Water scarcity is one of the most persistent constraints on small-scale agriculture—yet, with the right knowledge, it can be transformed into an opportunity for growth and resilience. Water Resource Management: Guide for Smallholder Farmers provides that knowledge in a concise, field-ready format. Written by international agricultural development expert, David S. Vanderpool, and refined through IDEA’s global extension work, this 40-page manual equips practitioners with the strategies that matter most on the ground.
 
Across five comprehensive chapters—ranging from rainwater-harvesting designs and low-cost drip-irrigation kits to community-based governance models and livestock water budgeting—the guide distills proven practices drawn from Kenya, India, Niger, Ethiopia, and beyond. Each technique is paired with step-by-step instructions, cost considerations, and real-world case studies so readers can quickly translate theory into impact. Practical checklists, troubleshooting tips, and ready-to-use training prompts make it equally valuable for NGO program managers, Ministry of Agriculture extension agents, development teams, and enterprising farmers determined to future-proof their holdings.
 
Key takeaways include:
Designing rainwater-harvesting systems that cut dependence on erratic rainfall by up to 40 percent
Implementing soil-moisture retention and conservation-tillage methods that boost yields without costly inputs
Integrating crop–livestock systems to recycle scarce water and nutrients—maximizing every drop
Forming water-user associations that reduce conflict and ensure equitable access across communities
Navigating water-quality and salinity thresholds for cattle, goats, poultry, and more, safeguarding herd health
 
Invest in a resource that pays dividends season after season. Add Water Resource Management: Guide for Smallholder Farmers to your toolkit today and empower the people you serve to thrive—no matter how unpredictable the rains.