Sand-storage dams in Kenya: successful application of an ancient technology

Water conservation is a high priority in the drier areas of sub-Saharan Africa. Storage of water from the rainy season to the dry season, or even from wet years to dry years is highly important. People living in arid areas with highly variable rainfall, experience droughts and floods and often have insecure livelihoods. Small multi-purpose sub-surface water reservoirs recharged through infiltration are used to provide water for humans, livestock and crops in the Kitui region in Kenya. The groundwater dams obstruct the natural flow of water in wet seasons or periods, and provide storage of water during dry seasons or periods. Retaining groundwater is not a new concept: groundwater dams were constructed on the island of Sardinia in Roman times and by ancient civilizations in North Africa. The technology might be considered ‘simple’ but ‘effective’, reason for many to consider it a feasible object to be constructed within the context of development cooperation. A challenge is to develop an effective strategy combining effective, cheap and fast construction with a community based approach

Keywords:

Kenya , sand-storage dam , water use , design