Title: Drylands rainwater harvesting: a community-based management approach

Authors: Mohammad N. Alhamad; Mohammad A. Alrababah; Samah A. Jaradat; Anne A. Gharaibeh; Shorna B. Allred

Addresses: Department of Natural Resources and Environment, Jordan University of Science and Technology, P.O. Box 3030 Irbid, 22110, Jordan ' Department of Natural Resources and Environment, Jordan University of Science and Technology, P.O. Box 3030 Irbid, 22110, Jordan ' Department of Natural Resources and Environment, Jordan University of Science and Technology, P.O. Box 3030 Irbid, 22110, Jordan ' Department of City Planning and Design, College of Architecture and Design, Jordan University of Science and Technology, P.O. Box 3030 Irbid, 22110, Jordan ' Center for Conservation Social Sciences, Department of Natural Resources, Cornell University, 102 Fernow Hall, Ithaca, NY 14853, USA

Abstract: This study's objectives were to identify issues concerning natural resource use and identify management options for natural resources from the local community's perspective. The research methodology is based on an integrated application of field interviews with individuals, focus groups, and feedback from key informants. The results showed that less than 1% of the local community supports the construction of Earth dams on rangeland reserves. Land donation and sharing by the landowners is a possible proposal for selecting potential sites for Earth dams. The lack of active participation of local communities during the planning and execution of natural resources development projects led to project failure to secure water resources in the study area. We recommend policymakers and water resources managers seriously consider active community involvement in water harvesting programs. Hence, the present top-bottom approach should be replaced by the bottom-up approach to provide sustainable assurances to water development programs.

Keywords: water harvesting; local knowledge; Mediterranean dryland; bottom-up approach; sustainable management; arid land; Earth dams; rangeland resources; water resources; Jordan.

DOI: 10.1504/IJSAMI.2021.113461

International Journal of Sustainable Agricultural Management and Informatics, 2021 Vol.7 No.1, pp.31 - 43

Received: 03 Jan 2020
Accepted: 18 Sep 2020

Published online: 05 Mar 2021 *

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