Communities urged to invest in water harvesting projects as rain season continues
By Providence Moyo
As the rain season continues to bring much-needed relief to parched lands, Agricultural expert Thandazani Mkhwananzi has challenged communities to invest in water harvesting projects.
Speaking during a discussion hosted by Community Podium, Mkhwananzi emphasized the importance of adopting innovative and sustainable farming practices.
“We have been losing a lot of water in terms of surface runoff, especially in the urban set up,” Mkhwananzi said. “In the rural set up, I would like to encourage farmers to prepare and adopt water harvesting projects that include contour ridges, infiltration pits, tied ridges, and mulching that speaks to what would have been collected through limiting evaporation.”
Mkhwananzi’s call to action comes as communities across the region continue to grapple with the challenges of climate change, water scarcity, and food insecurity. By investing in water harvesting projects, communities can reduce their reliance on rainwater, increase crop yields, and improve food security.
“The benefits of water harvesting projects are numerous,” Mkhwananzi explained. “Not only do they help to conserve water, but they also reduce soil erosion, increase crop yields, and provide a reliable source of water for irrigation and other uses.”
Mkhwananzi also emphasized the importance of community-led initiatives in driving the adoption of water harvesting projects.
“I would like to challenge communities to take ownership of their water management needs,” he said. “This can be achieved through self-mobilization and investment forums that reach out to the diaspora and other stakeholders.”
By working together, communities can pool their resources, share knowledge and expertise, and access funding and other support to implement water harvesting projects.
“The diaspora community, in particular, has a critical role to play in supporting water harvesting initiatives in their home communities,” Mkhwananzi noted.
As the rain season continues, Mkhwananzi’s call to action serves as a timely reminder of the importance of investing in water harvesting systems. By adopting innovative and sustainable farming practices, communities can build resilience to climate change, improve food security, and create a brighter future for generations to come.
