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

1.3 Conditions regarding the use of data documented through WOCAT

When were the data compiled (in the field)?

05/05/1999

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

Yes

2.1 Short description of the Technology

Definition of the Technology:

A system of interlocking crescent shaped trenches approximately 5-12 square metres, 0.5 m deep and 0.3 m high formed down slope using the xecavated spoil

2.2 Detailed description of the Technology

Description:

The pitting is started at the top of the eroded slope or below a cutoff drain which interced all runoff from the above land. The pits are roughly circular in shape and are dug to form interlocking micro catchment, each about 2m squared in area. A semi circular bank 15 - 30cm high is constructed to the lower side of the pit using soil removed from the trench. At the centre of each trench, a hole is excavated to a depth of at least 50cm to act as the main reservoir for runoff water from the catchment above. The pit are used for soil conservation and rehabilitation of the grazingland. Runoff is captured in small quantities, thus preventing the build up of large erosive flows. Cowpeas, grass could be sown on the ridges at onset of the rains. Construction is by hoes and once the vegetation has established, maintenance is minimal. Forage should be cut and fed to animals. The technology is suitable in areas with 6-8% slope in areas with 500-800mm rainfall. There is need to maintain the cutoff drain after a rainy season

2.3 Photos of the Technology

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

2.6 Date of implementation

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:

• during experiments/ research

Comments (type of project, etc.):

based on similar technology from the neighbouring Kitui and also Tanzania (Matengo Pits)

3.1 Main purpose(s) of the Technology

• reduce, prevent, restore land degradation

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

Comments:

Major land use problems (compiler’s opinion): erosion in the unprotected grazing areas

Major land use problems (land users’ perception): lack of adequate fodder for livestock

Grazingland comments: there is an increasing trend towards closing off grazing areas to avoid interference by neighbours and to improve forage productivity.

Type of grazing system comments: there is an increasing trend towards closing off grazing areas to avoid interference by neighbours and to improve forage productivity.

3.3 Further information about land use

Water supply for the land on which the Technology is applied:

• rainfed

Number of growing seasons per year:

• 2

Specify:

Longest growing period in days: 43 Longest growing period from month to month: Oct - DecSecond longest growing period in days: 34Second longest growing period from month to month: Mar - Jul

3.4 SLM group to which the Technology belongs

• water diversion and drainage

3.5 Spread of the Technology

Specify the spread of the Technology:

• evenly spread over an area

If the Technology is evenly spread over an area, indicate approximate area covered:

• < 0.1 km2 (10 ha)

Comments:

these were research trial plots.

3.6 SLM measures comprising the Technology

Comments:

Main measures: structural measures

3.7 Main types of land degradation addressed by the Technology

Comments:

Main type of degradation addressed: Wt: loss of topsoil / surface erosion, Ha: aridification

Secondary types of degradation addressed: Cn: fertility decline and reduced organic matter content

3.8 Prevention, reduction, or restoration of land degradation

Specify the goal of the Technology with regard to land degradation:

• reduce land degradation

4.1 Technical drawing of the Technology

4.2 Technical specifications/ explanations of technical drawing

Technical knowledge required for field staff / advisors: moderate

Technical knowledge required for land users: moderate

Main technical functions: control of dispersed runoff: retain / trap, improvement of ground cover, water harvesting / increase water supply

Secondary technical functions: control of raindrop splash, increase in organic matter, increase of infiltration

Construction material (earth): this is the spoil obtained from the excavation

Vegetation is used for stabilisation of structures.

Change of land use type: during establishment of grass/legume

4.3 General information regarding the calculation of inputs and costs

other/ national currency (specify):

Kenya Shilling

Indicate exchange rate from USD to local currency (if relevant): 1 USD =:

78.0

4.4 Establishment activities

	Activity	Type of measure	Timing
1.	reseeding grass	Structural	rainy days
2.	pit excavation	Structural	before rains
3.	bund formation	Structural	before rains
4.	legume planting	Structural	before rains
5.	fencing	Management	before rains

4.5 Costs and inputs needed for establishment

Comments:

Duration of establishment phase: 36 month(s)

4.6 Maintenance/ recurrent activities

	Activity	Type of measure	Timing/ frequency
1.	repair pits	Structural	after rains/twice
2.	desilt of cutoff drains	Structural	before rains/each cropping season
3.	sealing gaps on the fence	Management	during the rain / twice

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

Comments:

the costs were calculated based on the construction of a cutoff drain, fencing and pits

4.8 Most important factors affecting the costs

Describe the most determinate factors affecting the costs:

when cutoff drain is to be constructed, particularly in the dry spell when the ground is hard. When the construction is done when the ground is too hard the cost of labour is high.

5.1 Climate

5.2 Topography

5.3 Soils

If available, attach full soil description or specify the available information, e.g. soil type, soil PH/ acidity, Cation Exchange Capacity, nitrogen, salinity etc.

Soil depth on average: Also moderatly

Soil fertility: Very low - medium

Soil water storage capacity: Medium - high

5.6 Characteristics of land users applying the Technology

Indicate other relevant characteristics of the land users:

Population density: 100-200 persons/km2

Annual population growth: 3% - 4%

5% of the land users are rich and own 30% of the land.
25% of the land users are average wealthy and own 35% of the land.
45% of the land users are poor and own 25% of the land.
20% of the land users are poor and own 10% of the land.

Off-farm income specification: most of the adult have moved to town to look for employment.

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

Land ownership:

• individual, not titled
• individual, titled

Land use rights:

• individual

6.1 On-site impacts the Technology has shown

Ecological impacts

Soil

6.4 Cost-benefit analysis

How do the benefits compare with the establishment costs (from land users’ perspective)?

How do the benefits compare with the maintenance/ recurrent costs (from land users' perspective)?

6.5 Adoption of the Technology

If available, quantify (no. of households and/ or area covered):

NA

Comments:

Comments on acceptance with external material support: estimates

7.2 References to available publications

Title, author, year, ISBN:

some aspects of soil conservation on grazing lands in Thomas , D B et al. SWC in Kenya. 1989.