Benefits, equity, and sustainability of community rainwater harvesting structures: An assessment based on farm scale social survey

Rainwater harvesting systems (RWHs) are implemented globally to bridge the frequent water supply-demand gaps. This study explores, through farmer household surveys ( n = 492), how farmers perceived benefits of RWHs, equitability benefits, and role contextual psychological factors towards behaviour maintaining such systems. The is carried out in a semi-arid catchment Indian state Gujarat where form Check dams (CDs), have been extensively. Results show that CDs good rainfall years enhanced availability for expanding crops irrigated areas. Farmers reported limited dry years. because runoff no carryover stored groundwater, due underlying shallow hard rock aquifer with little primary porosity, from wet Overall, ∼ 40%–50% sampled decreased distance. reflects spatially inequitable distribution skewed nearest CDs. sustainability challenge already ∼40% reportedly not working 72.8% doing maintenance activity. 91.2% playing its construction. results (participation during construction, economic indicators) sociopsychological (attention CD condition, effort) significantly affect highlights need complement RWHs wider drought management demand interventions achieve resilience, adherence project exit protocols secure investments.