The low cost of rainwater harvesting, together with its
decentralisation aspects, enables people at household and
community level to manage their own water, thereby reducing
reliance on central supply systems which are either absent,
unreliable or too expensive. Besides access to safe water,
rainwater harvesting yields numerous environmental, social and
economic benefits and can contribute significantly to poverty
alleviation and sustainable development. Presence of a rainwater
harvesting structure can change this vicious circle through
creation of opportunities for health improvement, self-reliance
and empowerment. Community centres and schools become more
attractive because of the availability of (drinking) water. RAIN
believes that rainwater harvesting is an effective and
sustainable solution to water shortages all over the world.