Low cost innovative water harvesting for semi arid regions

Welcome to our RUFORUM platform were we advocate for improved livelihoods through rain water harvesting using tied contours. Climate change has resulted in decreasing rainfall in many parts of Southern Africa, and Zimbabwe in particular, and the impacts have been felt most in the smallholder farming sector, which are mainly located in semi-arid regions, and there is limited capacity to adapt. The result has been increased vulnerability to perennial droughts and food insecurity and this has resulted in most smallholder farmers depending on food handouts.

Among the technologies we have chosen the use of tied contours to combat climate change and prevent poverty within the small scale farmers in the rural areas. The use of tied contours represent an innovative low cost solution to water shortages and mid-season dry spells which have resulted in low crop yields and regular complete crops failures.

- Prof G. Nyamadzawo -