Rainwater harvesting: A suitable poverty reduction strategy for small-scale farmers in developing countries?

L. A. Bunclark, B. A. Lankford

Research output: Contribution to journalArticlepeer-review

3 Scopus citations

Abstract

Using Botswana as a case study, the paper examines the factors that determine the suitability of rainwater harvesting (RWH) in small-scale agriculture in developing countries and proposes a decision-making matrix that may be used to assess the technology for increasing crop production and reducing poverty. This study indicates that current potential for increases in crop production through the use of RWH in both Botswana and developing countries as a whole is uncertain; primarily because of impacts of long-term climate variability, alterations to rural livelihood strategies as a result of economic development, and other structural constraints. In summary it is shown that the suitability of RWH for increasing crop production and reducing poverty in developing countries depends on factors related to climate and ecology, farming practices, availability of assets, livelihood strategies, national governance, and community and catchment institutions.

Original languageEnglish
Pages (from-to)312-326
Number of pages15
JournalWaterlines
Volume30
Issue number4
DOIs
StatePublished - Oct 2011
Externally publishedYes

Keywords

  • Appropriate technology
  • Botswana
  • Rainwater harvesting
  • Small-scale farming
  • Water resources management

Fingerprint

Dive into the research topics of 'Rainwater harvesting: A suitable poverty reduction strategy for small-scale farmers in developing countries?'. Together they form a unique fingerprint.

Cite this