Modelling the potential of rainwater harvesting in western Kenya using remote sensing and GIS techniques

• DOI: 10.4314/sajg.v3i3.3
• Publication Date: 2014-12-02T09:08:04Z
• Authors: SM Nthuni; T Lübker; G Schaab
• Keywords: Rainwater Harvesting; Scarcity

Water scarcity is among the many problems faced today by countries in world, especially African countries. The Kakamega area western Kenya known for plenty of rainfall (around 2000 mm annually), however, rainwater harvesting (RHW) from roofs not yet a common practice region. In this study, we determined potential RWH as an alternative or preferred source safe water domestic use. Spatial modelling techniques using amount rainfall, census data and detailed information available classification very high resolution QuickBird satellite imagery input were applied to implement various approaches. Four conceptual models developed at three different levels detail: Kakamega-Nandi forests (3900 km²), covered (473 km² farmland) Buyangu village (1.9 km²). four implemented ArcGIS ModelBuilder reveal such spatially explicit simulations guide planners demonstrate benefits local people. area, it rains enough meet annual demand 7300 l per person almost throughout entire area.