We found

Traditional technology for water resources

• Traditional method of water management and rationing
• Traditional structures in disrepair ……….
• Replaced by “modern” externally introduced tanks

Program

• “ Birkets” – traditional community level rainwater catchment reservoirs
  • Serve one community for entire period dry season 3-5 months

• Built on existing local strategies for water management
  • demonstrated respect for local solutions and technology
  • improvements did not change basic familiar technology
    • larger, stronger, more durable
    • more efficient – prevented evaporation
    • more sanitary – prevented animals and debris

• Used existing/familiar social system of management built with community voluntary labor à ownership an pride  social systems for community cooperation  respect for local solutions
• (usable also for disaster relief by refilling with tanker trucks)
• (funding rejected by traditional donors; used alternate funds)