Brooks-Tayaa: Sidebar 2. Water harvesting for multiple water use may be a source of inspiration for rural Moroccans

Morocco's expanding population and growing socioeconomic development is being constrained by water scarcity. In the past few decades, large investments have been made into developing Morocco's water resources through the construction of large dams and multi-purpose reservoirs.

Until recently, little attention has been given to the role of rainwater harvesting as a means of enhancing domestic water supplies in rural areas. The past two decades have witnessed an expanding recognition and commitment to improve water harvesting systems in Morocco as well as several other countries of Africa. The application of modern hydrologic and construction techniques for water harvesting is being considered to play an increasing and important role in the highly populated dryland areas of Morocco. However, there are existing traditional systems that can serve as a source of inspiration to rural inhabitants and provide them with critical water supplies. For example, the traditional rainwater cistern system used in the drier areas of Morocco, is technically simple, inexpensive, and easily constructed with locally available materials. These systems can serve as feasible alternatives to more modern and expensive systems as a means of meeting the urgent demands for water by its rural population.

Action is now needed to integrate the traditional and modern water harvesting systems into the regional and national watershed and water resources development plans and projects.

(Tayaa 2001)

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