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Technologies
Inactive

Rotational grazing of goats for pasture conservation and improvement. [Uganda]

Gwoko Dyel

technologies_2147 - Uganda

Completeness: 94%

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:

Mwaka Abel

0782895022

Omoro district, Bobi subcounty, Paidwe parish, Pato village.

Omoro district

Uganda

Name of project which facilitated the documentation/ evaluation of the Technology (if relevant)
Scaling-up SLM practices by smallholder farmers (IFAD)
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

1.3 Conditions regarding the use of data documented through WOCAT

When were the data compiled (in the field)?

28/04/2017

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

Comments:

Improves biodiversity in the grazing fields and improvement of soil fertility through rotational grazing where the goats wastes enhances soil fertility which enables the regeneration of natural pastures in the different paddocks.

2. Description of the SLM Technology

2.1 Short description of the Technology

Definition of the Technology:

Rotational grazing by improved goats variety enhances/ increases soil fertility, biodiversity and production of pastures and generates farmyard manure applied on cropland.

2.2 Detailed description of the Technology

Description:

Rotational grazing is the shifting of livestock to different units of a pasture or range in regular sequence to permit the recovery and regrowth of the pasture plants after grazing, which increased forage production. Forage that are over-grazed or are less healthy from being grazed every few days have smaller root mass, which leads to less soil organic matter. Northern Uganda has tropical savannah climate characterized by moderate rainfall of 750-1000mm per annum. This region also experiences prolonged dry spells from June to July and also November to March characterised by wild fire outbreaks which retards pasture growth. Because of this, land user has to conserve pastures through rotational grazing in a paddock system. The land is gently sloping with moderate soil humus that has also supported the growth of pastures. The land user is a subsistence farmer who graze goat in a paddock system for pasture conservations, manure generation for cropland, and goats for home consumptions and sale. About 90% of his income is from on farm activities.
A well-managed controlled grazing program can increase quality forage production by 30-70% each year. Much of this increase in forage production is accomplished by minimizing overgrazing. In this technology, six paddocks were created measuring 40x50meters on a five acres’ piece of land. Goats are shifted from one paddock to another in an interval of one month and later shifted to another section. The water tank is also moved as the goats are shifted to another paddocks. The shifting is to reduce on overgrazing. The land user has 40 goats. Two paddocks are grazed at the same time with each having a carrying capacity of 20goats to minimize on overcrowding and congestion at the water point. controlled grazing is practiced in order to protect the area from the damages of grazing that is digging up roots and everything in the field since this will de-grass an area and make it susceptible for erosion. By limiting graze time, fields can produce all year round instead of being a one-time harvest. Goats are not allowed to graze a paddock until it is at least 10 to 12 inches in height. If grazed any shorter, this compromises root recovery, energy storage in the roots, and grass' ability to depend on photosynthesis alone. This is why the land user preferred rotational grazing to prevent overgrazing, and allow the forage plenty of time to recover.
The inputs needed for the establishment of this technology are pangas, hand hoes, slashers, poles, and labour force to carry out the work of paddock constructions. To main the technology, the over grown grass is slashed to a height of 10 to 12 inches in height which is consumable by goats, water point is cleaned every two weeks to avoid contamination, paddocks repaired and goats constantly checked for treatment
The technology provides beneficial impacts like improvement of organic matter content and pasture soil fertility as a result of spreading manure around the whole pasture while grazing and browsing. Grazing goats typically return to the water tanks or a single favourite shade tree. The manure deposited around water tanks/tree shade is collected and used as farmyard manure for the seasonal crop production like cereals, vegetables, and legumes.
The technology is disliked because it is tedious to look after so many goats, wild animal attacks and drought affects water supply and pasture growth for the goats.






2.3 Photos of the Technology

General remarks regarding photos:

Good photo for the technology

2.4 Videos of the Technology

Comments, short description:

Goats grazing in the natural pastures

Date:

28/04/2017

Location:

Omoro District, Bobi Sub County, Paidwe Parish, Pato Village.

Name of videographer:

Betty Adoch

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

Country:

Uganda

Region/ State/ Province:

Northern Uganda.

Further specification of location:

Omoro District.

Comments:

The GPS point shows the land user grazing ground.

2.6 Date of implementation

Indicate year of implementation:

2003

If precise year is not known, indicate approximate date:
  • 10-50 years ago

2.7 Introduction of the Technology

Specify how the Technology was introduced:
  • through land users' innovation
Comments (type of project, etc.):

Diversify source of income, improve on nutrition and improve soil fertility.

3. Classification of the SLM Technology

3.1 Main purpose(s) of the Technology

  • reduce, prevent, restore land degradation
  • preserve/ improve biodiversity
  • adapt to climate change/ extremes and its impacts
  • mitigate climate change and its impacts
  • create beneficial economic impact
  • create beneficial social impact

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

Grazing land

Grazing land

Intensive grazing/ fodder production:
  • Improved pastures
  • Rotational grazing
Main animal species and products:

Goats

Comments:

conservation of pastures

If land use has changed due to the implementation of the Technology, indicate land use before implementation of the Technology:

The land was used for crop growing like maize, simsim, sorghum.

3.3 Further information about land use

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

Rainfall is moderate which sustains pasture growth.

Number of growing seasons per year:
  • 2
Specify:

The goats graze the paddocks twice a year.

Livestock density (if relevant):

cattle (08), goats (40), and poultry (50).

3.4 SLM group to which the Technology belongs

  • rotational systems (crop rotation, fallows, shifting cultivation)
  • integrated crop-livestock management

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:
  • 0.1-1 km2
Comments:

Rotational grazing

3.6 SLM measures comprising the Technology

agronomic measures

agronomic measures

  • A1: Vegetation/ soil cover
  • A2: Organic matter/ soil fertility
management measures

management measures

  • M1: Change of land use type
  • M2: Change of management/ intensity level
  • M3: Layout according to natural and human environment
other measures

other measures

Comments:

The mixed cropland is easily managed with livestock which provides manures to the cropland leading to high crop yields and pasture conservation.

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
physical soil deterioration

physical soil deterioration

  • Pc: compaction
biological degradation

biological degradation

  • Bc: reduction of vegetation cover
  • Bs: quality and species composition/ diversity decline
Comments:

high risks of fire outbreaks and prolonged dry spells.

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
Comments:

To promote diversification and prevent land degradation.

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

4.1 Technical drawing of the Technology

Author:

Betty Adoch

Date:

28/04/2017

4.2 Technical specifications/ explanations of technical drawing

Five acres of land under paddock system of rotational grazing. The paddocks measures 40x50meter. Poles of about 1meter high are used to fenced the paddocks.

4.3 General information regarding the calculation of inputs and costs

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

5acres

other/ national currency (specify):

UGX

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

3718.0

Indicate average wage cost of hired labour per day:

1000shs

4.4 Establishment activities

Activity Type of measure Timing
1. Clearning the bush through digging and slashing Management Dry season.
2. Marking the paddocks and planting poles Management Dry season
3. Fencing the area Management Dry season
4. Installing the water tank Management Dry season
5. Introducing the goats into the paddock Management Rainy season
Comments:

Easy to eastablish rotational grazing.

4.5 Costs and inputs needed for establishment

Comments:

The cost is manageable by the land user.

4.6 Maintenance/ recurrent activities

Activity Type of measure Timing/ frequency
1. Slashing the over grown grass Vegetative wet season
2. cleaning the water tank Management wet and dry season
3. Refilling the water tank Management wet and dry season
4. Repairing the paddock Management Dry season
5. Creating firelines Management dry season
Comments:

The land user protects his farm from the danger of fire outbreaks and pests.

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

Comments:

Record keeping is not done by the farmer.

4.8 Most important factors affecting the costs

Describe the most determinate factors affecting the costs:

The labour costs for fencing the paddocks, and the high costs of fencing materials.

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:

The rainfall is moderate and unreliable.

Indicate the name of the reference meteorological station considered:

Gulu meterological station.

Agro-climatic zone
  • sub-humid

Climate is suitable for pasture growth.

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:
  • convex situations
Comments and further specifications on topography:

The landscape is generally gentle easy to practice rotational grazing.

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):
  • coarse/ light (sandy)
Topsoil organic matter:
  • medium (1-3%)

5.4 Water availability and quality

Ground water table:

5-50 m

Availability of surface water:

good

Water quality (untreated):

good drinking water

Is water salinity a problem?

No

Is flooding of the area occurring?

No

Comments and further specifications on water quality and quantity:

suitable for human consuptions and animals .

5.5 Biodiversity

Species diversity:
  • high
Comments and further specifications on biodiversity:

Different species of plants and animals coexist in the environment.

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
Individuals or groups:
  • individual/ household
Level of mechanization:
  • animal traction
Gender:
  • men
Age of land users:
  • middle-aged
Indicate other relevant characteristics of the land users:

He totally depends on farming for livelihood.

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

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

Land ownership:
  • individual, titled
Land use rights:
  • individual
Water use rights:
  • communal (organized)
Comments:

The technologies secure the land from land grabbers within the community. The land user has full right over his land.

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

fodder production

decreased
increased
Quantity before SLM:

negative

Quantity after SLM:

positive

Comments/ specify:

Due to conserved pastures.

Water availability and quality

drinking water availability

decreased
increased
Quantity before SLM:

negative

Quantity after SLM:

positive

Comments/ specify:

Source of water is secured by the land user.

water availability for livestock

decreased
increased
Quantity before SLM:

slightly negative

Quantity after SLM:

very positive

Comments/ specify:

Water filled in a tank for goats consumption.

water quality for livestock

decreased
increased
Quantity before SLM:

negative

Quantity after SLM:

positive

Comments/ specify:

Goats fenced off which avoid water contamination.

Income and costs

farm income

decreased
increased
Quantity before SLM:

negative

Quantity after SLM:

positive

Comments/ specify:

Rotational grazing has saved the land user from purchasing animal feeds which would be very expensive.

Socio-cultural impacts

SLM/ land degradation knowledge

reduced
improved
Quantity before SLM:

negative

Quantity after SLM:

very positive

Comments/ specify:

Land user is aware of climate smart agriculture which has a lots of site benefits in terms of increased animal productions.

Ecological impacts

Water cycle/ runoff

evaporation

increased
decreased
Quantity before SLM:

very positive

Quantity after SLM:

very negative

Comments/ specify:

Grass cover the soil from effects of evaporation.

Soil

soil moisture

decreased
increased
Quantity before SLM:

negative

Quantity after SLM:

positive

Comments/ specify:

Grass covers the soil from erosion.

soil cover

reduced
improved
Quantity before SLM:

slightly negative

Quantity after SLM:

very positive

Comments/ specify:

Grass covers the soil from being exposed to agents of erosion.

soil loss

increased
decreased
Quantity before SLM:

very positive

Quantity after SLM:

very negative

Comments/ specify:

The grass covers the soil from erosion.

soil compaction

increased
reduced
Quantity before SLM:

very positive

Quantity after SLM:

very negative

Comments/ specify:

Grazing goats loosen the soil particles which helps in fertile soil formation.

Biodiversity: vegetation, animals

biomass/ above ground C

decreased
increased
Quantity before SLM:

negative

Quantity after SLM:

very positive

Comments/ specify:

Dry grass decompose to form humus.

plant diversity

decreased
increased
Quantity before SLM:

negative

Quantity after SLM:

positive

Comments/ specify:

Different vegetation covers exist in the grazing fields.

Climate and disaster risk reduction

fire risk

increased
decreased
Quantity before SLM:

very positive

Quantity after SLM:

very negative

Comments/ specify:

Fire lines are created during dry seasons to prevent wildfire spread to the grazing fields.

6.2 Off-site impacts the Technology has shown

buffering/ filtering capacity

reduced
improved
Quantity before SLM:

negative

Quantity after SLM:

positive

Comments/ specify:

Grass roots filters and purifies the surface water.

damage on neighbours' fields

increased
reduced
Quantity before SLM:

positive

Quantity after SLM:

negative

Comments/ specify:

Goats are fenced off from crop land reducing unnecessary destruction.

impact of greenhouse gases

increased
reduced
Quantity before SLM:

high

Quantity after SLM:

low

Comments/ specify:

conserved vegetation acts as carbon sink

Comments regarding impact assessment:

The technology is highly sustainable.

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

Comments:

The technology is sustainable.

6.4 Cost-benefit analysis

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

slightly positive

Long-term returns:

positive

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

slightly positive

Long-term returns:

positive

Comments:

The farmer has been able to generate income to improve his standard of living.

6.5 Adoption of the Technology

  • 1-10%
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:

The technology has inspired many community members to engage in sustainable land management practices.

6.6 Adaptation

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

Yes

If yes, indicate to which changing conditions it was adapted:
  • climatic change/ extremes
Specify adaptation of the Technology (design, material/ species, etc.):

indegineous pastures are conserved for the goats.

6.7 Strengths/ advantages/ opportunities of the Technology

Strengths/ advantages/ opportunities in the land user’s view
Conserve indegineous pastures.
The vegetation roots filters the surface water.
Strengths/ advantages/ opportunities in the compiler’s or other key resource person’s view
Availability of pastures for the goats through out the year.
The paddocks protects the land from land wrangles.

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?
Limited capital to establish the paddocks. Extenal support from doners.
Prolonged dry spells that retards pastures growth. Practice climate smart agriculture like rotational grazing.
Weaknesses/ disadvantages/ risks in the compiler’s or other key resource person’s view How can they be overcome?
Limited labour force to look after the goats. Employing farm workers.
Pests and diseases that disturb the goats. Technical services from the extension workers.

7. References and links

7.1 Methods/ sources of information

  • field visits, field surveys

one

7.2 References to available publications

Title, author, year, ISBN:

Mixed crop-livestock farming - FAO

Available from where? Costs?

www.fao.org/docrep/004/Y0501E/y0501e03.htm

7.3 Links to relevant information which is available online

Title/ description:

Mixed farming | ClimateTechWiki

URL:

www.climatetechwiki.org/content/mixed-farming

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