Technologies

Homestead Development [Ethiopia]

Yegaro zuriya temere den

technologies_4138 - Ethiopia

Completeness: 92%

1. General information

1.2 Contact details of resource persons and institutions involved in the assessment and documentation of the Technology

Key resource person(s)

land user:

Debebe Agmassu

Abagerima Kebele Association

Ethiopia

SLM specialist:
Name of project which facilitated the documentation/ evaluation of the Technology (if relevant)
Carbon Benefits Project (CBP)
Name of project which facilitated the documentation/ evaluation of the Technology (if relevant)
Water and Land Resource Centre Project (WLRC)
Name of the institution(s) which facilitated the documentation/ evaluation of the Technology (if relevant)
Bureau of Agriculture - Amhara Nation Regional State - Bahir Dar (amhboard) - Ethiopia
Name of the institution(s) which facilitated the documentation/ evaluation of the Technology (if relevant)
CDE Centre for Development and Environment (CDE Centre for Development and Environment) - Switzerland
Name of the institution(s) which facilitated the documentation/ evaluation of the Technology (if relevant)
Water and Land Resource Centre (WLRC) - Ethiopia

1.3 Conditions regarding the use of data documented through WOCAT

The compiler and key resource person(s) accept the conditions regarding the use of data documented through WOCAT:

Ja

1.4 Declaration on sustainability of the described Technology

Is the Technology described here problematic with regard to land degradation, so that it cannot be declared a sustainable land management technology?

Nee

2. Description of the SLM Technology

2.1 Short description of the Technology

Definition of the Technology:

Homestead development is a diverse, dynamic and interesting horticultural area; it appears as an agroforestry plot in a cultivated landscape surrounding it, and it is more productive than single cropping, since harvesting is continuous over a great portion of the growing season and beyond.

2.2 Detailed description of the Technology

Description:

1. Homestead development is a horticultural area, usually around a homestead, and consisting of trees (mango, avocado), bushes (citrus fruits, coffee, gesho (hops), chat, banana), while ground crops (vegetables, maize) are grown at the same time and on the same parcel of land.
2. The technology applies the principle of intercropping, i.e. two or more plant species are grown in close proximity, providing multiple outputs and yields, while combined applications and shared inputs are possible.
3. Economically, homestead development helps to reduce poverty through increased production, improved human nutrition through diverse species. It also reduces deforestation and pressure on wood land by providing fuelwood.
4. In order to make the land suitable for homestead development, market-oriented seeds or seedlings must be available, thus a nursery for seedling provision. farm equipment, adequate water (hand-dug well), and sufficient work power are preconditions.
5. Homestead development as a technology is both economic and environmental, as the agroforestry setup also serves for conservation of natural resources.
6. Land users like additional outputs from their small plots of land, including the variety of fruits and vegetables, the recreational area around their homes, and the availability of water in hand-dug wells that are needed for irrigation.
7. Nevertheless, land are aware that homestead development gardens need continuous follow-up and management, as well as intensive labour inputs.

2.3 Photos of the Technology

General remarks regarding photos:

The photos were all taken during field work on 24 October 2018, while several technologies were assessed by different compilers. In the Abagerima area a full watershed was developed in 2013 by the Water and Land Resource Centre, Addis Ababa University and Centre for Development and Environment (CDE), University of Bern, funded by Swiss Development Cooperation and its Ethiopian partners.

2.5 Country/ region/ locations where the Technology has been applied and which are covered by this assessment

Country:

Ethiopia

Region/ State/ Province:

Amhara Regional State

Further specification of location:

Abagerima Watershed, Laguna Village near Bahir Dar, the regional capital of Amhara Region, Ethiopia

Specify the spread of the Technology:
  • applied at specific points/ concentrated on a small area
Is/are the technology site(s) located in a permanently protected area?

Nee

2.6 Date of implementation

Indicate year of implementation:

2013

If precise year is not known, indicate approximate date:
  • less than 10 years ago (recently)

2.7 Introduction of the Technology

Specify how the Technology was introduced:
  • through land users' innovation

3. Classification of the SLM Technology

3.1 Main purpose(s) of the Technology

  • improve production
  • reduce, prevent, restore land degradation
  • conserve ecosystem
  • preserve/ improve biodiversity
  • create beneficial economic impact
  • create beneficial social impact

3.2 Current land use type(s) where the Technology is applied

Land use mixed within the same land unit:

Ja

Specify mixed land use (crops/ grazing/ trees):
  • Agroforestry

Cropland

Cropland

  • Annual cropping
  • Perennial (non-woody) cropping
  • Tree and shrub cropping
Annual cropping - Specify crops:
  • cereals - maize
  • cereals - oats
  • root/tuber crops - potatoes
  • vegetables - leafy vegetables (salads, cabbage, spinach, other)
  • vegetables - root vegetables (carrots, onions, beet, other)
Annual cropping system:

Maize/sorghum/millet intercropped with legume

Perennial (non-woody) cropping - Specify crops:
  • banana/plantain/abaca
Tree and shrub cropping - Specify crops:
  • avocado
  • citrus
  • coffee, shade grown
  • mango, mangosteen, guava
  • Gesho (hops), Chat
Number of growing seasons per year:
  • 1
Is intercropping practiced?

Ja

If yes, specify which crops are intercropped:

Two or more plant species are grown in close proximity, providing multiple outputs and yields, while combined applications and shared inputs are possible

Is crop rotation practiced?

Ja

If yes, specify:

varying

Forest/ woodlands

Forest/ woodlands

  • Tree plantation, afforestation
Tree plantation, afforestation: Specify origin and composition of species:
  • Mixed varieties
  • Sesbania Sesban; Vernonia amygdalina
Are the trees specified above deciduous or evergreen?
  • evergreen
Products and services:
  • Fuelwood
  • Grazing/ browsing
Comments:

Previous to the homestead development, the area was used for keeping livestock near the house, with some eucalyptus tees planted for construction and fuel wood. If the homestead garden is larger, it was previously also used for cultivating crops, and as grazing area.

3.3 Has land use changed due to the implementation of the Technology?

Has land use changed due to the implementation of the Technology?
  • Yes (Please fill out the questions below with regard to the land use before implementation of the Technology)
Land use mixed within the same land unit:

Ja

Specify mixed land use (crops/ grazing/ trees):
  • Agroforestry
Cropland

Cropland

  • Annual cropping
Annual cropping - Specify crops:
  • cereals - maize
  • cereals - wheat (winter)
  • root/tuber crops - potatoes
  • Teff
Annual cropping system:

Fallow - wheat/barley/oats/upland rice

Is intercropping practiced?

Ja

If yes, specify which crops are intercropped:

maze /sorghum/millet inter-cropped with legume

Is crop rotation practiced?

Ja

If yes, specify:

Consecutive (rotational) cropping with occasional fallow

Grazing land

Grazing land

Extensive grazing:
  • Ranching
Animal type:
  • cattle - dairy
  • cattle - non-dairy working
  • horses
  • mules and asses
  • sheep
Is integrated crop-livestock management practiced?

Ja

If yes, specify:

Livestock is used as ploughing animals, donkesy and horses as carryin animals, sheep and goats for meat.

Products and services:
  • meat
  • transport/ draught
Comments:

The homestead area was transformed from the above land uses to horticulture, while the 'old' land use system prevails in the surrounding area.

3.4 Water supply

Water supply for the land on which the Technology is applied:
  • mixed rainfed-irrigated
Comments:

For irrigation small hand-dug wells are constructed, up to a depth of about 5 metres, while the water level is usually quite near the surface during the rainy season.

3.5 SLM group to which the Technology belongs

  • agroforestry
  • home gardens

3.6 SLM measures comprising the Technology

vegetative measures

vegetative measures

  • V2: Grasses and perennial herbaceous plants
  • V4: Replacement or removal of alien/ invasive species
management measures

management measures

  • M1: Change of land use type
  • M2: Change of management/ intensity level

3.7 Main types of land degradation addressed by the Technology

soil erosion by water

soil erosion by water

  • Wt: loss of topsoil/ surface erosion
  • Wg: gully erosion/ gullying
biological degradation

biological degradation

  • Bc: reduction of vegetation cover
  • Bh: loss of habitats
  • Bq: quantity/ biomass decline
  • Bs: quality and species composition/ diversity decline
water degradation

water degradation

  • Hg: change in groundwater/aquifer level

3.8 Prevention, reduction, or restoration of land degradation

Specify the goal of the Technology with regard to land degradation:
  • prevent land degradation
  • reduce land degradation

4. Technical specifications, implementation activities, inputs, and costs

4.1 Technical drawing of the Technology

Technical specifications (related to technical drawing):

The slope gradient of the Homestead Development area is less than 3%, and trees, bushes and garden products are planted very close to each other, so that passing through becomes difficult in places.

Author:

Sewalem Salele

Date:

24/10/2018

4.2 General information regarding the calculation of inputs and costs

Specify how costs and inputs were calculated:
  • per Technology area
Indicate size and area unit:

0.81 hectares

If using a local area unit, indicate conversion factor to one hectare (e.g. 1 ha = 2.47 acres): 1 ha =:

Other homestead development areas can be larger, the largest in Abagerima Watershed being 2.3 ha.

Specify currency used for cost calculations:
  • USD
If relevant, indicate exchange rate from USD to local currency (e.g. 1 USD = 79.9 Brazilian Real): 1 USD =:

1.0

Indicate average wage cost of hired labour per day:

5

4.3 Establishment activities

Activity Timing (season)
1. preparation of shallow wells during dry season (to get deepest ground water)
2. improved fruit, vegetable and fodder seed(ling)s during seed(ling) planting time
3. establishment of nursery site in the garden after crop harvesting
4. preparation of the farm for plantation after harvesting annual crop
5. planting of seedlings July to August during main rainy season
6. continuous follow up and management practice performed throughout the year

4.4 Costs and inputs needed for establishment

Specify input Unit Quantity Costs per Unit Total costs per input % of costs borne by land users
Labour shallow well preparation (3 wells) person-days 27.0 5.0 135.0 70.0
Labour farm preparation (first year) person-days 12.0 5.0 60.0 100.0
Equipment farming tools (first year) pieces 6.0 4.0 24.0 60.0
Plant material improved seed(ling)s kg 5.0 3.0 15.0 50.0
Fertilizers and biocides compost (first year) m3 6.0 5.0 30.0 100.0
Fertilizers and biocides pesticides (first year) litre 2.0 2.0 4.0 100.0
Construction material stones (first year) m3 6.0 5.0 30.0 100.0
Total costs for establishment of the Technology 298.0
Total costs for establishment of the Technology in USD 298.0
If land user bore less than 100% of costs, indicate who covered the remaining costs:

Remaining costs were covered by the Agricultural Office

Comments:

The labor cost for garden work is more expensive because it is difficult, strenuous, intensive and the working hours are longer.
The costs are mostly covered by the owner.

4.5 Maintenance/ recurrent activities

Activity Timing/ frequency
1. shallow well maintenance once a year
2. farm preparation (expansion) throughout year
3. weeding and plowing throughout the year

4.6 Costs and inputs needed for maintenance/ recurrent activities (per year)

Specify input Unit Quantity Costs per Unit Total costs per input % of costs borne by land users
Labour shallow well maintenance person-days 5.0 5.0 25.0 100.0
Labour farm preparation person-days 11.0 5.0 55.0 100.0
Labour weeding and plowing person-days 15.0 5.0 75.0 100.0
Plant material improved seed(ling)s kg 2.0 4.0 8.0 50.0
Fertilizers and biocides compost m3 7.0 5.0 35.0 100.0
Fertilizers and biocides pesticides litre 2.0 3.0 6.0 100.0
Total costs for maintenance of the Technology 204.0
Total costs for maintenance of the Technology in USD 204.0
If land user bore less than 100% of costs, indicate who covered the remaining costs:

Remaining costs were covered by the Agricultural Office

4.7 Most important factors affecting the costs

Describe the most determinate factors affecting the costs:

Inflation rate fluctuations

5. Natural and human environment

5.1 Climate

Annual rainfall
  • < 250 mm
  • 251-500 mm
  • 501-750 mm
  • 751-1,000 mm
  • 1,001-1,500 mm
  • 1,501-2,000 mm
  • 2,001-3,000 mm
  • 3,001-4,000 mm
  • > 4,000 mm
Specifications/ comments on rainfall:

One rainy season between April and October, with a peak in July and August and occasional rains also in the dry season.

Indicate the name of the reference meteorological station considered:

Abagerima meteorological station

Agro-climatic zone
  • sub-humid

5.2 Topography

Slopes on average:
  • flat (0-2%)
  • gentle (3-5%)
  • moderate (6-10%)
  • rolling (11-15%)
  • hilly (16-30%)
  • steep (31-60%)
  • very steep (>60%)
Landforms:
  • plateau/plains
  • ridges
  • mountain slopes
  • hill slopes
  • footslopes
  • valley floors
Altitudinal zone:
  • 0-100 m a.s.l.
  • 101-500 m a.s.l.
  • 501-1,000 m a.s.l.
  • 1,001-1,500 m a.s.l.
  • 1,501-2,000 m a.s.l.
  • 2,001-2,500 m a.s.l.
  • 2,501-3,000 m a.s.l.
  • 3,001-4,000 m a.s.l.
  • > 4,000 m a.s.l.
Indicate if the Technology is specifically applied in:
  • concave situations

5.3 Soils

Soil depth on average:
  • very shallow (0-20 cm)
  • shallow (21-50 cm)
  • moderately deep (51-80 cm)
  • deep (81-120 cm)
  • very deep (> 120 cm)
Soil texture (topsoil):
  • medium (loamy, silty)
Soil texture (> 20 cm below surface):
  • medium (loamy, silty)
Topsoil organic matter:
  • medium (1-3%)

5.4 Water availability and quality

Ground water table:

< 5 m

Availability of surface water:

medium

Water quality (untreated):

poor drinking water (treatment required)

Water quality refers to:

both ground and surface water

Is water salinity a problem?

Nee

Is flooding of the area occurring?

Nee

Comments and further specifications on water quality and quantity:

A major source of pollution are sediments resulting from soil erosion on cultivated land, and excess runoff from overgrazed areas.

5.5 Biodiversity

Species diversity:
  • high
Habitat diversity:
  • medium

5.6 Characteristics of land users applying the Technology

Sedentary or nomadic:
  • Sedentary
Market orientation of production system:
  • mixed (subsistence/ commercial)
Off-farm income:
  • less than 10% of all income
Relative level of wealth:
  • average
  • rich
Individuals or groups:
  • individual/ household
Level of mechanization:
  • manual work
  • animal traction
Gender:
  • women
  • men
Age of land users:
  • middle-aged
  • elderly
Indicate other relevant characteristics of the land users:

Rent in and rent out in cultural norms

5.7 Average area of land used by land users applying the Technology

  • < 0.5 ha
  • 0.5-1 ha
  • 1-2 ha
  • 2-5 ha
  • 5-15 ha
  • 15-50 ha
  • 50-100 ha
  • 100-500 ha
  • 500-1,000 ha
  • 1,000-10,000 ha
  • > 10,000 ha
Is this considered small-, medium- or large-scale (referring to local context)?
  • small-scale

5.8 Land ownership, land use rights, and water use rights

Land ownership:
  • state
Land use rights:
  • communal (organized)
  • individual
Water use rights:
  • open access (unorganized)
  • individual
Are land use rights based on a traditional legal system?

Ja

Specify:

Yezota (ownership right)

5.9 Access to services and infrastructure

health:
  • poor
  • moderate
  • good
education:
  • poor
  • moderate
  • good
technical assistance:
  • poor
  • moderate
  • good
employment (e.g. off-farm):
  • poor
  • moderate
  • good
markets:
  • poor
  • moderate
  • good
energy:
  • poor
  • moderate
  • good
roads and transport:
  • poor
  • moderate
  • good
drinking water and sanitation:
  • poor
  • moderate
  • good
financial services:
  • poor
  • moderate
  • good

6. Impacts and concluding statements

6.1 On-site impacts the Technology has shown

Socio-economic impacts

Production

crop production

decreased
increased

crop quality

decreased
increased

fodder production

decreased
increased

fodder quality

decreased
increased

animal production

decreased
increased

wood production

decreased
increased

forest/ woodland quality

decreased
increased

non-wood forest production

decreased
increased

product diversity

decreased
increased

production area

decreased
increased

land management

hindered
simplified

energy generation

decreased
increased
Water availability and quality

drinking water availability

decreased
increased

drinking water quality

decreased
increased

water availability for livestock

decreased
increased

water quality for livestock

decreased
increased

irrigation water availability

decreased
increased

irrigation water quality

decreased
increased

demand for irrigation water

increased
decreased
Income and costs

farm income

decreased
increased

diversity of income sources

decreased
increased

economic disparities

increased
decreased

workload

increased
decreased

Socio-cultural impacts

food security/ self-sufficiency

reduced
improved

health situation

worsened
improved

land use/ water rights

worsened
improved

cultural opportunities

reduced
improved

recreational opportunities

reduced
improved

community institutions

weakened
strengthened

national institutions

weakened
strengthened

SLM/ land degradation knowledge

reduced
improved

conflict mitigation

worsened
improved

situation of socially and economically disadvantaged groups

worsened
improved

Ecological impacts

Water cycle/ runoff

water quantity

decreased
increased

water quality

decreased
increased

harvesting/ collection of water

reduced
improved

surface runoff

increased
decreased

excess water drainage

reduced
improved

groundwater table/ aquifer

lowered
recharge
Comments/ specify:

This may worsen when more homestead development areas are established around homes

evaporation

increased
decreased
Comments/ specify:

This includes evapotranspiration

Soil

soil moisture

decreased
increased

soil cover

reduced
improved

soil loss

increased
decreased

soil accumulation

decreased
increased

soil crusting/ sealing

increased
reduced

soil compaction

increased
reduced

nutrient cycling/ recharge

decreased
increased

salinity

increased
decreased

soil organic matter/ below ground C

decreased
increased

acidity

increased
reduced
Biodiversity: vegetation, animals

Vegetation cover

decreased
increased

biomass/ above ground C

decreased
increased

plant diversity

decreased
increased

invasive alien species

increased
reduced

animal diversity

decreased
increased

beneficial species

decreased
increased

habitat diversity

decreased
increased

pest/ disease control

decreased
increased
Climate and disaster risk reduction

flood impacts

increased
decreased

landslides/ debris flows

increased
decreased

drought impacts

increased
decreased

impacts of cyclones, rain storms

increased
decreased

emission of carbon and greenhouse gases

increased
decreased

fire risk

increased
decreased

wind velocity

increased
decreased

micro-climate

worsened
improved

6.2 Off-site impacts the Technology has shown

water availability

decreased
increased

reliable and stable stream flows in dry season

reduced
increased

downstream flooding

increased
reduced

downstream siltation

increased
decreased

groundwater/ river pollution

increased
reduced

buffering/ filtering capacity

reduced
improved

wind transported sediments

increased
reduced

damage on neighbours' fields

increased
reduced

damage on public/ private infrastructure

increased
reduced

impact of greenhouse gases

increased
reduced

6.3 Exposure and sensitivity of the Technology to gradual climate change and climate-related extremes/ disasters (as perceived by land users)

Gradual climate change

Gradual climate change
Season increase or decrease How does the Technology cope with it?
annual temperature increase very well
seasonal temperature winter increase very well
annual rainfall increase very well
seasonal rainfall wet/ rainy season very well

Climate-related extremes (disasters)

Meteorological disasters
How does the Technology cope with it?
local rainstorm very well
local thunderstorm very well
Biological disasters
How does the Technology cope with it?
epidemic diseases very well
insect/ worm infestation very well

6.4 Cost-benefit analysis

How do the benefits compare with the establishment costs (from land users’ perspective)?
Short-term returns:

slightly negative

Long-term returns:

very positive

How do the benefits compare with the maintenance/ recurrent costs (from land users' perspective)?
Short-term returns:

slightly negative

Long-term returns:

positive

6.5 Adoption of the Technology

  • 11-50%
Of all those who have adopted the Technology, how many did so spontaneously, i.e. without receiving any material incentives/ payments?
  • 0-10%

6.6 Adaptation

Has the Technology been modified recently to adapt to changing conditions?

Nee

6.7 Strengths/ advantages/ opportunities of the Technology

Strengths/ advantages/ opportunities in the land user’s view
It helps fulfilling home consumption needs without incurring additional cost.
The water availability for irrigation has increased due to hand-dug wells.
It helps income diversification (from different fruits, vegetables and other crops such as chat)
Strengths/ advantages/ opportunities in the compiler’s or other key resource person’s view
Increase of water table due to soil and water conservation on the land above the technology.
Creation of a conducive environment for the area.
Improvement of soil and water conservation practices.

6.8 Weaknesses/ disadvantages/ risks of the Technology and ways of overcoming them

Weaknesses/ disadvantages/ risks in the land user’s view How can they be overcome?
labor intensive, need continuous follow-up use of family labour (female and children)
lack of research output to get more production from small parcel of land improve link between farmers and researchers
lack of modern market linkages create a market linkage before harvesting time
Weaknesses/ disadvantages/ risks in the compiler’s or other key resource person’s view How can they be overcome?
General lack of special attention for small scale farmers Government should improve extension system for innovative small scale farmers

7. References and links

7.1 Methods/ sources of information

  • field visits, field surveys

Observations were performed in the area, and pictures taken

  • interviews with land users

Interviews were held with land users

  • interviews with SLM specialists/ experts

Interviews were held with SLM expertes at Kebele level

  • compilation from reports and other existing documentation

Secondary data like rainfall and temperature was taken from a station within the Abagerima Watershed

When were the data compiled (in the field)?

24/10/2018

7.2 References to available publications

Title, author, year, ISBN:

primary data

Available from where? Costs?

obtained from land users

7.3 Links to relevant online information

Title/ description:

Homestead development

7.4 General comments

The questionnaire is transparent and easy to understand even for a first-time user.

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