Similar names: diamond-shaped micro catchment, V-shaped micro catchment, V-shaped bunds, Triangular bunds, small run-off basins

Negarim is an intervention that consists of small runoff micro basins characterised by a diamond shape, bound by low earth bundles. This water harvesting technique is mainly used for growing trees and bushes in arid and semi-arid areas but, as a side effect, it also preserves soil from erosion. It works great with rainfall rates starting from 150 mm/y and can be applied on slopes of up to 15%. This technique is more suitable for small-scale tree-planted areas and is pretty easy to create. Since Negarim mostly targets tree- and bush-planting, the area in which this technique is performed should be characterised by a soil depth of at least 1.5 metres, but preferably 2m. This is to ensure enough space for the roots to develop and for adequate storage of the water harvested.

The technique was originally developed in the Negev desert in Israel; in fact, the word Negarim comes from “Neger”, the Hebrew word for runoff. Nonetheless, the first report of this water harvesting technique comes from the south of Tunisia. This microcatchment system is widely spread in Israel, especially among research farms in the Negev desert where the yearly amount of rainfall reaches 100-150 mm. However, Negarim and its variations are well known, and used also, in other arid and semi-arid areas like in North- and Sub-Saharan Africa.