Productive water points in dryland areas
Abstract
The book is the synthesis of lessons learnt in a decade developing productive water points using both groundwater and surface water resources in southern Africa. The planning, siting, selection, implementation and management of productive water points in drought-prone areas are considered along with the critical issue of working in partnership with the community. Although the book draws extensively on design and construction experience in southern Africa (notably Zambia and Zimbabwe) the guidelines are considered relevant to many dryland areas around the world.
The book provides an overview of the groundwater resource and why wells and boreholes fail. Alternative well designs are described and classified to enable siting and selection of the most appropriate technology in different ground conditions.
Economic costs and benefits are considered for the various ground and surface water options available. These are then compared with standard domestic water points.
The book provides flow charts, decision-trees and detailed information on how to make more effective use of existing water points and on siting, selecting and constructing new water points of appropriate design.
The book advocates a step-wise approach to working in partnership with the community, placing emphasis on local ownership and participation throughout all stages from planning and design to construction, operation and maintenance.
Issues emerging at productive water points in Southern Africa are considered as well as environmental issues such as the sustainability of the groundwater resource.
References are listed after each chapter to help the reader understand the origin of the material presented and to follow it up if desired.