Interdisciplinary assessment of rainwater catchment system built through a participative process with family farmers from São Paulo

Abstract

Rainwater catchment system are frequently used in Brazilian rural semi-arid areas, but not so used in other Brazil ́s regions, even with all problematic envolving water resources. This work is a action research that had as a aim evaluate a rainwater catchment system built with farmers in a settlement of the Land Reform Programme in São Paulo. The researcher to verify the feasibility and sustainability of the rain water catchment system built, was checked quality of the water of the tank, the use and perception ofthe farmers about the system and the return of your investment. The results obtained indicated there was an empowerment of the family farmers to the built system, obtained water quality suitable to the use that farmers allocated to resource and return on investment of one year. The rainwater catchment system built are viable for the studied community presented sustainable levels in environmental, social and economic aspects.