Table of Contents
Prelims (Preface, Acknowledgements)
Introduction
PART ONE: RAINWATER HARVESTING AND DOMESTIC RURAL WATER SUPPLY
1. Development of rainwater harvesting in rural Gansu
2. Upgraded Water Cellar Designs
3.Water quality and the development of solar cooker technology
PART TWO: RAINWATER HARVESTING AND SUSTAINABLE AGRICULTURE
4. Development and replication of low-cost greenhouse designs
5. Development of rainwater harvesting based irrigation systems in Gansu
6. Irrigation methods using rainwater
PART THREE: RAINWATER HARVESTING AND ENVIRONMENTAL MANAGEMENT
7. Small watershed management
PART FOUR: CHALLENGES, FUTURE PROSPECTS, AND CONCLUSIONS
8. Challenges and prospects for rainwater harvesting in Gansu Province
Back Matter (Appendix 1, Appendix 2, Notes, References and sources of further information, Index)
Endorsements
‘In terms of its scale, its long-term approach and the severity of the environmental constraints it had to face, the Gansu water programme is of global significance. The technologies and approaches used will be of interest to many outside China, even if the conditions they face are less severe. This book is a major source of tested techniques in the fields of water supply and agriculture for semi-arid lands, solar energy and erosion control. I happily commend it.’ Dr Terry Thomas, Head Development Technology Unit, Warwick University, UK, and author, researcher and consultant in tropical rainwater harvesting
‘Every Last Drop shows that great strides can be made against the severe challenges of water shortage and soil conservation, without large expenditures, by using the best of traditional technologies combined with modern science and innovation. Millions of people are living better lives thanks to the sometimes simple but effective techniques of capturing rainwater for domestic use and agriculture. Required reading... and a strong case for more demonstration projects!’ David Bainbridge, Agroecologist, California
‘This book is an important addition to the literature on rainwater harvesting. It demonstrates in simple and understandable terms how the use of rainwater both for domestic needs and agriculture has developed in Gansu Province and is practised today. There are very many comparable situations all over the world and we all can learn much from Gansu. Now, not only those who have seen with their own eyes but also readers of this book will turn into believers of the huge, yet untapped potential of rainwater harvesting.’ Hans Hartung, expert in rainwater harvesting
