Rain Water Harvesting (RWH) has proven to be an alternative, or better still a complimentary source of water supply in most parts of Africa. Even though it had been a traditional means of water access, not much has been done to raise a greater awareness on its adoption, proper handling and practice.

Speaking at a rain water harvesting strategy validation workshop, organized by the Water Directorate of the Ministry of Water Resources Works and Housing on 15^th December 2011, Dr. Amo Mensah of Council for Scientific and Industrial Research (CSIR), explained the importance of the rain water harvesting strategy and how it emerged from the water policy of Ghana and the various studies done on the subject.

Participants at the workshop deliberated on a number of issues in the strategy including the awareness creation, sustainability, adoption and practice. Key among the issues discussed was the setting up of a network of rain water harvesting practitioners which will include all interested partners from public, civil society and private. The proposed RWH website was suggested to be linked with the WASH Resource Centre Network’s (RCN) website to speed up the dissemination and awareness raising process.

The various importance informing this awareness of rain water harvesting adaptation includes the control of flooding, the preservation of ground water as a climate change adaptation strategy but to mention a few. Participants were encouraged to work their possible best to ensure the successful implementation of the rain water harvesting strategy in Ghana.

Ida coleman

RCN Ghana