1.3 Conditions regarding the use of data documented through WOCAT

When were the data compiled (in the field)?

26/04/2000

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:

Enlarged ditch/channels that are not graded in order to collect and retain runoff from road/school (External Catchments)

2.2 Detailed description of the Technology

Description:

A soil bund for soil erosion reduction. Achieved by excavation of ungraded channels which are used for runoff collection.

Purpose of the Technology: reduce soil erosion, collect and retain road runoff (Water Harvesting), Growing of bananas, sugarcane, grass, enhance crop production through reduction of loss of fertile soil and moisture conservation.

Establishment / maintenance activities and inputs: Establishment - Soil excavation (More than conventional recommendation) Grass planting for stabilization. Maintenance - repair of broken sections, de-siltation of the channels.

Natural / human environment: Semi - arid area where rainfall is usually inadequate for good crop performance

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:

• through land users' innovation

Comments (type of project, etc.):

From SWC Extension Specialists

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 by water due to the erratic nature of the low crop yields, inadequate moisture for crop production

Major land use problems (land users’ perception): Soil erosion by water, low crop yields, Food insecurity.

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: 90 Longest growing period from month to month: Oct - Jan Second longest growing period in days: 60Second longest growing period from month to month: Mar - May

3.4 SLM group to which the Technology belongs

• water harvesting
• water diversion and drainage

3.5 Spread of the Technology

Comments:

Total area covered by the SLM Technology is 0.052 m2.

The area is based on one individual farm - Mr. Musyoka Muindu

3.6 SLM measures comprising the Technology

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

4.2 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 concentrated runoff: retain / trap, increase of infiltration, increase / maintain water stored in soil, water harvesting / increase water supply, water spreading

Secondary technical functions: control of concentrated runoff: impede / retard, reduction of slope length

Perennial crops species: Banana and sugarcane

Grass species: Panicum colorutum makariensis

Construction material (earth): excavated from the channel and also collected as sediment

4.3 General information regarding the calculation of inputs and costs

other/ national currency (specify):

Kenya shillings

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

70.0

4.4 Establishment activities

	Activity	Type of measure	Timing
1.	Acquisition of grass cuttings	Vegetative	onset of the rains
2.	Planting the grass on the established structures	Vegetative	During the rains
3.	Acquisition of banana suckers and sugarcane splits	Vegetative	Before the rain
4.	Planting banana suckers and sugarcane splits	Vegetative	onset of the rains
5.	Layout of the structures	Structural	Dry season
6.	excavation of the channel and bund formation	Structural	Dry season
7.	Construction of road runoff diversion ditch	Structural	onset of rains
8.	stabilisation with grass species	Structural	rainy season
9.	Banana sugarcane planting	Structural	dry season or onset of the rain

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 broken sections of the structures	Vegetative	Before/during the rains /Twice a year
2.	Plant new grass cuttings	Vegetative	during rains /annually
3.	Replace old or dried banana suckers/sugarcane splits	Vegetative	before/during rains /annually
4.	Repair of broken sections	Structural	rainy season/seasonally
5.	grass replanting	Structural	rainy season/seasonally
6.	removal of sediment/silt	Structural	rainy/dry season/annual
7.	rplacement of old banana stools	Structural	dry season/after 2 to 3 years
8.	manure application	Structural	dry season/annual

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

Comments:

length of structures - 40m, spacing between structures - 18m, no of terraces per ha - 13, total no of metres = 13*40 = 540 of excavation

4.8 Most important factors affecting the costs

Describe the most determinate factors affecting the costs:

Soil depth - soils with a hardpan are more expensive to excavate. Labour - cost varies with seasons

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 texture: The soil is a mixture of sand and loam (sandy loam)

Soil fertility is low - medium

Soil drainage / infiltration is good

Soil water storage capacity is medium

5.6 Characteristics of land users applying the Technology

Indicate other relevant characteristics of the land users:

Population density: 10-50 persons/km2

Annual population growth: 2% - 3%

10% of the land users are rich and own 15% of the land.
25% of the land users are average wealthy and own 30% of the land.
40% of the land users are poor and own 25% of the land.
20% of the land users are poor and own 20% of the land.

Off-farm income specification: only a small proportion of the population is in formal employment

Level of mechanization: Use of oxen drawn plough for ploughing and weeding

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

Land ownership:

• individual, titled

Land use rights:

• individual

6.1 On-site impacts the Technology has shown

Ecological impacts

Water cycle/ runoff

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

• single cases/ experimental

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

24 households in an area of 0.52 ha (The area is based on one individual farm - Mr. Musyoka Muindu)

Of all those who have adopted the Technology, how many have did so spontaneously, i.e. without receiving any material incentives/ payments?

• 90-100%

Comments:

24 land user families have adopted the Technology without any external material support

Comments on spontaneous adoption: estimates

There is a moderate trend towards spontaneous adoption of the Technology

Comments on adoption trend: land users have realised the importance of water harvesting under the semi arid conditions where crop performance is poor