Household rainwater harvesting for water security in rural Trinidad: Equity gaps, governance constraints, and policy pathways under climate change

Recurrent drought in Trinidad has intensified water insecurity in rural communities beyond the national piped network, influenced by El Niño–Southern Oscillation. The study evaluates rooftop rainwater harvesting as a livelihood managed adaptation in water-stressed communities using mixed methods. A household survey of water sources and practices, qualitative inquiry, and a review of national rainwater harvesting (RWH) policies were done. Our mixed methods results show that RWH is a primary supply and adoption operation and perceived reliability vary by sociodemographic conditions, revealing equity gaps. Policy implications are discussed with reference to other Small Island Developing States for rural water security.