Kenya Sand Dunes

• What has significantly reduced in China?

  Wheat yields
• How is Kenya using sand dams to create a sustainable water supply?

  • Building sand dams
  • Trapping water for future use
  • Providing access to water year-round
• What type of climate does Kenya have?

  Hot and dry climate
• When does most rainfall occur in Kenya?

  Just a few heavy downpours each year
• What happens to rivers during the rainy season in Kenya?

  They only flow during the rainy season
• What is difficult for rural communities in Kenya regarding water storage?

  Storing water for future use
• What have people in Kenya's Machakos District built to help with water supply?

  Sand dams
• What are the steps involved in how sand dams work?

  1. A dam is built across a river
  2. Water flows during the rainy season
  3. Coarse material (sand) is trapped behind the dam
  4. Water gets trapped between sand particles
  5. Water can be extracted by digging wells
• What is the height of the dam built across the river in Kenya?

  About 1 meter high
• What happens to water when the river flows during the rainy season?

  Water flows in the river
• What is trapped behind the dam?

  Coarse material like sand
• How much water is actually trapped behind the dam?

  About a third of what is trapped
• What do sand particles do in the dam?

  They trap water
• What prevents water from evaporating during the dry season?

  The sand traps the water
• What can be done when the river stops flowing?

  Water can be extracted from the sand
• How can water be extracted from the sand?

  By digging a well
• What is a simple method to access water from the dam?

  Digging holes
• What materials are used to build the dams?

  Cheap local materials
• What maintenance is required for the dams?

  They don't require much maintenance
• How can the height of the dam be adjusted?

  It can be raised each year
• What are the advantages of using sand dams for water supply in Kenya?

  • Cost-effective to build
  • Use local materials
  • Require little maintenance
  • Can be raised to trap more water
• What is a challenge mentioned regarding water in the context of sand dams?

  Water can be full of sand
• What should one know about the ins and outs of water security?

  Both ins and outs of water security
• How can supplies of water be increased sustainably?

  By using named examples
• What is the main focus of the study material?

  Water supply in Kenya
• What is the significance of the dams built in Kenya?

  They provide sustainable water supply
• What is the role of sand in the water supply system?

  It traps water and prevents evaporation
• What is the impact of climate on water availability in Kenya?

  Climate affects rainfall and water supply
• What is the relationship between rainfall and river flow in Kenya?

  River flow depends on rainfall
• How does the construction of sand dams help rural communities?

  It provides a reliable water source
• What is the significance of the Machakos District in Kenya?

  It is known for sand dam construction
• What is a potential downside of using sand dams?

  Water may be sandy
• What is the overall goal of the sand dam project in Kenya?

  To ensure sustainable water supply