Zambia has abundant water resources, though unevenly distributed. Areas such as the lower Zambezi basin in the Agro-ecological region one (I) receive less than 800mm of rain annually and are prone to droughts and flash floods. Flash floods destroy crops, livestock, and infrastructure and may lead to incidences of waterborne diseases such as cholera. The increase in human population which comes with pursuit of economic activities such as the opening of land for agricultural use and charcoal burning leading to land degradation has further compounded this problem. This results in a severe run-off with minimal recharge of water within the catchment but lost to the natural water course. As a result of these effects of climate change, streams that support human life dry as early as April, leading to reduced economic activities that support the livelihoods of local people. Generally, no significant irrigation activities happen during these dry months.
This document proposes a pilot project that will enhance climate-smart Water Resources Management through water harvesting, proper land management and utilization at the community level. During the rainy season, excess water will be controlled and collected into basins, where it will be stored for close to six months. During the dry season when the streams in the surrounding households run out of water, the stored water will be released slowly into the streams surrounding the households. The availability of this water is expected to boost economic activities such as irrigation, livestock production and household usage. Other benefits will accrue to the environment and will include proper water management that will support growth of vegetation and recharging of the aquifer.
Therefore, the overall objective of the project is to demonstrate water harvesting at community level in order to support sustainable livelihoods