Assessing the water resources' potential and appropriate technology for water supply in drought prone areas

Abstract

The volatile changes in climate are increasingly becoming a threat to many economies globally. This study assesses water resources’ potential and appropriate technology for water supply in drought prone areas. The vulnerability to climatic variability in the context of how these volatile changes in climate are likely to affect long-run water resources availability. This was done by using household data, rainfall data as well as findings from the determination of water potential of water resources in the area. Firstly, we used the results from data collection and existing literature to establish the level of water demand that we projected in the year 2030. Secondly, these findings were mirrored to the drought prevalence results with a view to highlight the potential adverse effects on water availability and ultimately livelihoods in the area. Thirdly MCDA was used after all assessments were done, this was to help in choosing the appropriate technology to be used to abstract water. Whereas the area’s water resource potential position shows that the current level of water resources is still available to meet the demand if utilized well, drought is affecting economic activity primarily in the agricultural sector that is rain-fed. It is also affecting the water recharge system as a big proportion of precipitation is lost through evapo-transpiration. This has implications for long run water availability for the area. The findings point to the need for policy interventions to ensure optimal water use in the area