Course Details

Agricultural Water Harvesting Techniques Training Course

Introduction

In many parts of the world, including arid and semi-arid regions, erratic rainfall patterns, prolonged dry spells, and increasing water scarcity pose significant threats to rain-fed agriculture and rural livelihoods. Conventional irrigation systems are often costly, resource-intensive, and not always feasible for smallholder farmers. Agricultural Water Harvesting (AWH) offers a practical, low-cost, and environmentally sustainable solution by capturing, collecting, and storing rainwater runoff for productive use in agriculture. This involves simple yet effective techniques that enhance soil moisture, recharge groundwater, and provide supplemental irrigation, thereby increasing crop yields, improving pasture productivity, and building resilience to climatic shocks. AWH empowers farmers to maximize the utility of every drop of rainfall, transforming marginal lands into more productive areas and securing food supply in water-stressed environments. Implementing AWH reduces reliance on external water sources, conserves soil, and mitigates the impacts of both droughts and floods. Our intensive 5-day "Agricultural Water Harvesting Techniques" training course is meticulously designed to equip farmers, agricultural extension officers, land managers, community development workers, and environmental professionals with the essential knowledge and practical skills required to understand the principles of AWH, select appropriate techniques, and implement effective water harvesting structures for enhanced agricultural productivity and sustainable land management.

This comprehensive program will delve into the various types of AWH systems, from in-situ moisture conservation to external runoff collection, covering design considerations, construction methods, and integration with crop and livestock production. Participants will gain in-depth understanding of how to assess site suitability, calculate water harvesting potential, select appropriate techniques for different landforms and crops, and manage AWH systems for long-term sustainability. By the end of this course, you will be proficient in applying practical AWH solutions to maximize the benefits of rainfall, contributing to increased food security, improved livelihoods, and enhanced environmental resilience in water-scarce agricultural landscapes.

Duration

5 Days

Target Audience

The "Agricultural Water Harvesting Techniques" training course is crucial for a broad range of individuals and organizations involved in agriculture, water management, and rural development, particularly in regions facing water scarcity. This includes:

• Farmers (smallholder, medium, and large-scale): Operating in rain-fed areas seeking to improve water availability for crops and livestock.
• Agricultural Extension Officers: Advising farmers on climate-resilient farming practices and water conservation.
• Land Managers and Conservationists: Focused on soil and water conservation and land restoration.
• Community Development Workers: Implementing projects related to food security, water, and livelihoods.
• NGOs and Development Practitioners: Working on climate change adaptation and sustainable agriculture.
• Researchers and Academics: Focused on water management, hydrology, and dryland agriculture.
• Local Government Officials and Planners: Involved in water resource management and rural development.
• Students in Agriculture, Environmental Science, and Water Management: Gaining practical knowledge in AWH.
• Anyone interested in innovative solutions for water scarcity in agriculture.

Course Objectives

Upon successful completion of the "Agricultural Water Harvesting Techniques" training course, participants will be able to:

• Understand the fundamental principles and benefits of agricultural water harvesting (AWH).
• Identify different types of AWH techniques and their suitability for various climatic and topographical conditions.
• Design and construct common in-situ water harvesting structures (e.g., zai pits, tied ridges).
• Design and implement basic external runoff harvesting systems (e.g., contour bunds, micro-catchments).
• Calculate basic parameters for AWH system design, including catchment area and storage volume.
• Integrate AWH techniques with appropriate crop selection and management practices.
• Understand the maintenance requirements and challenges of AWH systems.
• Develop a localized plan for implementing AWH techniques for specific agricultural needs.

 Course Modules

Module 1: Introduction to Agricultural Water Harvesting (AWH)

• Defining water harvesting: Concepts, principles, and historical context.
• The urgency for AWH: Water scarcity, erratic rainfall, climate change impacts on agriculture.
• Benefits of AWH: Increased crop yield, improved fodder production, groundwater recharge, erosion control, reduced risk.
• Types of AWH: In-situ moisture conservation and external runoff collection systems.
• Components of an AWH system: Catchment area, conveyance, storage, and application area.

Module 2: Site Assessment & Planning for AWH

• Understanding local climate: Rainfall patterns, intensity, duration, dry spells.
• Topographical analysis: Slope, contour lines, drainage patterns.
• Soil characteristics: Infiltration rate, water holding capacity, erodibility.
• Water demand assessment for target crops or livestock.
• Participatory site selection and planning with communities.

Module 3: In-Situ Water Harvesting Techniques (Within the Cultivated Area)

• Zai pits/planting pits: Design, construction, and benefits for dryland farming.
• Tied ridges and furrows: Principles, construction methods, and suitability for different slopes.
• Contour plowing and contour farming: Impact on water infiltration and erosion control.
• Deep tillage and subsoiling: Breaking hardpans to improve water penetration.
• Mulching (organic and inorganic): Reducing evaporation and improving soil moisture.

Module 4: External Runoff Water Harvesting Techniques (Runoff from Adjacent Areas)

• Contour bunds/terraces: Design, construction, and their role in runoff diversion and collection.
• Micro-catchments (e.g., crescent, V-shaped bunds): Design for individual trees or rows of crops.
• Semi-circular bunds and eyebrow terraces: Applications for fodder production and tree planting.
• Small earth dams and subsurface dams: Principles of construction and water storage.
• Roadside runoff harvesting and integrating with productive use.

Module 5: Water Storage & Conveyance Structures

• Farm ponds (small reservoirs): Design considerations, lining materials, maintenance.
• Underground tanks and cisterns for domestic and supplemental irrigation use.
• Conveyance channels: Design for efficient water delivery from catchment to storage/field.
• Lining materials for channels and ponds to minimize seepage losses.
• Maintenance of water harvesting structures: Desilting, repairing leaks, reinforcing banks.

Module 6: Crop Selection & Management for AWH Systems

• Selecting drought-tolerant and water-efficient crop varieties.
• Optimal planting dates and densities for AWH systems.
• Nutrient management in AWH systems: Organic matter, efficient fertilizer use.
• Integrated pest and disease management in water-harvested areas.
• Integrating AWH with agroforestry and livestock production for diversified benefits.

Module 7: Water Quality, Soil Health & Environmental Considerations

• Assessing water quality for AWH (e.g., turbidity, contaminants from catchment).
• Impact of AWH on soil health: Improved moisture, organic matter, microbial activity.
• Preventing salinization and waterlogging in AWH systems.
• Environmental benefits: Erosion reduction, biodiversity enhancement, groundwater recharge.
• Addressing potential negative impacts of AWH (e.g., mosquito breeding, habitat alteration).

Module 8: Economic Viability, Policy & Community Engagement

• Cost-benefit analysis of AWH techniques: Investment costs vs. increased yields/income.
• Accessing financing and incentives for AWH implementation.
• The role of community participation and collective action in AWH projects.
• Institutional and policy support for water harvesting.
• Case studies and success stories of AWH implementation.

CERTIFICATION

• Upon successful completion of this training, participants will be issued with Macskills Training and Development Institute Certificate

TRAINING VENUE

• Training will be held at Macskills Training Centre. We also tailor make the training upon request at different locations across the world.

AIRPORT PICK UP AND ACCOMMODATION

• Airport pick up and accommodation is arranged upon request

TERMS OF PAYMENT

Payment should be made to Macskills Development Institute bank account before the start of the training and receipts sent to info@macskillsdevelopment.com