solutions to the drought problem

an overview of suggestions in existing literature on how to approach problem solving

The current solutions landscape includes many propositions ranging from low to high-tech, offering consumers options for combatting the structural housing problems that arise with droughts.

One of the critical aspects of heatwave-proofing homes is considering the orientation of the house. Proper orientation can optimize natural ventilation and passive solar gain, thereby reducing the need for artificial cooling or heating. The positioning of windows and the type of glazing can also impact the overall energy efficiency of a building.

The roof is a critical aspect of a building's temperature regulation, as it can constitute up to 70% of a building's total heat gain. Cool roofs that reflect sunlight and absorb less heat can reduce indoor temperatures by 1°C to 4°C, potentially lowering energy bills by up to 20%. Some ways to achieve this include using cool roof reflective paints, installing a secondary roof (such as a bamboo shading screen), or incorporating shade fabric to provide additional shade.

One of the primary strategies for creating climate-resilient housing is incorporating green roofs and reflective surfaces. These technologies can significantly reduce temperatures in and around buildings, which helps in conserving energy and maintaining comfortable indoor environments. Green roofs, also known as vegetated roofs, not only improve air quality and manage stormwater but also serve as carbon sinks to offset emissions. Using light-colored and reflective-colored pavers can help minimize heat absorption in outdoor spaces.

Proper ventilation is another important considerations for maintaining comfortable temperatures within homes. In hot and dry climates, ventilation is most effective when the outside air is cool. Fans and open windows can provide natural ventilation, as well as wind towers with water sprays, which capture cool air and direct it into the living spaces below (effective in windy areas). Earth air tunnels, which consist of underground tubes, can provide natural cooling and heating by utilizing the stable ground temperature. These tunnels can be especially beneficial in regions with extreme temperature fluctuations.

Innovative materials like lime concrete, high reflectivity tiling, and thermocrete can also contribute to maintaining a comfortable indoor temperature. Thermocrete, a concrete mix containing extruded polystyrene balls, offers air cavities that prevent heat from traveling through the material. While both concrete and polystyrene can have environmental drawbacks, new alternatives made from biodegradable materials like agricultural waste and fungi are being developed.

To regulate indoor temperatures, homeowners can opt for heating and cooling systems like heat pumps and mini-split ductless systems. Heat pumps transfer heat from the air or ground outside to the inside of a house, providing warmth in winter and, with a built-in reverse cycle, cooling in summer. Evaporative cooling, which relies on the evaporation of water, is another option for maintaining a comfortable indoor environment.

Another essential component of climate-resilient housing in areas prone to droughts is effective rainwater harvesting and recharge systems. By capturing water on building roofs, these systems can store water during drought periods while reducing flood risk during heavy rains. The harvested water can be used within the infrastructure if managed correctly which can ensure a reliable water supply. However, because this problem has less of a structural impact on climate-resilient housing when deciding to build up a house from scratch, this is a key consideration to be made as a necessary feature of the house - not so much for its structural advantage but more so for the needed utility.

Some home renovations can help make houses more heatwave-resistant, such as installing thermal insulation and double-glazed windows. According to a study by Ley et al. retrofitting residential buildings with insulation materials, reflective coatings, and greenery can significantly reduce energy consumption and mitigate the urban heat island effect. These renovations, along with the aforementioned strategies, contribute to creating climate-resilient housing that can better withstand droughts and heat waves, ultimately providing a more comfortable and sustainable living environment for homeowners.

As a next step for categorizing the criteria for a potential solution in Kenya, local resources, purchasing power, and the exact calculation for determining the impact of a solution to mitigate droughts must be determined. To do this, we’re understanding stakeholders and incentives to build a solution that fits the specific needs of the population we intend to serve.