The PLUS project in Haiti aims to develop water harvesting systems to improve agricultural productivity and reduce erosion. The project focuses on three main interventions: irrigation of biointensive gardens (BIGs), water harvesting techniques, and soil-water conservation techniques. The project has observed several water harvesting systems in the region, including rock walls, check dams, and roof runoff catchments. Any water harvesting system in the Northwest region will offer various benefits, including water for irrigation, livestock, and other beneficial uses; reducing runoff and erosion in ravines; and recharging aquifers in the region. The first benefit will provide direct incentives to the BIG participants and others who build water harvesting systems, while the other two will provide long-term benefits to the region and the country. The climate and landscape of the Northwest region are suitable for water harvesting systems, and there is a high demand for such water sources. Many villagers are interested in the BIG project, and the project has the potential to provide good water sources for irrigation and livestock as well as the participants’ drinking water. The project has observed several water harvesting systems in the region, including rock walls, check dams, and roof runoff catchments. The project recommends the installation of rock walls and hedgerows in shallow ravines and check dams in gullies. The project also proposes a roof catchment system for the Northwest region, which is similar to existing systems in the region but with a few modifications. The project suggests that the installation of rock walls and hedgerows in shallow ravines and check dams in gullies would be effective in reducing runoff and erosion. The project also recommends the installation of a large hill-side runoff catchment system in Passe Cachis, which would provide water for irrigation and other beneficial uses. The project notes that good maintenance of water harvesting systems is of utmost importance, as well as design and construction of the systems. The project recommends the use of propex compaction of pond soil to seal pore spaces and reduce seepage losses. The project also recommends the use of clay, ash, or animal manure to further reduce seepage rates. The project suggests that the following systems and practices be implemented for improved performance and outcome of the BIG and PLUS projects: field water-harvesting systems with ponds for multi-ownership BIG projects; roof-runoff catchment systems for single-family BIG projects; and the use of rock walls and hedgerows in shallow ravines and check dams in gullies. The project notes that the PLUS project is working in the right direction and has been achieving its objective of conservation by mitigating erosion problems while providing incentives for participating farmers. However, some problems and setbacks exist in the gully control and the BIG component of the project. The project suggests that further emphasis be placed on conservation measures on the primary source areas of erosion-causing runoff.
