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Technologies
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Stone lines [Uganda]

Ennyiriri z'amayinja eziziyiza ettaka okutwalibwa enkuba (Luganda)

technologies_1589 - Uganda

Completeness: 82%

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:
SLM specialist:
Name of project which facilitated the documentation/ evaluation of the Technology (if relevant)
The Transboundary Agro-ecosystem Management Project for the Kagera River Basin (GEF-FAO / Kagera TAMP )
Name of the institution(s) which facilitated the documentation/ evaluation of the Technology (if relevant)
Food and Agriculture Organization of the United Nations (FAO) - Italy

1.3 Conditions regarding the use of data documented through WOCAT

When were the data compiled (in the field)?

05/12/2013

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

Yes

1.5 Reference to Questionnaire(s) on SLM Approaches

FFS/SLM Community Initiative
approaches

FFS/SLM Community Initiative [Uganda]

Farmers are organized to promote adoption of sustainable land management best practices within the community

  • Compiler: Wilson Bamwerinde

2. Description of the SLM Technology

2.1 Short description of the Technology

Definition of the Technology:

Stone lines are built along a contour to control soil erosion on a degraded steep slope.

2.2 Detailed description of the Technology

Description:

Most of the traditional cropland in Rakai District is fairly flat. However, there are many hectares of very steep, stony, wind-swept slopes facing the Kagera River Valley and Lake Victoria. These slopes have been degraded for a long time because when it rains the runoff is very fast and carries away soil and crops. The swampy Kagera river flood plains below the slopes are fertile because of the deposits of top soil carried from the slopes. Over the last 3 years, farmers have changed from the traditional farming practice where cultivation was done with little or no protection of soil and water movement on the steep slopes to using stone lines along a contour. The stone lines are arranged along the contour to act as a barrier that slows down the speed of water and soil, improve infiltration, mitigate land slides and trap sediment thereby reducing the extent of erosion.

Purpose of the Technology: The technical objective of stone lines is to minimize water and soil movement down the slope and, over time, enable the building of a terrace from the accumulation of soil on the upper side of the barrier.

Establishment / maintenance activities and inputs: The stones are arranged along the contour, guided by a rope. The contour is determined using an A-Frame. The other tools required to establish stone lines are hand hoes, pick axes, and pangas. Establishment requires a lot of labor by which the following activities are accomplished: (i) stones exposed by decades of runoff on hillsides are dug up, collected and placed along contours in a field 200 m by 300 m. The width of each stone line is 0.4 m to 0.6 m and 0.5 m high. The length is dependent on the size of the field across the slope. The spacing from one line to another is 8 m to 12 m, depending on the steepness of the slope. (ii) The exposed sandy loam top soil is very dry and dusty even in the rainy season. Digging with hand hoes loosens the soil. (iii) Following the contour, circular pits of 0.45 m diameter and 0.3 m depth are dug 1.50 m apart, in the middle of every 2 stone lines. In these holes, robusta coffee seedlings are planted. (iv) Beans may be planted throughout the field as a cover crop. The farmer field school (FFS) approach is used because many farmers participate together in completing the establishment tasks. The stone lines are maintained by ensuring that stones which move off the main line are put back and the weeds which grow among the stones are removed to avoid competition with the main crops.

Natural / human environment: There is no known threat to stone lines once they have been established. The runoff cannot gather enough speed between the lines to sweep the stones away because of the short distance. The main offsite benefit is that sediment deposits and water runoff do not destroy crops in the valley below and the Kagera River is protected from silting.

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:

Uganda

Region/ State/ Province:

Uganda

Further specification of location:

Rakai District

Comments:

Boundary points of the Technology area: -0.96681 31.69066; -0.96706 31.69111; -0.96717 31.69033; -0.96757 31.69038; -0.96774 31.69073

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.):

Introduced and supported by Kagera TAMP as an SLM technology

3. Classification of the SLM Technology

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

Cropland

Cropland

  • Perennial (non-woody) cropping
  • Tree and shrub cropping
Main crops (cash and food crops):

Major cash crop perennial (non-woody) cropping: Banana
Major food crop perennial (non-woody) cropping: Potatoes
Major other crop perennial (non-woody) cropping: Maize, beans
Major cash crop tree and shrub cropping: Coffee

Comments:

Major land use problems (compiler’s opinion): Surface soil erosion is rampant, carrying away all the top soil with valuable nutrients towards to the marshes below.

Major land use problems (land users’ perception): The land is infertile and no crops can grow in that area.

3.3 Further information about land use

Number of growing seasons per year:
  • 2
Specify:

Longest growing period in days: 150 Longest growing period from month to month: February to June Second longest growing period in days: 120 Second longest growing period from month to month: September to November

3.4 SLM group to which the Technology belongs

  • cross-slope measure

3.5 Spread of the Technology

Comments:

Total area covered by the SLM Technology is 0.06 m2.

Currently about 3 ha but the area is still being expanded by the farmers.

3.6 SLM measures comprising the Technology

structural measures

structural measures

  • S6: Walls, barriers, palisades, fences
Comments:

Main measures: structural measures

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
  • Wo: offsite degradation effects
Comments:

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

Secondary types of degradation addressed: Wo: offsite degradation effects

Main causes of degradation: deforestation / removal of natural vegetation (incl. forest fires) (Deforestation for fuel wood and agricultural land), education, access to knowledge and support services (inadequate agricultural extension services)

3.8 Prevention, reduction, or restoration of land degradation

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

Main goals: mitigation / reduction of land degradation

Secondary goals: rehabilitation / reclamation of denuded land

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

4.1 Technical drawing of the Technology

Author:

Byonabye Proscovia, Kagera TAMP, Kabale

4.2 Technical specifications/ explanations of technical drawing

Stone lines on a steep slope. In between is a young coffee plantation.

Location: Katongero. Rakai District

Date: 5-DEC-2013

Technical knowledge required for field staff / advisors: moderate (Technical skill required is keeping the line on the contour)

Technical knowledge required for land users: low (No prior knowledge required)

Main technical functions: control of dispersed runoff: impede / retard, increase of infiltration, sediment retention / trapping, sediment harvesting

Secondary technical functions: reduction of slope length, water harvesting / increase water supply

Wall/ barrier
Vertical interval between structures (m): 3
Spacing between structures (m): n/a
Depth of ditches/pits/dams (m): n/a
Width of ditches/pits/dams (m): n/a
Length of ditches/pits/dams (m): n/a
Height of bunds/banks/others (m): 0.3
Width of bunds/banks/others (m): 0.3
Length of bunds/banks/others (m): 300

Construction material (stone): Big and small stones piled to 0.3 m high, 300 m along a contour

Slope (which determines the spacing indicated above): 38-45%

Lateral gradient along the structure: < 1%

4.3 General information regarding the calculation of inputs and costs

other/ national currency (specify):

UGX

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

2500.0

Indicate average wage cost of hired labour per day:

10000.00

4.4 Establishment activities

Activity Type of measure Timing
1. Collection and laying of stones Structural Dry season

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 1200.0 1200.0 100.0
Equipment Tools ha 1.0 60.0 60.0 100.0
Total costs for establishment of the Technology 1260.0
Comments:

Duration of establishment phase: 12 month(s)

4.6 Maintenance/ recurrent activities

Activity Type of measure Timing/ frequency
1. Repair of lines Structural wet season

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 1.0 120.0 120.0 100.0
Total costs for maintenance of the Technology 120.0
Comments:

Machinery/ tools: n/a

The calculations reflect costs of establishing the technology on a steep slope (38% to 45%) in December of 2013.

4.8 Most important factors affecting the costs

Describe the most determinate factors affecting the costs:

Labor is the factor that influences costs. Digging up and carrying stones up and across slopes is a labor intensive activity.

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:

1501-2000 mm (Ranked 1, 1950 mm)
1001-1500 mm (Ranked 2, To a limited extend)

Agro-climatic zone
  • humid

Thermal climate class: tropics. LGP >270 days

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
Comments and further specifications on topography:

Altitudinal zone: 1001-1500 m a.s.l. (1270 m to 1300 m a.s.l.)
Slopes on average: Steep (ranked 1, the slopes of Rakai district where the technology is applied are steep) and moderate (ranked 2, to a limited extent, towards the top of the hill)

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)
Topsoil organic matter:
  • low (<1%)
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 fertility: Medium
Soil drainage/infiltration: Good
Soil water storage capacity: Low

5.4 Water availability and quality

Ground water table:

> 50 m

Availability of surface water:

medium

Water quality (untreated):

poor drinking water (treatment required)

5.5 Biodiversity

Species diversity:
  • low

5.6 Characteristics of land users applying the Technology

Market orientation of production system:
  • subsistence (self-supply)
Off-farm income:
  • less than 10% of all income
Relative level of wealth:
  • average
Individuals or groups:
  • individual/ household
Level of mechanization:
  • manual work
Gender:
  • women
  • men
Indicate other relevant characteristics of the land users:

Land users applying the Technology are mainly common / average land users
Difference in the involvement of women and men: Men and women work together
Population density: 50-100 persons/km2
Annual population growth: 2% - 3%
and own 20% of the land.
and own 20% of the land.
70% of the land users are average wealthy and own 50% of the land (All land users currently applying the technology are average users).
and own 10% of the land.
Off-farm income specification: Farming is mostly subsistence
Level of mechanization: Manual work (no other form is used in the area)
Market orientation: Subsistence (mostly)

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
Is this considered small-, medium- or large-scale (referring to local context)?
  • small-scale
Comments:

Average area of land owned or leased by land users applying the Technology: Also 1-2 ha and 5-15 ha (both ranked 2)

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

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

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

production area

decreased
increased
Income and costs

farm income

decreased
increased

workload

increased
decreased
Comments/ specify:

The hard labor is a challenge to women and children who play a major role in cultivation

Socio-cultural impacts

community institutions

weakened
strengthened

conflict mitigation

worsened
improved

Improved livelihoods and human well-being

decreased
Increased
Comments/ specify:

There is more arable land, reducing pressure on land and generally improving productivity.

Ecological impacts

Water cycle/ runoff

surface runoff

increased
decreased
Soil

soil moisture

decreased
increased

soil loss

increased
decreased

soil organic matter/ below ground C

decreased
increased
Biodiversity: vegetation, animals

biomass/ above ground C

decreased
increased

plant diversity

decreased
increased

pest/ disease control

decreased
increased
Comments/ specify:

May harbor weeds and crop pests

6.2 Off-site impacts the Technology has shown

downstream flooding

increased
reduced

downstream siltation

increased
decreased

groundwater/ river pollution

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 Type of climatic change/ extreme How does the Technology cope with it?
annual temperature increase well

Climate-related extremes (disasters)

Meteorological disasters
How does the Technology cope with it?
local rainstorm well
Climatological disasters
How does the Technology cope with it?
drought well

Other climate-related consequences

Other climate-related consequences
How does the Technology cope with it?
reduced growing period well
Comments:

n/a

6.4 Cost-benefit analysis

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

very positive

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

very positive

6.5 Adoption of the Technology

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

15

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:

100% of land user families have adopted the Technology without any external material support

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

Comments on spontaneous adoption: Adoption has been spontaneous, through farmer to farmer learning

There is a moderate trend towards spontaneous adoption of the Technology

Comments on adoption trend: The technology has been mainly taken up by members of Farmer Field School. The labor cost makes it too demanding for an individual but some households with several members in the family have adopted outside the FFS method.

6.7 Strengths/ advantages/ opportunities of the Technology

Strengths/ advantages/ opportunities in the land user’s view
Having more land means more options for crop diversity

How can they be sustained / enhanced? Scale up the technology
There is improved food security

How can they be sustained / enhanced? Establish stone lines on more disused land
Strengths/ advantages/ opportunities in the compiler’s or other key resource person’s view
Increases cropland available for cultivation

How can they be sustained / enhanced? Sustain adoption through farmer-to-farmer visits
Increases rain water infiltration, reducing flooding offsite

How can they be sustained / enhanced? Encourage government to scale up the technology
Stone lines are robust and require little maintenance once established

How can they be sustained / enhanced? Help farmers adopt because sustainability is easy
Offsite benefits are as important as they are onsite

How can they be sustained / enhanced? Encourage catchment level participation including downstream farmers

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?
It has become more expensive to hire labor for other farm activities Work in groups, one farm at a time
Weaknesses/ disadvantages/ risks in the compiler’s or other key resource person’s view How can they be overcome?
Expensive to the farmer Help government and the private sector to subsidize cost to the farmer
Labor to dig up and transport stones is very heavy Encourage community level approach like Farmer field School

7. References and links

7.2 References to available publications

Title, author, year, ISBN:

Kagera TAMP project website

Available from where? Costs?

http://www.fao.org/nr/kagera/en/

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