Household “rain water harvesting” – Who are practicing? Why are they practicing? A mixed methods study from rural area of Kolar district, South India

BACKGROUND: “Rain Water Harvesting” is one of the identified strategies to replenish the ground water system in India. Household level of rain water harvesting could serve as an indicator for assessment of participation of local community. OBJECTIVES: To assess the proportion of household rainwater harvesting and factors associated with it and to find the reasons behind adoption of this practice in a rural area of Kolar district, Karnataka. METHODS: An exploratory sequential mixed methods study design with an initial cross-sectional quantitative study followed by qualitative in-depth interviews was done to assess the factors affecting household rain water harvesting and reasons behind the practice. Household survey with interview of one person from each household was done. Quantitative data were reported using proportions and qualitative data were reported using categories and verbatim quotes. RESULTS: Of the 82 households surveyed, 31 (37.8%, 95% CI: 27.8–48.6) had adopted at least crude method of rain water harvesting. Household belonging to either joint or three-generation family type was practicing rain water harvesting higher compared with nuclear family type. Reasons for adoption were included under the categories - purity, fresh, tradition, less work, passion, and why waste? CONCLUSION: About one in three households practiced rain water harvesting in the rural area under study with households belonging to joint or three-generation family practicing more compared with nuclear families. The reason for adoption was mostly based on beliefs and also felt needs by families.