| dc.description.abstract | Semi-arid Africa is well known for its unpredictable rainfall patterns, increased cases of drought
and dry spells, high evaporative demands and increasing population which put pressure on water
resources. Local experiences in SADC show that conjunctive use of surface and groundwater
would cushion these pressures. This study was aimed at assessing water demand and availability
paradigms, and water allocation process as functions of conjunctive use of small earth dams and
groundwater (shallow wells and boreholes) for small scale agriculture in the study area for a
period beginning April, 2005. Assessment of conjunctive use of surface and groundwater for
sustainable livelihood was carried out on 10 earth dams and 23 boreholes and 5 shallow wells of
22 villages in Traditional Authorities Kalolo and Khongoni in Lilongwe district in Malawi.
Traditionally, shallow wells, ponds, running rivers, swamps or marshes have been supporting the
rural masses and their livestock as sources of water for drinking, domestic use and small scale
agriculture. It was revealed through focus group discussions and interviews that less than 28% of
the households use water from dams and boreholes/shallow wells for small scale irrigation
conjunctively while 30% of the total households use shallow wells as the main source of water
for small scale irrigation. 11% of the total households use water from boreholes with 31% using
water from small earth dams for small scale irrigation. Presently, villages surrounding Kamanzi
dam experience water shortages 93% of the time in dry season, with supply meeting only 26% of
demand. However, inclusion of water from boreholes to total supply helps the system meet 31%
of demand. By 2039, the villages around Kamanzi dam will experience shortage about 100% of
the time with supply meeting only 11% of demand. Village Development Committees (VDC)
control water allocation process and customs and traditions form basis for this process. Water
Poverty Index (WPI) showed that it is resource and use based and that conjunctive use of small
earth dams has advantage on both environment and people’s livelihoods in the area. It is thus
recommended that conjunctive use of earth dams and boreholes/shallow wells be encouraged for
small scale irrigation in order to curb resource depletion and maximize resource benefits for the
betterment of local people. | en_ZW |
