TITLE:
Strategy to Overcome Barriers of Rainwater Harvesting, Case Study Tanzania
AUTHORS:
Tulinave Burton Mwamila, Moo Young Han, Zacharia Katambara
KEYWORDS:
Community Based Rainwater Harvesting, Rainwater Harvesting Challenges, Rainwater Harvesting Adoption, Rainwater Harvesting Sustainability, Tanzania
JOURNAL NAME:
Journal of Geoscience and Environment Protection,
Vol.4 No.9,
September
12,
2016
ABSTRACT: There are
socio-technological challenges towards extension of the application of
rainwater harvesting (RWH) practices in developing countries. An attempt to
address this was done using the Mnyundo Primary School, Tanzania, as a study
area for evaluating the technical, economic, and social challenges of RWH
practices. A storage water level monitoring gauge was used so as to simplify
rainwater quantity control and utilization strategy. Basic quality control
components such as first flush tank were incorporated so as to reduce the
particle load flowing into the storage. Cost reduction strategies such as the
one (1) company one (1) community campaign were applied to address the cost
implication. To enhance ownership, participatory approach of the beneficiaries
in all stages including planning, designing and implementation was adopted. In
order to ensure project sustainability, training on how to operate and maintain
were provided as well as a maintenance manual to impart a sense of ownership.
For the challenges of imparting RWH practices in Tanzania, 19 solutions have
been identified and they include provision of RWH manuals, guidelines and
regulations, government incentives, and promotion of self-financing
initiatives. For developing countries, the study proposes the following
strategies: establishing relevant regulations and research centers, enhancing
individual and community financial stability, conducting demonstration
projects, and increased investment by government on promotion.