Roof water harvesting is one of the simplest ways for households to capture clean rainwater and store it for later use. Instead of letting rainwater run off the roof and disappear into the ground, gutters and tanks can be used to catch and store this water for drinking, household needs, and, where there is surplus, for small food gardens.

This microlearning course introduces roof water harvesting as a Catch and Store rainwater practice that can be used at small scale – at homes, schools, clinics, and other buildings. The focus is on practical steps to help you decide if and how roof water harvesting can work in your context, and how to use stored water safely and effectively.

The course is designed for:

• Households and home gardeners
• Homestead and small-scale food producers
• School and community garden projects
• Community facilitators, extension workers, teachers, and trainers

By working through this course, you will:

• Learn what roof-water harvesting is, and how it fits into garden and homestead water management
• Explore why roof-water is often the cleanest rainwater available, and how it can be used wisely
• Understand how to set up basic roof–gutter–tank systems at home
• See how stored roof water can support small food gardens during dry periods
• Learn how to keep stored water safe, clean, and well-managed
• Reflect on how this practice can change water use, food security, and resilience in your community
• Explore simple ways to teach and share this practice with others
• Check your understanding with a short knowledge quiz

Estimated time: 60–75 minutes in total.
This microlearning course is divided into 8 short topics. Each topic can be completed in 5–15 minutes, depending on how much time you spend on reflection and activities.

How to use this course:

• Work through the topics in order.
• Take time to think about your own roof, yard, and garden as you go.
• Try one or two small practical actions where possible (for example, checking your gutters or thinking about where a tank could be placed).
• Use the examples and resources to support planning in your household, school, or community.
• Complete the Knowledge Check at the end to consolidate your learning and identify areas to explore further.