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Assessing the returns to water harvesting: A meta-analysis

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  • Bouma, Jetske A.
  • Hegde, Seema S.
  • Lasage, Ralph

Abstract

This study presents the results of a meta-analysis of the peer reviewed literature on water harvesting technologies, with a focus on the crop yield impacts of water harvesting in semi-arid Africa and Asia. Main aim of the analysis is to assess whether water harvesting significantly improves crop yields, and whether the type of water harvesting technology and the quality of the rainy season correlate with the change in yield. We find that water harvesting improves crop yields significantly, and that the relative impact of water harvesting on crop yields is largest in low rainfall years. Smallholder farmers may still be reluctant to invest in water harvesting, however, as in regions with low agricultural productivity the returns to investment are limited. Finally, our review of the literature suggests that there is only a limited number of studies that has systematically evaluated the crop yield impacts of water harvesting technologies. More work is needed to strengthen the scientific knowledge base.

Suggested Citation

  • Bouma, Jetske A. & Hegde, Seema S. & Lasage, Ralph, 2016. "Assessing the returns to water harvesting: A meta-analysis," Agricultural Water Management, Elsevier, vol. 163(C), pages 100-109.
    • Handle: RePEc:eee:agiwat:v:163:y:2016:i:c:p:100-109
    DOI: 10.1016/j.agwat.2015.08.012
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    3. Meron Lakew Tefera & Giovanna Seddaiu & Alberto Carletti, 2024. "Traditional In Situ Water Harvesting Practices and Agricultural Sustainability in Sub-Saharan Africa—A Meta-Analysis," Sustainability, MDPI, vol. 16(15), pages 1-21, July.
    4. Deora, Shashank & Nanore, Gyanesh, 2019. "Socio economic impacts of Doha Model water harvesting structures in Jalna, Maharashtra," Agricultural Water Management, Elsevier, vol. 221(C), pages 141-149.
    5. Yuying Pan & Xuebiao Pan & Tan Zi & Qi Hu & Jing Wang & Guolin Han & Jialin Wang & Zhihua Pan, 2019. "Optimal Ridge–Furrow Ratio for Maximum Drought Resilience of Sunflower in Semi-Arid Region of China," Sustainability, MDPI, vol. 11(15), pages 1-14, July.
    6. Jovanovic, N. & Pereira, L.S. & Paredes, P. & Pôças, I. & Cantore, V. & Todorovic, M., 2020. "A review of strategies, methods and technologies to reduce non-beneficial consumptive water use on farms considering the FAO56 methods," Agricultural Water Management, Elsevier, vol. 239(C).
    7. Mourad, Khaldoon A. & Yimer, Sadame Mohammed, 2017. "Socio-economic Potential of Rainwater Harvesting in Ethiopia," Sustainable Agriculture Research, Canadian Center of Science and Education, vol. 6(1), February.

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