Water Harvesting: A Sustainable Approach to Resolving Water Problem for Namelok Village Kajiado County, Kenya

Abstract

This study addresses the water scarcity challenges faced by Namelok Village, Kajiado County, Kenya, and explores the potential of water harvesting as a sustainable solution. Water harvesting collects and stores rainwater for future use, especially in areas with unreliable water sources. This research investigates the current water harvesting techniques, assesses government policies supporting these practices, and evaluates existing water sources for modification and protection. Namelok Village, situated in a semi-arid region, experiences significant water shortages due to climate change, overextraction of resources, and pollution. Traditional water sources, such as rivers, ponds, and shallow wells, are becoming less reliable due to increased demand, population growth, and environmental degradation. The study applied a mixed-method approach, incorporating qualitative and quantitative data from households, government documents, local water management stakeholders, surveys, interviews, and focus group discussions. Through these methods, the research examined the effectiveness of existing water harvesting practices and their role in addressing water scarcity in the village. A comprehensive review of literature and policies at global, regional, national, and local levels provided a framework for understanding the socio-economic and environmental factors influencing water scarcity in arid and semi-arid regions like Namelok Village. Key findings indicate that while some traditional and modern water harvesting techniques are in place, their effectiveness varies. Traditional methods, such as rainwater harvesting from rooftops and shallow wells, are commonly practiced but often fail to meet the community's needs, particularly during prolonged dry seasons. The research identified opportunities to enhance water harvesting by incorporating modern techniques and technologies, such as utilizing hydrogels and nanotechnology, and check dams to store seasonal river runoff. By improving these systems, the community can increase water availability for domestic, agricultural, and livestock purposes. Additionally, government policies designed to promote rainwater harvesting and water management are present but are inconsistently implemented and inadequately supported. The study found that greater government intervention, policy support, and resource allocation are needed to guarantee the successful implementation of water harvesting systems. The research also highlighted the critical role of community engagement and traditional knowledge in fostering resilience and sustainable water management practices. Local participation and capacity-building initiatives are essential for the long-term success of water harvesting efforts and protect water sources from contamination and overuse. Furthermore, the research underscores the need for infrastructure development to improve water access and distribution. Presently, long distances and poor infrastructure hinder many households from accessing water points, exacerbating water scarcity in the village. By enhancing water infrastructure, modifying existing water sources, and incorporating sustainable practices, Namelok Village can improve its water security and reduce its vulnerability to the impacts of climate change and droughts. The study concludes with recommendations for policy support, capacitybuilding, and strategic interventions to improve water infrastructure and foster collaboration among government agencies, local communities, and stakeholders. The findings contribute to ongoing discussions on sustainable water management and provide a framework for designing and implementing effective water harvesting systems in water-scarce regions like Namelok Village. By adopting these strategies, Namelok can achieve a more resilient and sustainable water supply. This will improve the community’s livelihoods and promote environmental sustainability.