Introduction to Farmponds

The vast majority of poor farmers live in parts of the world where rainfall is limited or very irregular. Often, large amounts of rainfall are received but in a very short span of time, leaving the rest of the year dry. Reduced rainfall or prolonged dry spells often lead to crop failure. Poor landless labourers and small farmers struggling to cultivate crops and raise livestock are further pushed into poverty by irregular rainfall, recurrent drought and soil degradation, and are often forced to migrate to urban centres in search of employment.

Irrigation would be the logical solution but water scarcity, depleted ground water, and the high costs of irrigation infrastructure are major handicaps. Alternative solutions are needed to increase the quantity of water for farmers’ fields – solutions that are affordable, effective, eco-friendly and beneficial for the poor.

Water harvesting, the capture and storage of rainwater for use during dry periods, is a technology proven to increase food security in drought prone areas. Erosion control and groundwater recharge are additional advantages of water harvesting techniques, which contribute to agricultural development and resource conservation.

There are many types of water harvesting structures. At the household level, one of the most effective systems is the farm pond. A farm pond is a dug out pond constructed in or near the farm. Rainwater is collected in the pond and stored for future uses such as irrigating crops, recharging groundwater, and providing drinking water for farm animals.

Many small and marginal farmers have found farm ponds to be ideal solutions to their water struggles. They are small in size and thus fit well within these farmers’ land holding size. They can be filled with small amounts of rain. Furthermore, since they are individually managed farmers can freely use the harvested water without any competition or conflict. In addition, farm ponds save women and children from walking for miles to find, collect, and carry water for domestic use. Farm ponds can also provide an additional source of income for families by supporting activities like fish rearing and growing vegetables.

Farm ponds have been identified as a cost effective structure with the ability to support poor farmers during lean periods and thus revitalize their livelihoods.

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