Rainwater Harvesting Association of Malawi is blending traditional knowledge with natural resources to address water scarcity during dry seasons.
The association has installed over 200 rainwater harvesting systems since 2021.
The ‘calabash’ system stores rainwater, ensuring a steady supply for agriculture and domestic use all year round.
Carol Kaitano, an association member, explained that the system involves building a low-cost storage tank using locally sourced sand, cement and clay bricks.
She said: “We construct the cement cistern inside a clay brick mould reinforced with chicken wire mesh.
“When the cement hardens, the bricks are removed and reused for future constructions. Cement blocks are preferred depending on availability.
The cisterns collect rainwater from rooftops or surface runoff.
“The filtration system removes debris and the water is then distributed using simple gravity-fed or hand-pump systems for irrigation and household needs,” Kaitano said.
Each cistern can store 5 000 to 20 000 litres.
“We were trained to maintain the system and given leadership roles to ensure sustainability. We prioritise water for agriculture and domestic use, ensuring equitable distribution,” says group village head Kanyumbu of Mitundu in Lilongwe District.
The 10 000-litre cisterns in Mitundu filled several times during the 2023/24 rainy season, which ranged from 900 to 1 200 millimetres.
Rainwater harvesting enables farmers to cultivate crops throughout the year, Kaitano noted.
“This has led to a 30 to 40 percent increase in crop yields, boosting food security and surplus for sale in local markets,” she said.
Each cistern supports up to 10 families for drinking, cooking, cleaning and irrigation.
This shared resource fosters community cooperation and ensures that even the most vulnerable families can access water.
The Ministry of Water and Sanitation actively identifies and manages surface water resources to support development and conservation efforts.
This approach ensures that valuable water resources are managed sustainably and preserved for future generations.
Minister of Water and Sanitation Abida Mia said the government plans to expand the initiative to remote communities.
“With proper scaling, the calabash system could alleviate water scarcity in rural areas and revolutionise how communities manage water resources. The system could play a critical role in improving food security and building resilience against the impacts of climate change,” she said.—Downtoearth.org.in
