O programa um milhão de cisternas no agreste paraibano: um direito a cidadania e à segurança hídrica

Abstract

This present work analyzed the rainwater harvesting systems in the Paraíba Semiarid region, focusing on the municipality of Solânea, located in the Agreste Paraibano Mesoregion. Its objective was to understand the methods and management of the harvested water, in addition to evaluating the impacts of the One Million Cisterns Program (P1MC) on the families in the region. Ten families benefiting from the program were interviewed using a semi-structured questionnaire. The obtained data revealed that the families perceive the Semiarid region as more than just drought, associating it with a good place to live, cultivate the land, and for preservation. Diverse forms of water harvesting were adopted by the interviewees, especially "plaque cisterns" (for human consumption) and "calçadão cisterns," in addition to small earth dams ("barreiros") and tanks. The water stored in the plaque cisterns (first water) is used for basic consumption (drinking and cooking), lasting all year for most families. The results indicate that, before the program, families faced difficulties in obtaining water, needing to travel long distances. The arrival of the cisterns provided dignity, convenience, and water security. Retirement proved to be a policy that offered families more security, especially during periods of production scarcity. Institutional attention and the continuity and expansion of public policies are necessary so that people remain in the countryside.