Resource

Construction of sand dams to harvest rain water

Authors: IGAD
Date: 2019

Abstract:

Djibouti is predominantly arid and semi-arid, with a cumulative annual rainfall of approximately 150 mm. To supplement the available underground waters, surface water is retained by means of a dam (composed of a dike and a spillway) in which the flow water is infiltrated into the infer flux sheet. This provides an alternative source of water for the pastoral communities during the dry season. Fifteen additional sand dams have already been constructed in several localities: Three in Arta, four in Dikhil, three in Ali Sabieh, four in Tadjoura and one in Obock. This promising practice is documented here.