The Practice of Rainwater Harvesting in Ethiopia: Perception and Program Implementation in Kalu Woreda, South Wollo Zone, Amhara Regional State
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Date
2006-06
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Addis Ababa University
Abstract
The major purpose of this study was to asses the practice of RWH scheme with particular emphasis on its
challenges, strengths and potentials to enhance food security of peasant households in Kalu Woreda,
South Wello Zone, Amhara Regional State. To materialize this objective, the extent of implementation, the
processes, challenges and perceived potentials of the scheme have been examined in four randomly
selected sample Kebeles of the study Woreda. The attitude and perception of users and non users towards
the RWH scheme has also been considered.
Data for this study were gathered by means of questionnaires, interviews, FGDs and document analysis.
Besides, observation to RWH structures was made. A total of 80 HHs and 20 DAs and concerned district
officials were included in this study. Sample HHs were then chosen using stratified random sampling
technique. Descriptive statistics had been employed to analyze the data.
The study found out that in 2004105, about 80 percent of the plan has been accomplished. However,
the distribution of constructed RWH structures indicated that about 70 percent of the structures in the
study Warda were found in four sample Kebeles while the remaining 30 percent were sparsely
distributed in 31 Peasant Associations. Poor quality materials used in the construction of RWH have
led to the prevalence of cracks on the structures. Coupled with this is the problem of safety, which
caused serious threat to children and animals. These weaknesses were identified as the major
challenges that strictly hinder the potential usefulness of the program. Besides, continuous pressure
from the Regional Government upon the Woreda Administration to implement its quota has led to
coerce the community to involve in the RWH program at the initial phase. As such, in the survey, 58
percent of the non-beneficiaries replied as they did not lost any better agricultural opportunities being
out of the RWH program and most respondents didn't also have any interest to participate in RWH
scheme in the future.
Based on the above major findings, the study recommended, among other things, that a thorough analysis
and selection should be made to adapt the most appropriate RWH structure to specific contexts. In
addition, it is important to design an appropriate RWH plan that coincides with the implementation capacity
of the Woreda Government and the Kebele Administrations instead of quota system. Before extending the
RWH technology to many areas of the locality, It is also advisable to begin with a pilot project to raise the
awareness level of the community and enhance the potentials of RWH program for improved food security.
This is important to learn lessons from the shortcomings of the previous program.
Key words: rainwater harvesting, rainwater harvesting structure, Kalu Woreda.
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Keywords
rainwater harvesting, rainwater harvesting structure, Kalu Woreda