Innovative rainwater harvesting techniques for emergencies: lessons from the field

In the context of global climate change, a growing concern over lowering ground water tables and increased flooding, rain water harvesting (RWH) presents itself as a water source with significant environmental, social and economic benefits worth serious consideration. This paper presents a practical case study of new innovative ideas for simple household level RWH techniques appropriate for transient populations in emergency and post emergency situations, together with analysis of performance, based on a practical field test in Southern Sudan. RWH in its many forms should always be considered as a potential water source to supplement other supplies. This is especially true in emergency and post emergency situations, where RWH in its simplest form, can become a selfhelp water source available to all, while in more complex forms, it can contribute as a significant water source to large communities and camps.