Revisiting water resources management in the Mandara Mountains

Area of Science:

• Environmental Science
• Water Resource Management
• Sustainable Development

Background:

• The Mandara Mountains region faces significant challenges with safe drinking water access.
• Rainwater harvesting (RWH) is an ancient, small-scale water conservation technique with proven success in arid regions globally.
• Integrated Water Resources Management (IWRM) increasingly recognizes RWH as a key component, especially in water-scarce areas.

Purpose of the Study:

• To evaluate the potential of large-scale rainwater harvesting (RWH) implementation in the Mandara Mountains.
• To assess RWH as a sustainable solution for water management challenges in the region.
• To provide a planning blueprint for water resource optimization in the Mandara Mountains.

Main Methods:

• Estimation of water harvesting yields from various surfaces including residential roofs, public buildings, and agricultural lands.
• Analysis of RWH applicability and affordability for rural and urban communities.
• Assessment of RWH's potential to supplement irrigation and enhance agricultural productivity.

Main Results:

• Rainwater harvesting is demonstrated as an affordable, applicable, and attractive solution for the Mandara Mountains' water deficit.
• RWH can provide sufficient drinking water for both rural and urban populations.
• Despite a short rainy season, RWH can offer adequate irrigation water, mitigating dry spells and improving crop and livestock yields.

Conclusions:

• Rainwater harvesting presents a viable and sustainable strategy to address the persistent lack of safe drinking water in the Mandara Mountains.
• The study provides a foundational framework for future sustainable water management planning in the region.
• RWH integration can significantly enhance water security and agricultural resilience in the Mandara Mountains.