Journal of Emerging Trends in Engineering and Applied Sciences: Research Areas

Article Title: Half-Moon Water Harvesting Technique For Agriculture: A Case Study of Degraded Land Reclamation at Abdullahi Fodio University of Science and Technology, Aliero (AFUSTA)
by Ambursa, A. S.; Mohammed, I. U.; Mansur, M. A.; Abdulrahman, A. K.; Abdulrahman, A.

Abstract:
Land degradation remains one of the most serious environmental and socio-economic challenges confronting arid and semi-arid regions worldwide, with particularly severe consequences in sub-Saharan Africa. In northern Nigeria, the combined effects of climate variability, unsustainable land-use practices, soil erosion, and declining vegetation cover have accelerated ecosystem degradation and undermined agricultural productivity and rural livelihoods. This study evaluated the effectiveness of the half-moon water harvesting technique as a low-cost, climate-smart, and sustainable approach to degraded land reclamation at Abdullahi Fodio University of Science and Technology, Aliero (AFUSTA), Kebbi State, Nigeria. The study was conducted during the 2025 rainy season using two severely degraded plots. Semi-circular micro-catchments (half-moons) with a diameter of 4 m and a depth of 0.15�0.25 m was constructed with their open ends facing upslope to capture surface runoff and enhance water infiltration. Organic manure was incorporated into each structure to improve soil fertility and support vegetation establishment. Baseline conditions were documented prior to intervention, and post-intervention assessments focused on changes in soil moisture retention, runoff behavior, and vegetation recovery. The results revealed marked improvements in soil moisture retention, substantial reduction in surface runoff, and visible regeneration of vegetation within treated plots compared with pre-intervention conditions. The half-moon structures created favorable micro-environments that supported tree seedling establishment and improved soil physical conditions. The findings demonstrate that half-moon water harvesting is an effective and locally adaptable land restoration technology with strong potential for scaling up in Nigeria�s drylands. The study contributes empirical evidence to the growing body of knowledge on indigenous water harvesting techniques and underscores their relevance to sustainable land management, climate change adaptation, and ecosystem resilience. Integration of such approaches into national land restoration and climate adaptation policies is recommended in support of the Sustainable Development Goals, particularly SDG 15 (Life on Land).

Keywords: Land Degradation, Half-Moon Technique, Water Harvesting, Soil Restoration, Sustainable Land Management, Dryland Ecosystems

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