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

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

2.1 Short description of the Technology

Definition of the Technology:

Piling of stones and rocks along the contour to control run-off and soil erosion. It is also about the creation of small basins by removing stones and using them as barriers.

2.2 Detailed description of the Technology

Description:

This is a low-cost erosion control technology by piling stones/rocks along the contour. The spacing of the piles depends on the slope and the availability/abundance of surface rocks. The stone bunds, usually 0.4 meter wide is intended to slow down run-off and catch/impound soil that moves downslope, etiher by water or by gravity. The technology is also about the creation of small basins by removing rocks and using them as barrier. In these small basins, water is impounded and allow to infiltrate. Soil carried with the run-off is deposited in these basins for the raising of high value crops. The technology is most especially applicable in areas where limestone and other rock outcrops and where the soil is commonly shallow and skeletal. With time, natural terraces can form. Limestone/rock outcrops are also used in the construction of check dams along small waterways. These check dams will result in the formation of flat-bottom valleys where transplanted rice is usually grown. Series of check dams will form terraces along valley floor in the long run.

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

Further specification of location:

Siquijor, Cebu, Bohol, Negros Oriental

Specify the spread of the Technology:

• evenly spread over an area

If the Technology is evenly spread over an area, specify area covered (in km2):

31.0

Comments:

Total area covered by the SLM Technology is 31 km2.
The technology of pilling stones along the contour has been praticed for generation. However, it was given an added push through the Central Visayas Resources Project (CVRP). It is a case of promoting farmers' initiative (PFI).

Map

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2.6 Date of implementation

If precise year is not known, indicate approximate date:

• more than 50 years ago (traditional)

2.7 Introduction of the Technology

Specify how the Technology was introduced:

• as part of a traditional system (> 50 years)

Comments (type of project, etc.):

Indigenous to the area.

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

• Annual cropping

Annual cropping - Specify crops:

• cereals - maize
• vegetables - root vegetables (carrots, onions, beet, other)

Number of growing seasons per year:

• 2

Specify:

Longest growing period in days: 270, Longest growing period from month to month: May - Jun; Second longest growing period in days: 240, Second longest growing period from month to month: May - Dec

Comments:

Major land use problems (compiler’s opinion): Soil erosion/degradation, soil fertility decline
Major land use problems (land users’ perception): productivity decline, increasing levels of input to maintain yield.
Type of cropping system and major crops comments: Two (2) crops of onion or two crops of corn or one crop of corn followed by vegetables.

3.4 Water supply

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

• rainfed

3.5 SLM group to which the Technology belongs

• cross-slope measure

3.6 SLM measures comprising the Technology

structural measures

• S2: Bunds, banks

3.7 Main types of land degradation addressed by the Technology

soil erosion by water

• Wt: loss of topsoil/ surface erosion
• Wg: gully erosion/ gullying

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

4.1 Technical drawing of the Technology

Technical specifications (related to technical drawing):

Construction of stone bunds along the contour for run-off and erosion control
Date: 8-22-2002

Technical knowledge required for field staff / advisors: moderate
Technical knowledge required for land users: moderate
Main technical functions: control of concentrated runoff: retain / trap
Secondary technical functions: reduction of slope length, increase / maintain water stored in soil

Author:

Lorenzo Co

4.2 General information regarding the calculation of inputs and costs

other/ national currency (specify):

Philippine peso

If relevant, indicate exchange rate from USD to local currency (e.g. 1 USD = 79.9 Brazilian Real): 1 USD =:

50.0

4.4 Costs and inputs needed for establishment

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

Comments:

The volume of stones to be removed, gathered and piled to create a wall.

4.7 Most important factors affecting the costs

Describe the most determinate factors affecting the costs:

Labor for the removal and collection of stones for piling.

5.1 Climate

5.2 Topography

5.3 Soils

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: 2% - 3%
30% of the land users are rich and own 20% of the land.
10% of the land users are average wealthy and own 30% of the land.
60% of the land users are poor and own 50% of the land.
Off-farm income specification: retailing, carpentry, dressmaking, fishing, overseas employment, etc.

5.7 Average area of land used by land users applying the Technology

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

Socio-economic impacts

Production

Income and costs

Socio-cultural impacts

Ecological impacts

Water cycle/ runoff

Soil

Other ecological impacts

6.2 Off-site impacts the Technology has shown

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

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

• 91-100%

Comments:

100% of land user families have adopted the Technology without any external material support
200 land user families have adopted the Technology without any external material support
There is a moderate trend towards spontaneous adoption of the Technology. When other farmers saw the effect of the technology, they adopted spontaneously.

6.7 Strengths/ advantages/ opportunities of the Technology

6.8 Weaknesses/ disadvantages/ risks of the Technology and ways of overcoming them

7.1 Methods/ sources of information