Harvesting rainwater has a wide range of positive benefits. The low cost technology can empower communities and individuals. People from different countries use it for various purposes, such as improving water access and sanitation.
It also demonstrates the potential to double food production in agriculture. In fact, 80 percent of the world’s agricultural lands make use of rain-fed water supply. But, more than that, rainwater harvesting shows to improve quality of life and well-being.
Rainwater harvesting is a generic term for rainfall collection and storage intervention. It can refer to in-soil or man-made dams, or containers and tanks. As Rhino Water Tanks explains, its role is to retain water, which people can use for multiple purposes.
Farms are the most important ecosystems for human welfare. Unfortunately, some farming communities do not have abundant sources of water. This results in poor harvests, soil erosion and even specie decline (including humans). Decline in production means less food and income, especially for farming communities.
A sustainable solution to water shortage is of utmost importance to various communities. Therefore, harvesting rainwater plays a role in improving access to basic human needs, health and well-being.
Here are several ways rain harvesting improves quality of life in several communities:
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Sustainable Environment
Fresh water can provide animals and humans the nutrients needed for productivity. It helps keep agricultural lands healthy and reduce erosion.
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Child Health
Sufficient clean water supply improves sanitation. This reduces the chance of infections and water born diseases, improving life expectancy among kids.
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School Attendance
The need to collect water forces some parents to withdraw their kids from school. Some children miss out school to devote time fetching water. Water harvesting systems in a local community help avoid this gruelling task, enabling children to go to school.
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Reduced Hunger and Poverty
At large, rainwater harvesting can improve agricultural production, restore eroded lands and supply water for crop planting. This provides better livelihood and food availability.
Harvesting rainwater is not just a band-aid solution to water scarcity. It is a sustainable source providing many benefits to humans, without sacrificing the environment.
