Comments on water harvesting

Widanapathirana, A. S.

Advantages of water harvesting systems for plant production in arid areas (sub-Saharan Africa) are outlined. Problems affecting the efficient utilization of land and water resources in the water harvesting system are also mentioned (e.g. absence of relevant information on agronomic and hydraulic aspects, development of salinity in 'water harvesters', soil cracking and a high rate of silting). Some socio-economic problems are described.