Infiltration pits
Run-off
water
Practical Action
The Problem
The problem was highlighted as soil erosion due to water runoff during heavy rainfall.
Implementation
Infiltration pits were developed in Zimbabwe by the Zvishavane Water Project (ZWP). The
ZWP was formed in 1988 by a farmer, Mr. Z Phiri, in order to help spread the innovative
farming techniques developed on his own farm.
The pits are approximately 4m long, 2m wide and 1m deep, and are dug at intervals along the
contour of the garden. Water collected in the pits soaks into the soil, building up
groundwater, giving water to deep rooting crops such as trees and allowing more reliable water
extraction from wells lower down the hillside. The only regular maintenance required is to dig
out accumulated silt.
The Chivi Food Security Project facilitated exposure visits to the Zvishavane Water Project and
infiltration pits. This was one of the techniques selected by farmer’s clubs for testing within
their own communities. The technique has had very high adoption rates, and has spread well
beyond the project area.
Approximately 850 households implemented infiltration pits between 1991-1997 and yielded
improved harvests as a result.
Lessons learned and follow-up
• It requires heavy labour input but low maintenance.
• It takes up a large area of land.
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