What are Diversion Furrows?

When it rains, water often flows across the land and leaves gardens, fields, and homesteads without soaking into the soil. This flowing water is called runoff. Diversion furrows are a simple way to guide this runoff water to places where it can be used for food production.

Diversion furrows are shallow channels dug into the ground to direct rainwater runoff from areas where it is not needed (such as paths, slopes, or hard surfaces) to areas where it can support plant growth, such as gardens, fields, or storage structures.

Diversion furrows may also be known as:

• Feeder channels
• Trenches
• Run-on ditches
• Ex-field rainwater harvesting (RWH)

Diversion furrows work by intercepting rainwater runoff and gently guiding it along a shallow channel. Instead of allowing water to flow quickly downhill and cause erosion, the furrow slows the water down and directs it to a specific place where it can soak into the soil or be collected.

When diversion furrows are used correctly, they help to:

• Slow down flowing rainwater
• Reduce soil erosion
• Spread water more evenly across the land
• Increase the amount of water available to plants

Diversion furrows can be used in many different contexts and at different scales. They are suitable for both small household gardens and larger food production areas.

Diversion furrows are commonly used in:

• Home and homestead gardens
• Crop fields
• Grazing land
• Areas near paths, roads, or hard surfaces where runoff occurs

Think about your own home, garden, or field:

• Where does rainwater flow when it rains?
• Does water run away quickly or soak into the soil?
• Are there areas where water causes erosion or is wasted?

In the next session, you will explore why diversion furrows are useful and how they can support food production, especially during dry periods.