Traditional In Situ Water Harvesting Practices and Agricultural Sustainability in Sub-Saharan Africa—A Meta-Analysis

Summary

This meta-analysis synthesises peer-reviewed evidence on traditional in situ water harvesting practices across sub-Saharan Africa, demonstrating substantial benefits for rainfed agricultural systems under variable rainfall conditions. The analysis quantifies significant improvements in crop productivity (71% yield increase), soil water retention (59%), and erosion control (53% runoff reduction, 58.66% soil loss reduction). The authors identify socioeconomic and institutional barriers to adoption—including limited technical knowledge, resource constraints, and weak extension services—and argue that addressing these barriers is essential for scaling these practices to enhance food security and resilience to climate change in the region.

Regional applicability

Whilst this meta-analysis focuses on sub-Saharan African contexts with distinct rainfall patterns and agro-ecological conditions, the principles of in situ water harvesting and soil conservation have potential relevance to United Kingdom farming systems facing increasing climate variability. However, direct transferability is limited by differences in rainfall regimes, soil types, and existing conservation infrastructure; UK application would require adaptation to cooler, temperate conditions and integration with existing drainage and soil management practices.

Key measures

Crop yield (percentage increase), soil moisture retention (percentage improvement), runoff reduction (percentage), soil loss reduction (percentage)

Outcomes reported

The meta-analysis examined the effects of traditional in situ water harvesting practices on crop yield, soil moisture retention, runoff reduction, and soil loss reduction across sub-Saharan Africa. Combined effect sizes demonstrated 71% increase in crop yield, 59% improvement in soil moisture retention, 53% runoff reduction, and 58.66% soil loss reduction.

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