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Technologies
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Small Water Impounding Project (SWIP) [Philippines]

technologies_1507 - Philippines

Completeness: 78%

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)

SLM specialist:
SLM specialist:

Teresita Sandoval

632-923-0459

Bureau of Soils and Water Management

Diliman, Quezon City, Philippines

Philippines

SLM specialist:

Rondal Jose

923-04-59

bswm@pwolrd.net / ph joron @pacific.net.ph

Bureau of Soils and Water Management

SRDC Bldg., Elliptical Road Diliman, Quezon City, Philippines

Philippines

SLM specialist:

Lucas Rodolfo

Bureau of Soils and Water Management

Visayas Avenue, Vasra, Quezon City, Philippines

Philippines

Name of the institution(s) which facilitated the documentation/ evaluation of the Technology (if relevant)
Bureau of Soils and Water Management (Bureau of Soils and Water Management) - Philippines

1.3 Conditions regarding the use of data documented through WOCAT

When were the data compiled (in the field)?

16/05/2000

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

Yes

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?

No

2. Description of the SLM Technology

2.1 Short description of the Technology

Definition of the Technology:

Development of micro-catchment for soil and water conservation and for the provision of supplementary irrigation during the dry season.

2.2 Detailed description of the Technology

Description:

Small Water Impounding Project (SWIP) is a water harvesting and storage structure consisting of an earth embankment spillway, outlet works and canal facilities. It is designed for soil and water conservation and flood control by holding as much water as possible during the rainy season. The reduced volume and force of runoff subsequently reduced their eroding power of water thereby minimizing soil erosion and silting of fertile bottom lands. The reservoir with its stored water is an important supplemental source of water for agriculture and is also used for fisheries. SWIP development involves a holistic approach. The watershed is developed for land use that enhances water infiltration and minimizes soil erosion (for the long life of the reservoir). The most common use of the watershed is agro-forestry. The service area is used for high value crops that minimizes the use of water on a controlled basis. A holistic and integrated approach is done in managing the micro-watershed. The farmer-beneficiaries of the irrigation water and those of the watershed are organized into an association. They maintain the system and protect the watershed by advocating sustainable agriculture.

2.3 Photos of the Technology

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

Country:

Philippines

Region/ State/ Province:

Nueva Ecija

Further specification of location:

Nueva Ecija

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 projects/ external interventions
Comments (type of project, etc.):

From other areas with simlar condition (areas where runoff can be collected and impounded and used for supplementary irrigation)

3. Classification of the SLM Technology

3.1 Main purpose(s) of the Technology

  • improve production
  • conserve ecosystem

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

Cropland

Cropland

  • Annual cropping
  • Perennial (non-woody) cropping
Comments:

Major land use problems (compiler’s opinion): Long term sustainability of agricultural system is seriously in doubt. Because farmers cannot practice intensive agriculture, income is low.
Major land use problems (land users’ perception): Low yield and cannot raise two crops of rice in one year. High inputs required. Small farm area and lack of irrigation facilities.

3.3 Further information about land use

Water supply for the land on which the Technology is applied:
  • mixed rainfed-irrigated
Number of growing seasons per year:
  • 2
Specify:

Longest growing period in days: 180, Longest growing period from month to month: May - Oct; Second longest growing period in days: 120, Second longest growing period from month to month: Nov - Feb

3.4 SLM group to which the Technology belongs

  • irrigation management (incl. water supply, drainage)
  • surface water management (spring, river, lakes, sea)

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:
  • 1-10 km2
Comments:

Total area covered by the SLM Technology is 10 m2.
Because of the recurring El Nino phonomenon, the government fast-tracked the development of small water impounding projects during the 90's to counteract severe water shortages especially for upland areas.

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
chemical soil deterioration

chemical soil deterioration

  • Cn: fertility decline and reduced organic matter content (not caused by erosion)
water degradation

water degradation

  • Ha: aridification

3.8 Prevention, reduction, or restoration of land degradation

Specify the goal of the Technology with regard to land degradation:
  • restore/ rehabilitate severely degraded land

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

4.1 Technical drawing of the Technology

Author:

Jose D. Rondal, Quezon City, Philippines

4.2 Technical specifications/ explanations of technical drawing

General map and typical plan of a Small Water Impounding Project (SWIP)
Location: Talugtug. Nueva Ecija

Technical knowledge required for field staff / advisors: moderate
Technical knowledge required for land users: moderate
Main technical functions: water harvesting / increase water supply
Secondary technical functions: control of dispersed runoff: retain / trap, increase of infiltration

Vegetative measure: contour
Vegetative material: F : fruit trees / shrubs
Number of plants per (ha): 100
Vertical interval between rows / strips / blocks (m): 10
Spacing between rows / strips / blocks (m): 10
Vertical interval within rows / strips / blocks (m): 10
Width within rows / strips / blocks (m): 10

Vegetative measure: downstream side of the dam
Vegetative material: F : fruit trees / shrubs
Vertical interval between rows / strips / blocks (m): 0.5
Spacing between rows / strips / blocks (m): 0.5
Vertical interval within rows / strips / blocks (m): 0.5
Width within rows / strips / blocks (m): 0.5

Vegetative measure: forest trees
Vegetative material: F : fruit trees / shrubs
Number of plants per (ha): 4,000
Vertical interval between rows / strips / blocks (m): 2
Spacing between rows / strips / blocks (m): 2
Vertical interval within rows / strips / blocks (m): 2
Width within rows / strips / blocks (m): 2

Vegetative measure: Vegetative material: F : fruit trees / shrubs
Trees/ shrubs species: mahogany, G-melina
Fruit trees / shrubs species: mango
Grass species: vetive (to protect the downstream slope of dam)
Other species: banana

4.3 General information regarding the calculation of inputs and costs

other/ national currency (specify):

Phil. Peso

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

40.0

Indicate average wage cost of hired labour per day:

4.00

4.4 Establishment activities

Activity Type of measure Timing
1. clearing Vegetative onset of rains May-June)
2. layout/staking Vegetative onset of rains
3. digging of holes Vegetative onset of rains
4. basal fertilization Vegetative onset of rains
5. planting Vegetative onset of rains

4.5 Costs and inputs needed for establishment

Specify input Unit Quantity Costs per Unit Total costs per input % of costs borne by land users
Labour labour ha 1.0 39000.0 39000.0
Equipment machine use ha 1.0 55000.0 55000.0
Total costs for establishment of the Technology 94000.0
Comments:

Duration of establishment phase: 12 month(s)

4.6 Maintenance/ recurrent activities

Activity Type of measure Timing/ frequency
1. Weeding Vegetative rainy season /monthly
2. Fertilization Vegetative /twice a year
3. Irrigation Vegetative dry season /weekly

4.7 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 labour ha 1.0 900.0 900.0 100.0
Equipment animal traction ha 1.0 375.0 375.0 100.0
Total costs for maintenance of the Technology 1275.0
Comments:

Length, height and width of structure and the source of materials like gravels and stones.

4.8 Most important factors affecting the costs

Describe the most determinate factors affecting the costs:

The source of materials like stones/gravels affect the cost. Usually, these are hauled from long distances. Also the construction of access roads adds substantially to the cost.

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
Agro-climatic zone
  • humid
  • sub-humid

Thermal climate class: tropics

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.

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)
  • fine/ heavy (clay)
Topsoil organic matter:
  • medium (1-3%)
  • low (<1%)

5.6 Characteristics of land users applying the Technology

Market orientation of production system:
  • subsistence (self-supply)
  • mixed (subsistence/ commercial
Off-farm income:
  • 10-50% of all income
Relative level of wealth:
  • poor
  • average
Indicate other relevant characteristics of the land users:

Population density: 50-100 persons/km2
Annual population growth: 1% - 2%
5% of the land users are very rich and own 25% of the land (4).
10% of the land users are rich and own 25% of the land.
50% of the land users are average wealthy and own 40% of the land.
30% of the land users are poor and own 5% of the land.

5.7 Average area of land owned or leased 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
Comments:

Only a small part of the landholding can be cultivated intensively.

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

Land ownership:
  • individual, not titled
  • individual, titled
Land use rights:
  • open access (unorganized)
  • individual

6. Impacts and concluding statements

6.1 On-site impacts the Technology has shown

Socio-economic impacts

Production

crop production

decreased
increased
Comments/ specify:

rice production

fodder production

decreased
increased

fodder quality

decreased
increased

wood production

decreased
increased

production area

decreased
increased
Income and costs

farm income

decreased
increased
Other socio-economic impacts

Fish production

decreased
increased
Comments/ specify:

Fish culture

Socio-cultural impacts

recreational opportunities

reduced
improved
Comments/ specify:

Picnic grounds

community institutions

weakened
strengthened
Comments/ specify:

Farmers are organized into an association

SLM/ land degradation knowledge

reduced
improved
Comments/ specify:

Including soil fertility management

Employment creation

decreased
increased
Comments/ specify:

During construction

Ecological impacts

Soil

soil moisture

decreased
increased

soil cover

reduced
improved
Comments/ specify:

Woodland taking over grassland

soil loss

increased
decreased
Comments/ specify:

reservoir area

Biodiversity: vegetation, animals

plant diversity

decreased
increased
Other ecological impacts

Soil fertility

decreased
increased

6.2 Off-site impacts the Technology has shown

water availability

decreased
increased
Comments/ specify:

Increased groundwater recharge

reliable and stable stream flows in dry season

reduced
increased
Comments/ specify:

dry season flow

downstream flooding

increased
reduced

downstream siltation

increased
decreased

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:

very positive

Long-term returns:

very positive

6.5 Adoption of the Technology

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

100% of land user families have adopted the Technology with external material support
180 land user families have adopted the Technology with external material support

6.7 Strengths/ advantages/ opportunities of the Technology

Strengths/ advantages/ opportunities in the land user’s view
Increase in farm income
Opportunity for other farming opportunities (fish including shell farming)
Strengths/ advantages/ opportunities in the compiler’s or other key resource person’s view
It is a holistic and integrated approach to watershed management/development
Immediate economic impact
Institutional strengthening

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?
High establishment cost
Weaknesses/ disadvantages/ risks in the compiler’s or other key resource person’s view How can they be overcome?
High initial investment cost Cost-sharing among different agencies. Beneficiaries to subsidize labor
Loss of productive land (reservoir area) Compensation of affected farmers

7. References and links

7.1 Methods/ sources of information

  • field visits, field surveys
  • interviews with land users

7.2 References to available publications

Title, author, year, ISBN:

Small Water Impounding Project (SWIP) for Productivity Improvement of Paddy Soils: The case of Talugtug, Nueva Ecija, Philippines, 2000, Rodolfo M. Lucas, Samuel Contreras, Teresita Sandoval

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