Water Harvesting Technologies for Sustainable Crop Production in African Smallholder Farming Systems

Kugedera, Andrew Tapiwa; Sakadzo, Nyasha; Kokerai, Letticia Kudzai; Ranganai, Njodzi

doi:10.1007/978-981-99-2427-1_10

Sustainability Sciences in Asia and Africa

2023

DOI: 10.1007/978-981-99-2427-1_10

|View full text |Cite

Water Harvesting Technologies for Sustainable Crop Production in African Smallholder Farming Systems

Andrew Tapiwa Kugedera

Nyasha Sakadzo²,

Letticia Kudzai Kokerai

et al.

Help me understand this report

Search citation statements

Order By: Relevance

Paper Sections

Select...

Citation Types

Supporting

Mentioning

Contrasting

Year Published

2024

Publication Types

Select...

Article3

Relationship

Self Cite0

Independent3

Authors

Journals

Cited by 3 publications

References 27 publications

Supporting

Mentioning

Contrasting

Order By: Relevance

The effects of contour-based rainwater harvesting and integrated nutrient management on maize yields in semi-arid regions of Zimbabwe

Chiturike,

Gotosa,

Nyakudya

et al. 2024

CABI Agric Biosci

View full text Add to dashboard Cite

In the smallholder farming areas located in semi-arid regions of Zimbabwe, low and unreliable rainfall distribution and poor soil fertility are the major factors limiting crop production. The negative effects of these biophysical factors have been worsened by climate change. However, the major challenges have been the lack of sustainable, low-cost water and nutrient management technologies for these semi-arid regions. The objectives of this study were to evaluate the effects of contour-based rainwater harvesting (RWH) namely tied contours (TC), infiltration pits (IP) which were compared with the standard contour (STDC), and intergrated nutrient management (INM) where cattle manure was used as basal fertiliser and Ammonium Nitrate (AN) as top dressing, on maize yields. Results showed that fields with RWH had higher yields compared to STDC. Average maize yields were 2210 and 1792 kg ha−1 for TC and IP which were 88% and 52% above STDC (1176 kg ha−1) respectively. Increasing nitrogen (N) levels resulted in a further increase in maize yields. Return on investment was negative during drier years and was significantly higher in RWH systems compared with STDC during wet seasons. Farmers need to reduce mineral fertiliser application during dry seasons since little rainwater is captured. We conclude that contour based RWH and INM can be used as sustainable low cost methods of crop production. Higher fertiliser application rates when rainfall is limiting, do not result in increased return on investiment.

show abstract

The effects of contour-based rainwater harvesting and integrated nutrient management on maize yields in semi-arid regions of Zimbabwe

Chiturike,

Gotosa,

Nyakudya

et al. 2024

CABI Agric Biosci

View full text Add to dashboard Cite

show abstract

Traditional In Situ Water Harvesting Practices and Agricultural Sustainability in Sub-Saharan Africa—A Meta-Analysis

Tefera,

Seddaiu,

Carletti

2024

Sustainability

View full text Add to dashboard Cite

Climate change severely impacts sub-Saharan Africa, which relies heavily on rainfed agriculture for food production. Variable and insufficient rainfall exacerbates food insecurity across the region. Traditional in situ water harvesting (IS_WH) practices enhance soil water-holding capacity, improve infiltration, and promote soil conservation. This meta-analysis of the peer-reviewed literature examines IS_WH practices’ effects on crop yield, soil moisture, runoff, and soil loss reduction across various rainfall conditions in sub-Saharan Africa. The analysis reveals that IS_WH practices significantly boost agricultural productivity, with a combined effect size showing a 71% increase in total crop yield. IS_WH practices also improve soil moisture retention by 59% and effectively reduce runoff by 53% and soil loss by 58.66%, demonstrating their robust water and soil conservation benefits. Despite their proven benefits, the adoption of IS_WH practices in sub-Saharan Africa is hindered by socioeconomic and institutional barriers, including limited technical knowledge, resource constraints, and inadequate extension services. By addressing these barriers, there is significant potential to scale up IS_WH practices, enhancing agricultural productivity and sustainability across the region. Such efforts are crucial for mitigating the impacts of climate change, ensuring food security, and promoting sustainable development in sub-Saharan Africa.

show abstract

Enhancing Maize Productivity With Infield Rainwater Harvesting Techniques and Cattle Manure in Semi-Arid Areas of Zimbabwe

KUGEDERA,

MUTERO,

KOKERAI

2024

JALSE

View full text Add to dashboard Cite

Soil fertility and moisture management can be sustainable ways to improve crop production in low rainfall areas. The aim of this study was to evaluate the effects of infield rainwater harvesting and cattle manure on maize yield, rainwater use efficiency, agronomic efficiency, and the value–cost ratio. The experiment used a split plot design with three in situ rainwater harvesting (IRWH) techniques (planting pits, infiltration pits, and conventional tillage (as a control)) as the main treatment factor and cattle manure as the sub-plot factor at four levels (0, 2.5, 5, and 10 t ha−1). The interactive effects of IRWH, cattle manure, and season were significant among all parameters measured (p<0.05). The highest maize grain yield (3990 kg ha−1) was obtained from the planting pits with 10 t ha−1 cattle manure in the 2022/23 cropping season. Maize stover yield increased with an increase in cattle manure, with the highest yield of 6450 t ha−1 at 10 t ha−1 cattle manure. Rainwater use efficiency was significantly (p<0.05) increased by an average of 2.5 kg ha−1 mm−1 from 0 to 2.5 t ha−1. Agronomic use efficiency significantly decreased with the increasing application rate of cattle manure (p<0.05). The interaction of planting pits and 2.5 t ha−1 cattle manure had the highest cost ratio of 6.66 in the 2022/23 season. The interaction between planting pits and 10 t ha−1 cattle manure resulted in higher maize yields and rainwater use efficiency. However, it is recommended that smallholder farmers use planting pits and 2.5 t ha−1 cattle manure to obtain higher yield increments and high profits in high-risk climates.

show abstract

scite is a Brooklyn-based organization that helps researchers better discover and understand research articles through Smart Citations–citations that display the context of the citation and describe whether the article provides supporting or contrasting evidence. scite is used by students and researchers from around the world and is funded in part by the National Science Foundation and the National Institute on Drug Abuse of the National Institutes of Health.

Contact Info

hi@scite.ai

10624 S. Eastern Ave., Ste. A-614

Henderson, NV 89052, USA

Blog Terms and Conditions API Terms Privacy Policy Contact Cookie Preferences Do Not Sell or Share My Personal Information

Made with 💙 for researchers

Part of the Research Solutions Family.

Water Harvesting Technologies for Sustainable Crop Production in African Smallholder Farming Systems

Cited by 3 publications

References 27 publications

The effects of contour-based rainwater harvesting and integrated nutrient management on maize yields in semi-arid regions of Zimbabwe

The effects of contour-based rainwater harvesting and integrated nutrient management on maize yields in semi-arid regions of Zimbabwe

Traditional In Situ Water Harvesting Practices and Agricultural Sustainability in Sub-Saharan Africa—A Meta-Analysis

Enhancing Maize Productivity With Infield Rainwater Harvesting Techniques and Cattle Manure in Semi-Arid Areas of Zimbabwe

Contact Info

Product

Resources

About