IDEAS home Printed from https://ideas.repec.org/a/gam/jsusta/v13y2021i15p8338-d601711.html
   My bibliography  Save this article

Integrated Water Resource Management: Rethinking the Contribution of Rainwater Harvesting

Author

Listed:
  • Zhe Huang

    (School of Law, Southeast University, Nanjing 211189, China)

  • Esther Laurentine Nya

    (Faculty of Art, Letter and Social Sciences, University of Maroua, Maroua P.O. Box 644, Cameroon)

  • Mohammad Azizur Rahman

    (Technovative Solutions, Manchester Science Park, Manchester M15 6JJ, UK)

  • Tulinave Burton Mwamila

    (Department of Water Supply and Irrigation Engineering, Water Institute, Dar es Salaam P.O. Box 35059, Tanzania)

  • Viet Cao

    (Faculty of Natural Sciences, Hung Vuong University, Phu Tho 35120, Vietnam)

  • Willis Gwenzi

    (Biosystems and Environmental Engineering Research Group, Department of Agricultural and Biosystems Engineering, University of Zimbabwe, Mt. Pleasant, Harare P.O. Box MP167, Zimbabwe)

  • Chicgoua Noubactep

    (Centre for Modern Indian Studies (CeMIS), Universität Göttingen, D-37073 Göttingen, Germany
    Applied Geology, University of Göttingen, D-37077 Göttingen, Germany
    Faculty of Health Sciences, Campus of Banekane, Université des Montagnes, Bangangté P.O. Box 208, Cameroon
    School of Material Energy Water and Environmental Science (MEWES), Department of Water Environmental Science and Engineering (WESE), The Nelson Mandela African Institution of Science and Technology, Arusha P.O. Box 447, Tanzania)

Abstract

Rainwater harvesting (RWH) is generally perceived as a promising cost-effective alternative water resource for potable and non-potable uses (water augmentation) and for reducing flood risks. The performance of RWH systems has been evaluated for various purposes over the past few decades. These systems certainly provide economic, environmental, and technological benefits of water uses. However, regarding RWH just as an effective alternative water supply to deal with the water scarcity is a mistake. The present communication advocates for a systematic RWH and partial infiltration wherever and whenever rain falls. By doing so, the detrimental effects of flooding are reduced, groundwater is recharged, water for agriculture and livestock is stored, and conventional water sources are saved. In other words, RWH should be at the heart of water management worldwide. The realization of this goal is easy even under low-resource situations, as infiltration pits and small dams can be constructed with local skills and materials.

Suggested Citation

  • Zhe Huang & Esther Laurentine Nya & Mohammad Azizur Rahman & Tulinave Burton Mwamila & Viet Cao & Willis Gwenzi & Chicgoua Noubactep, 2021. "Integrated Water Resource Management: Rethinking the Contribution of Rainwater Harvesting," Sustainability, MDPI, vol. 13(15), pages 1-9, July.
    • Handle: RePEc:gam:jsusta:v:13:y:2021:i:15:p:8338-:d:601711
    as

    Download full text from publisher

    File URL: https://www.mdpi.com/2071-1050/13/15/8338/pdf
    Download Restriction: no
    File URL: https://www.mdpi.com/2071-1050/13/15/8338/
    Download Restriction: no
    ---><---

    References listed on IDEAS

    as
    1. Meine Pieter van Dijk & Mingshun Zhang, 2019. "RETRACTED: Urban Water Management Paradigms in Chinese Cities," Sustainability, MDPI, vol. 11(11), pages 1, May.
    2. Chen, Yan & Bellavitis, Cristiano, 2020. "Blockchain disruption and decentralized finance: The rise of decentralized business models," Journal of Business Venturing Insights, Elsevier, vol. 13(C).
    3. Ana Iglesias & Sonia Quiroga & Marta Moneo & Luis Garrote, 2012. "From climate change impacts to the development of adaptation strategies: Challenges for agriculture in Europe," Climatic Change, Springer, vol. 112(1), pages 143-168, May.
    4. Xiao Liang & Yuqing Liang & Chong Chen & Meine Pieter van Dijk, 2020. "Implementing Water Policies in China: A Policy Cycle Analysis of the Sponge City Program Using Two Case Studies," Sustainability, MDPI, vol. 12(13), pages 1-11, June.
    5. Mark A. Shannon & Paul W. Bohn & Menachem Elimelech & John G. Georgiadis & Benito J. Mariñas & Anne M. Mayes, 2008. "Science and technology for water purification in the coming decades," Nature, Nature, vol. 452(7185), pages 301-310, March.
    6. Martin Hartigan, 2009. "Help from Above: Considering Rainwater Harvesting as An Alternative to Filtration (Innovations Case Discussion: SONO Filters)," Innovations: Technology, Governance, Globalization, MIT Press, vol. 4(3), pages 103-106, July.
    7. United Nations UN, 2015. "Transforming our World: the 2030 Agenda for Sustainable Development," Working Papers id:7559, eSocialSciences.
    8. Janeth Marwa & Mesia Lufingo & Chicgoua Noubactep & Revocatus Machunda, 2018. "Defeating Fluorosis in the East African Rift Valley: Transforming the Kilimanjaro into a Rainwater Harvesting Park," Sustainability, MDPI, vol. 10(11), pages 1-12, November.
    9. Ditte M. R. Jensen & Anja T. H. Thomsen & Torben Larsen & Sara Egemose & Peter S. Mikkelsen, 2020. "From EU Directives to Local Stormwater Discharge Permits: A Study of Regulatory Uncertainty and Practice Gaps in Denmark," Sustainability, MDPI, vol. 12(16), pages 1-34, August.
    10. Chad Staddon & Josh Rogers & Calum Warriner & Sarah Ward & Wayne Powell, 2018. "Why doesn’t every family practice rainwater harvesting? Factors that affect the decision to adopt rainwater harvesting as a household water security strategy in central Uganda," Water International, Taylor & Francis Journals, vol. 43(8), pages 1114-1135, November.
    Full references (including those not matched with items on IDEAS)

    Citations

    Citations are extracted by the CitEc Project, subscribe to its RSS feed for this item.
    as


    Cited by:

    1. Puppala, Harish & Ahuja, Jaya & Tamvada, Jagannadha Pawan & Peddinti, Pranav R T, 2023. "New technology adoption in rural areas of emerging economies: The case of rainwater harvesting systems in India," Technological Forecasting and Social Change, Elsevier, vol. 196(C).
    2. Alisson Lopes Rodrigues & Lineu Neiva Rodrigues & Guilherme Fernandes Marques & Pedro Manuel Villa, 2023. "Simulation Model to Assess the Water Dynamics in Small Reservoirs," Water Resources Management: An International Journal, Published for the European Water Resources Association (EWRA), Springer;European Water Resources Association (EWRA), vol. 37(5), pages 2019-2038, March.
    3. Zhe Huang & Esther Laurentine Nya & Viet Cao & Willis Gwenzi & Mohammad Azizur Rahman & Chicgoua Noubactep, 2021. "Universal Access to Safe Drinking Water: Escaping the Traps of Non-Frugal Technologies," Sustainability, MDPI, vol. 13(17), pages 1-15, August.
    4. Ali Reza Noori & S.K. Singh, 2023. "Rainfall Assessment and Water Harvesting Potential in an Urban area for Artificial Groundwater Recharge with Land Use and Land Cover Approach," Water Resources Management: An International Journal, Published for the European Water Resources Association (EWRA), Springer;European Water Resources Association (EWRA), vol. 37(13), pages 5215-5234, October.
    5. Tariq Judeh & Isam Shahrour & Fadi Comair, 2022. "Smart Rainwater Harvesting for Sustainable Potable Water Supply in Arid and Semi-Arid Areas," Sustainability, MDPI, vol. 14(15), pages 1-22, July.
    6. Nandi, Santosh & Gonela, Vinay, 2022. "Rainwater harvesting for domestic use: A systematic review and outlook from the utility policy and management perspectives," Utilities Policy, Elsevier, vol. 77(C).

    Most related items

    These are the items that most often cite the same works as this one and are cited by the same works as this one.
    1. Elham Naseri & Arnaud Igor Ndé-Tchoupé & Hezron T. Mwakabona & Charles Péguy Nanseu-Njiki & Chicgoua Noubactep & Karoli N. Njau & Kerstin D. Wydra, 2017. "Making Fe 0 -Based Filters a Universal Solution for Safe Drinking Water Provision," Sustainability, MDPI, vol. 9(7), pages 1-32, July.
    2. Zhe Huang & Esther Laurentine Nya & Viet Cao & Willis Gwenzi & Mohammad Azizur Rahman & Chicgoua Noubactep, 2021. "Universal Access to Safe Drinking Water: Escaping the Traps of Non-Frugal Technologies," Sustainability, MDPI, vol. 13(17), pages 1-15, August.
    3. Paulina Schiappacasse & Bernhard Müller & Le Thuy Linh, 2019. "Towards Responsible Aggregate Mining in Vietnam," Resources, MDPI, vol. 8(3), pages 1-15, August.
    4. Pina Puntillo, 2023. "Circular economy business models: Towards achieving sustainable development goals in the waste management sector—Empirical evidence and theoretical implications," Corporate Social Responsibility and Environmental Management, John Wiley & Sons, vol. 30(2), pages 941-954, March.
    5. R. Ebrahimi & S. Choobchian & H. Farhadian & I. Goli & E. Farmandeh & H. Azadi, 2022. "Investigating the effect of vocational education and training on rural women’s empowerment," Humanities and Social Sciences Communications, Palgrave Macmillan, vol. 9(1), pages 1-11, December.
    6. repec:bdu:ojjppa:v:10:y:2025:i:1:p:46-62:id:3297 is not listed on IDEAS
    7. D. Santillán & L. Garrote & A. Iglesias & V. Sotes, 2020. "Climate change risks and adaptation: new indicators for Mediterranean viticulture," Mitigation and Adaptation Strategies for Global Change, Springer, vol. 25(5), pages 881-899, May.
    8. Bárbara Galleli & Elder Semprebon & Joyce Aparecida Ramos dos Santos & Noah Emanuel Brito Teles & Mateus Santos de Freitas-Martins & Raquel Teodoro da Silva Onevetch, 2021. "Institutional Pressures, Sustainable Development Goals and COVID-19: How Are Organisations Engaging?," Sustainability, MDPI, vol. 13(21), pages 1-21, November.
    9. Anna Napiórkowska & Piotr Zaborek & Marzanna Katarzyna Witek-Hajduk & Anna Grudecka, 2025. "Individual Cultural Values and Charitable Crowdfunding: Driving Social Sustainability Through Consumer Engagement," Sustainability, MDPI, vol. 17(11), pages 1-26, June.
    10. Sagarika Dey & Priyanka Devi, 2019. "Impact of TVET on Labour Market Outcomes and Women’s Empowerment in Rural Areas: A Case Study from Cachar District, Assam," Indian Journal of Human Development, , vol. 13(3), pages 357-371, December.
    11. Maria Sassi, 2020. "A SEM Approach to the Direct and Indirect Links between WaSH Services and Access to Food in Countries in Protracted Crises: The Case of Western Bahr-el-Ghazal State, South Sudan," Sustainability, MDPI, vol. 12(22), pages 1-13, November.
    12. Olga Stepanova & Magdalena Romanov, 2021. "Urban Planning as a Strategy to Implement Social Sustainability Policy Goals? The Case of Temporary Housing for Immigrants in Gothenburg, Sweden," Sustainability, MDPI, vol. 13(4), pages 1-17, February.
    13. Michel, Hanno, 2020. "From local to global: The role of knowledge, transfer, and capacity building for successful energy transitions," Discussion Papers, Research Group Digital Mobility and Social Differentiation SP III 2020-603, WZB Berlin Social Science Center.
    14. Hervé Corvellec & Johan Hultman & Anne Jerneck & Susanne Arvidsson & Johan Ekroos & Niklas Wahlberg & Timothy W. Luke, 2021. "Resourcification: A non‐essentialist theory of resources for sustainable development," Sustainable Development, John Wiley & Sons, Ltd., vol. 29(6), pages 1249-1256, November.
    15. Wilson Charles Wilson & Maja Slingerland & Frederick P. Baijukya & Hannah Zanten & Simon Oosting & Ken E. Giller, 2021. "Integrating the soybean-maize-chicken value chains to attain nutritious diets in Tanzania," Food Security: The Science, Sociology and Economics of Food Production and Access to Food, Springer;The International Society for Plant Pathology, vol. 13(6), pages 1595-1612, December.
    16. Sujeeth Ungratwar & Dipasha Sharma & Satish Kumar, 2025. "Mapping the digital banking landscape: a multi-dimensional exploration of fintech, digital payments, and e-wallets, with insights into current scenarios and future research," Humanities and Social Sciences Communications, Palgrave Macmillan, vol. 12(1), pages 1-22, December.
    17. Jones, Lindsey & d'Errico, Marco, 2019. "Whose resilience matters? Like-for-like comparison of objective and subjective evaluations of resilience," World Development, Elsevier, vol. 124(C), pages 1-1.
    18. Bin Xue & Bingsheng Liu & Tao Liang & Dong Zhao & Tao Wang & Xingbin Chen, 2022. "A heterogeneous decision criteria system evaluating sustainable infrastructure development: From the lens of multidisciplinary stakeholder engagement," Sustainable Development, John Wiley & Sons, Ltd., vol. 30(4), pages 556-579, August.
    19. Sudheesh Ramapurath Chemmencheri, 2016. "Social Protection as a Human Right in South Asia," Indian Journal of Human Development, , vol. 10(2), pages 236-252, August.
    20. Ingrid Boas & Frank Biermann & Norichika Kanie, 2016. "Cross-sectoral strategies in global sustainability governance: towards a nexus approach," International Environmental Agreements: Politics, Law and Economics, Springer, vol. 16(3), pages 449-464, June.
    21. Joyeeta Gupta & Louis Lebel, 0. "Access and allocation in earth system governance: lessons learnt in the context of the Sustainable Development Goals," International Environmental Agreements: Politics, Law and Economics, Springer, vol. 0, pages 1-18.

    More about this item

    Keywords

    ;
    ;
    ;
    ;
    ;

    Statistics

    Access and download statistics

    Corrections

    All material on this site has been provided by the respective publishers and authors. You can help correct errors and omissions. When requesting a correction, please mention this item's handle: RePEc:gam:jsusta:v:13:y:2021:i:15:p:8338-:d:601711. See general information about how to correct material in RePEc.

    If you have authored this item and are not yet registered with RePEc, we encourage you to do it here. This allows to link your profile to this item. It also allows you to accept potential citations to this item that we are uncertain about.

    If CitEc recognized a bibliographic reference but did not link an item in RePEc to it, you can help with this form .

    If you know of missing items citing this one, you can help us creating those links by adding the relevant references in the same way as above, for each refering item. If you are a registered author of this item, you may also want to check the "citations" tab in your RePEc Author Service profile, as there may be some citations waiting for confirmation.

    For technical questions regarding this item, or to correct its authors, title, abstract, bibliographic or download information, contact: MDPI Indexing Manager (email available below). General contact details of provider: https://www.mdpi.com .

    Please note that corrections may take a couple of weeks to filter through the various RePEc services.

    IDEAS is a RePEc service. RePEc uses bibliographic data supplied by the respective publishers.