APPRAISAL OF RAINWATER HARVESTING POTENTIAL IN MAIDUGURI, BORNO STATE, NIGERIA

Authors: *Ibrahim U.A, Dibal J.M, Taiwo O.A

DOI Info: N/A

ABSTRACT

Maiduguri, Borno State’s capital has experienced for more than 6 years, increase in population and social activities due to insurgency leading to scarcity of water in the area, notably IDP (internally displaced persons) camps. However, rooftop rainwater harvesting which is regarded as one of the viable alternative sources of water for domestic use was therefore assessed in this study. Hydrological analysis was carried out using rainfall data for 33 years, obtained from the Nigerian Meteorological Agency (NIMET) North East Zonal office, Maiduguri. Results revealed that rain water harvesting was found to be technically feasible based on the prevailing rainfall pattern with many households having a rooftop constructed from technically appropriate materials. This indicate that an average roof of 85 m² will collect 38,352 l/yr (15 l/person/day) for a household size of 7, which is close to the WHO recommended minimum requirement of 20 l/person/day. It is recommended that governmental and non-governmental organizations should embark on massive rainwater harvesting with corresponding water reservoir as a way to reduce the effects of the five months dry spell experienced in the region.

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