In arid and semi-arid regions of the world, sand storage dams can help store water during the rainy season for later use with easy accessibility for local residents. If constructed correctly, a sand storage dam can be a reliable water supply option. The following Literature Review gives you an overview on sand storage dams and most recent research on the topic.
Providing access to electricity in rural areas is a major challenge, especially in developing countries. Inefficient energy use and an unreliable energy supply with limited access not only has an adverse effect on economic productivity; more importantly, it also affects people’s quality of life and is having a strong impact on the environment at local (land degradation), regional (air, water and soil pollution) and global levels (climate change). This paper reviews distributed renewable energy systems and concentrates on energy services for electricity generation in Africa.
UPDATE: The updated version of this literature review is part of RUVIVAL Publication Series Volume 4. A working version of this paper was previously published and discussed online. It can be read here.
Soil erosion is a devastating process leaving landscapes infertile and difficult to revive. The Global Soil Status is already at a worrisome state and research on erosion measures is getting more and more important. The following Literature Review gives you an overview on soil erosion processes and most recent research on the topic. The focus is set on erosion measures, firstly, to prevent erosion and secondly, to reverse erosion.
UPDATE: The updated version of this literature review is part of RUVIVAL Publication Series Volume 5. A working version of this paper was previously published and discussed online. It can be read here.
During the last few decades, technological innovations, economic development and hyper-globalisation, have made significant changes to the fundamental structure of the Earth. This includes the soil, which is one of the most important substances for living creatures. FAO defines soil degradation as the decline in soil health condition, as a result of which the capacity of ecosystems to provide goods and services for its beneficiaries is diminished.
The total amount of arable land decreased, mainly due to unsuitable land usage related to agricultural practices. The Third Agricultural Revolution and growing food demands have put critical stress on agricultural land resulting in serious soil degradation. As a result of modern agricultural practices, both chemical and physical degradation of soil occur. An interrelated factor contributing to the loss of arable land is erosion, which is a naturally occurring process, which can be promoted by human activities.
This paper reviews research conducted on the global soil situation and goes deeper into regional soil conditions. Geographically specific causes for soil loss are also given. Soil management and monitoring systems are recommended, however, it should be noted that each system needs to be adapted to its specific environment.
UPDATE: The updated version of this literature review is part of RUVIVAL Publication Series Volume 5. A working version of this paper was previously published and discussed online. It can be read here.
Sustainable wastewater management in any situation is the one that is economically affordable, environmentally sound, technically and institutionally consistent, and socially acceptable for the specific situation. This paper presents a review of the advantages and limitations of various centralised and decentralised wastewater treatment options. Centralised wastewater collection and treatment systems are resource intensive and complex to build and operate, especially in areas with low population densities and dispersed households. Alternatively, the approach of decentralised wastewater treatment appears as a sustainable and logical solution to tackle problems of rural wastewater management.
UPDATE: The updated version of this literature review is part of RUVIVAL Publication Series Volume 4. A working version of this paper was previously published and discussed online. It can be read here.
Over centuries, people in diverse geographical positions relied on rainwater and developed indigenous knowledge and techniques to harvest it. This paper introduces Traditional Ecological Knowledge and Indigenous Knowledge and provides an overview of some of the traditional rainwater harvesting methods. Bamboo drip irrigation and rice-fish farming in India are reviewed as case studies. It is vital to take into account and to learn from what local people already know and do and apply this knowledge for our planet’s benefits. These traditional rainwater harvesting practices may have a few challenges to overcome, but they can provide water conservation strategies, especially in vulnerable regions.
UPDATE: The updated version of this literature review is part of RUVIVAL Publication Series Volume 5. A working version of this paper was previously published and discussed online. It can be read here.
In arid and semi-arid regions of the world, water is the limiting factor for food production; especially in areas where rain-fed agriculture dominates. Rainwater harvesting systems have the potential to provide a sustainable source of water, while helping to achieve food security and combat soil erosion and flood hazards, simultaneously, if designed correctly. Therefore, land-based rainwater harvesting systems are able to increase crop yields significantly. A variety of techniques for micro and macro-catchment rainwa-ter harvesting schemes are reviewed, with emphasis on design factors which will ensure a functional system. However, in spite of the potential to increase agricultural productivity with the help of micro and macro-catchment rainwater harvesting, and thus food availability, the implementation of these tech-niques is not as widely distributed amongst farmers as it could be.
UPDATE: The updated version of this literature review is part of RUVIVAL Publication Series Volume 2.
Agricultural irrigation has been one of the key activities for achieving food security throughout history. The text reviews the most recent research results on common types of irrigation methods, systems and their impact in specific socio economic or climatic environments. The relation of water resources and irrigation is described in more detail, including the impacts of irrigation methods on water resources. Finally, you can read about the role of policy, research, technologies and management to improve water use efficiency in irrigation. The goal is to avoid water scarcity caused by irrigated agriculture and to find sustainable irrigation solutions.
UPDATE: The updated version of this literature review is part of RUVIVAL Publication Series Volume 3. A working version of this paper was previously published and discussed online. It can be read here.
Water may seem abundant, but less than one percent of the world’s water is readily accessible for human needs. One proposed solution to fight this water scarcity and stress, and include local factors into the equation, are water harvesting practices, and more specifically Rain Water Harvesting (RWH). Learn more in this Rainwater Harvesting Literature Review.
UPDATE: The updated version of this literature review is part of RUVIVAL Publication Series Volume 2. A working version of this paper was previously published on RUVIVAL. It can be read here.
The utilisation of urine has showed many advantages according to different researchers and projects undertaken in different countries. However, even though hygiene quality is normally very high compared to faeces, certain risks still exist. Learn what the advantages and risks are and how they can be managed in this Urine Utilisation Literature Review.
UPDATE: The updated version of this literature review is part of RUVIVAL Publication Series Volume 3. A working version of this paper was previously published and discussed online. It can be read here.
What are aquifers and why are they important? How does aquifer recharge occur? What can be done to enhance it? Which implications does this have for arid and semi-arid regions? To answer all these questions and more, please have a look at the Aquifer Recharge Literature Review below.
UPDATE: The updated version of this literature review is part of RUVIVAL Publication Series Volume 2. A working version of this paper was previously published and discussed online. It can be read here.
This Terra Preta Sanitation literature review introduces the current state of the art of this dry sanitation system. The text will enable you to dive deeper into the topic and processes that entail this dry sanitation solution. These are Lactic acid fermentation and Vermicomposting by earth worms. Case studies in India, Phillipines and Ethiopia, where TPS systems have been implemented are also introduced, along with their most significant research outcomes.
UPDATE: The updated version of this literature review is part of RUVIVAL Publication Series Volume 3. A working version of this paper was previously published and discussed online. It can be read here.
In this Living Terraces literature review, we will discuss the role of living terraces in erosion control and rainwater harvesting. The concept of living terraces is a combination of several erosion control methods. It aims to minimise the needed workload and begins to be productive soon after establishment. The entire structure, with both vertical and horizontal elements, is made out of living trees. This greatly increases their stability and durability. We will first introduce you to conventional erosion control measures – hedgerows, swales and terraces. The literature review will also explain proper building practices and propose suitable plant species.
UPDATE: The updated version of this literature review is part of RUVIVAL Publication Series Volume 1.
This agroforestry literature review will provide you with additional information on the concept of agroforestry and its benefits, but also challenges. In addition, we will introduce you the Slope Farming Project in Arba Minch, Ethiopia. This project is currently developed as a collaboration between Hamburg University of Technology and the Arba Minch University.
UPDATE: The updated version of this literature review is part of RUVIVAL Publication Series Volume 1.
In this check dams literature review you will get a chance to learn more about check dams, their classification, as well as advantages and disadvantages. You will also learn about the basic construction guidelines and design recommendations, but also about practices that should be avoided. Finally, you will be introduced to a case study of the Loess Plateau of China, which is a good example of potential advantages and disadvantages of a consistent number of check-dams in a severely eroded site.
UPDATE: The updated version of this literature review is part of RUVIVAL Publication Series Volume 1.
