Ecosystem services are fundamental for human well-being, and are the basis of rural livelihoods, in particular for the poor. Rainwater harvesting can serve as an opportunity
to enhance ecosystem productivity, thereby improving livelihoods, human well-being and economies.

Rainwater harvesting has been shown to create synergies in landscape management and human well-being. These synergies are particularly obvious when rainwater harvesting improves rainfed agriculture, is applied in watershed management, and when rainwater harvesting interventions address household water supply in urban and rural areas.

Rainfall should be considered as an important manageable resource in water management policies, strategies and plans. Then rainwater harvesting interventions are included as a potential option in land and water resource management for human well-being and ecosystem productivity.

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