Perspectives are different frameworks from which to explore the knowledge around sustainable sanitation and water management. Perspectives are like filters: they compile and structure the information that relate to a given focus theme, region or context. This allows you to quickly navigate to the content of your particular interest while promoting the holistic understanding of sustainable sanitation and water management.
A practical approach on sand dam site selection, design and construction. A tool for combining sand dams with other rainwater harvesting structures.
ERHA ; RAIN (n.y): Manual on Sand Dams in Ethiopia. Addis Ababa and Amsterdam: Ethiopian Rainwater Harvesting Association (ERHA) and Rainwater Harvesting Implementation Network (RAIN) URL [Accessed: 14.03.2019] PDF
This manual builds on the experience of VSF with subsurface dams in Kenya, explaining all phases from the initial assessment to the design of the dams based on the own lessons learned with this specific technique.
VSF (2006): SubSurface Dams: a simple, safe and affordable Technology for Pastoralists. A manual on SubSurface Dams Construction based on an Experience of Vétérinaires sans Frontières in Turkana District (Kenya). Brussels: Vétérinaires sans Frontières (VSF) URL [Accessed: 14.03.2019] PDF
This paper is a review of simple water harvesting techniques, which have been tested and found useful in arid and semi-arid regions, and which might be suitable for use in other areas. The paper also tries to show some successful cases of application of water harvesting techniques in African countries, which have increased the overall productivity of smallholder farms and hence improved farmers’ livelihood.
IBRAIMO, N. MUNGUAMBE, P. (2007): Rainwater Harvesting Technologies for Small Scale Rainfed Agriculture in Arid and Semi-arid Areas. Maputo: University Eduardo Mondlane URL [Accessed: 13.03.2019] PDF
This handbook highlights the principles and technologies that can be used to harness the huge untapped potential of rainwater. Instead of a stereotyped view focusing only on rivers and groundwater, the book directs readers in recognising rain as the ultimate source of water for food production and other uses in rural economies across Africa.
MALESU, M.M. ; ODUOR, A.R. ; ODHIAMBO, O.J. (2007): Green Water Management Handbook. Rainwater Harvesting for Agricultural Production and Ecological Sustainability. Nairobi: The World Agroforestry Centre URL [Accessed: 13.03.2019] PDF
Master thesis showing scenarios of probable impacts, water flow and additional storage of a contour trench. It further includes recommendations on measurements, and how to attain the best result when implementing a contour trench.
PRAMANA, K.E.R. (2007): The Design of Contour Trenches in Vietnam. (= Master Thesis ). Delft: Delft University of Technology (TUDelft) URL [Accessed: 13.03.2019] PDF
Rainwater cisterns are indigenous underground water storage structures, widely used in the Matrouh area in north-western Egypt, in steppe areas in Syria and Jordan, and elsewhere. Little information is available on the design, construction and operation of traditional cisterns. Most available publications on water cisterns deal with rooftop water harvesting, using pre-fabricated materials. These cisterns are of very limited capacity (a few cubic meters) and are more expensive than underground cisterns. Most publications on rainwater harvesting are written for water professionals and researchers, not for local users and development practitioners. This publication responds to the needs expressed by water users, and especially ICARDA’s research and development partners. It will also be useful to policy makers responsible for water development in dry areas.
ALI, A., OWEIS, T., SALKINI, A.B. and EL-NAGGAR, S. (2009): Rainwater Cisterns. Traditional Technologies for Dry Areas. Aleppo: International Center for Agricultural Research in the Dry Areas (ICARDA) URL [Accessed: 13.03.2019] PDF
Water harvesting has been practiced successfully for millennia in parts of the world – and some recent interventions have also had significant local impact. Yet water harvesting’s potential remains largely unknown, unacknowledged and unappreciated. These guidelines cover a wide span of technologies from large-scale floodwater spreading to practices that collect and store water from household compounds.
MEKDASCHI STUDER, R. LINIGER, H. (2013): Water Harvesting. Guidelines to Good Practice. Bern/Amsterdam/Wageningen/Rome: Centre for Development and Environment (CDE), Rainwater Harvesting Implementation Network (RAIN), MetaMeta, The International Fund for Agricultural Development (IFAD) URL [Accessed: 12.03.2019] PDF
This booklet on smart water harvesting describes a number of creative solutions in situations where there seems to be no water. It shows practical efforts to "create water", especially in drought prone areas. It does not limit itself to the act of harvesting, but includes capturing water during periods of rain, so that it is available for periods of drought. The book is an effective source of inspiration for local communities, civil engineers, NGOs, research institutes, donors and governments.
NWP (2007): Smart Water Harvesting Solutions . Examples of innovative low-cost technologies for rain, fog, runoff water and groundwater. (= Smart water solutions ). Amsterdam: KIT Publishers URL [Accessed: 12.03.2019] PDFThis website provides a brief overview on the most important topics of rainwater harvesting.
The Blue Drop Series on Water Harvesting and Utilisation is divided into three and each one has a specific target group- policy makers, beneficiaries and capacity and implementing agencies. The publications give an overview of the concept of rainwater and have a focus on the legal and administrative framework for rainwater harvesting. Book 3: Project Managers and Implementing Agencies.
UN-HABITAT (2005): Rainwater Harvesting and Utilisation. Blue Drop Series, Book 3: Beneficiaries & Capacity. Nairobi: UN-Habitat. . UN-Habitat URL [Accessed: 12.03.2019] PDF
The following report details the components and illustrates the highlights of a first flush system called the Brazilian Ball Pre-Filter System.
DOLMAN, B. LUNDQUIST, K. (2008): Roof Water Harvesting for a low Impact Water Supply: Featuring the Brazilian Ball Pre-Filter System: A Case Study. Occidental: The WATER Institute Occidental Arts and Ecology Center (OAEC) URL [Accessed: 12.03.2019] PDFThis is the story of how the youth in Kibera slum (Nairobi, Kenya) confront daily challenges on sanitation and hygiene. The young Kibera residents, who filmed and edited the film, range in age from 9 to 19 years. Kibera slum, Kenya and Africa's largest slum is home to about one million people living in abject poverty without clean water, toilets, electricity and sewerage. Time: 7”47. Language: English subtitles.
This book provides a general introduction to a wide range of technologies. Among the topics covered are: planning and management of small water supplies, community water supplies in Central and Eastern European countries, water quality and quantity, integrated water resources management, artificial recharge, rainwater harvesting, spring water tapping, groundwater withdrawal, water lifting, surface water intake, water treatment, aeration, coagulation and flocculation, sedimentation, multi-stage filtration, desalination technology, disinfection, household level water treatment, technologies for arsenic and iron removal from ground water, and emergency and disaster water supply. Chapter 7: Rain Water Harvesting
SMET, J. ; WIJK, C. van (2002): Small Community Water Supplies: Technology, People and Partnership: Rain Water Harvesting - Chapter 7. The Hague: International Water and Sanitation Centre (IRC) URL [Accessed: 12.03.2019] PDFThis website of the university of Warwick provides a broad range of technical manuals, case studies and general information on rainwater harvesting.
