How to make the most of rainwater in dry areas
From Audiopedia
Some farmers also set up small channels or raised edges in their fields to catch rainwater and help it soak into the soil. This is called runoff harvesting. The collected rainwater can then be used by crops during the dry season, making it possible for the soil to stay moist and plants to stay healthy even when there’s not much rain.
Timing is also important. Plant your seeds early in the rainy season when the soil is full of water.
Giving enough space between plants helps them use the water better, especially in dry areas. In places with very little rain, farmers often choose drought-resistant crops like millet, sorghum, or pigeon pea. These crops have deep roots and can survive longer without water. They can stop growing during a drought and start again when the rain comes back.
If your soil is hard and crusted on top, gently break the surface with a hoe. This helps rainwater get into the soil instead of running off.
On sloped land, planting trees and grasses along the edges can stop the soil from washing away and losing water. Trees like Leucaena and grasses like Vetiver have deep roots that hold the soil together and help keep it moist.