Agricultural villages around the world have one thing in common: they all need water to grow successful crops. Since rural villages may not have access to running water, the villagers have to get the water to their plants in different ways. Nearby rivers or lakes provide water for villages, as does rainfall.
Furrow Irrigation
In furrow irrigation, the furrows between the rows of plants are flooded to provide water for the crops on top of the furrows. The water can be directed to the fields from an aqueduct coming from a river or lake or pumped into the fields, if possible. Villages in Africa use furrow irrigation.
Rainfall Irrigation
Collecting rainfall for irrigation is good for areas with a wet and dry season. During the wet season rain is collected in rain barrels around the villages, situated under roofs. The rain water is stored and used later during the dry season when there is no rain. The rainfall should be directed to the plants with a drip irrigation system to save as much water as possible.
Well Irrigation
Like rainfall irrigation, well water is stored from rainfall in wells underground until it is needed for the crops. This works well in areas with wet and dry seasons that have access to underground wells. When the water is needed it can be released from the wells to provide irrigation to the plants, either in the form of drip irrigation or spray irrigation.
