

CHALLENGES & RECOMMENDATIONS

• Tedious, costly and time consuming

• Lack of national cordination

• Inadequate Legislation

• Irrigation plays a very important role in supplying food, but the potential is limited (Falkenmark, 2001).

• Significant increases in rainfed agriculture must come from small- scale harvesting of rainwater combined with irrigation technology

On Farm Rainwater Harvesting• Is a promising technique that is

widely used throughout the world and to cope with water scarcity in agricultural production

• Has been shown to have a positive impact on agricultural production irrigating during critical growing stage of crops, hence increasing the yields.

• Helps reduce runoff and soil erosion and thus, contributes to groundwater recharge.