Rainwater harvesting cisterns and local water management : a qualitative geographical / socio-anthropological case study and ethnographic description from the district of Hajja

Abstract

The thesis provides a qualitative geographical/socio-anthropological case study and ethnographic description of rainwater harvesting cisterns and their role in local water management. The analysed data is presented in a generalised form regarding the situation in the districts of Hajja, Mabyan and Shiris, Governorate of Hajja, Republic of Yemen. Water quality and quantity are both of an inferior and problematic character. The thesis looks into some of the causes behind this situation by using a rational actor’s model to identify the main aspects of the eco-technical, social and cultural constraints that surround the actor as a framework regarding local water management. Different aspects of the water related local knowledge have also been focused on, in order to better understand the actor’s situation of choice. The field area has undergone significant changes during the last 35 years, but the traditional way of managing water is still very much present, despite or because of the changes.