1.2 Contact details of resource persons and institutions involved in the assessment and documentation of the Technology

Name of project which facilitated the documentation/ evaluation of the Technology (if relevant)

Strengthening national-level institutional and professional capacities of country Parties towards enhanced UNCCD monitoring and reporting – GEF 7 EA Umbrella II (GEF 7 UNCCD Enabling Activities_Umbrella II)

Name of the institution(s) which facilitated the documentation/ evaluation of the Technology (if relevant)

National Soil Services Centre, Department of Agriculture, Ministry of Agriculture & Livestock (NSSC) - Bhutan

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

Comments:

This technology is one of the major land degradation mitigating measures

2.1 Short description of the Technology

Definition of the Technology:

Terrace consolidation is the merging of existing narrow bench terraces into larger terraces to enable farm mechanization, commercial farming and crop intensification. This technology is promoted as the existing terraces are generally narrow and this limits efficient operation and utilization of land and other resources.

2.2 Detailed description of the Technology

Description:

Terrace consolidation involves merging of small terraces into larger terraces using a machine to make more efficient use of land through farm mechanization, commercial farming and crop intensification. This technology is promoted as the existing terraces are generally narrow and this limits efficient operation and utilization of land and other resources.
The consolidation of narrow terraces is recommended if the general slope of the proposed site is less than 20° (36%) with good soil drainage and low risk of land degradation. While consolidating narrow terraces, it is strongly recommended to remove the topsoil from the terraces and put it back once the levelling is completed. The consolidated terrace should maintain a maximum riser height of 1.5 m and bed width of 3.5 m. For slopes below 12° (21%), the bench width should not exceed 5–6 m.
Farmers can expand the amount of arable land available, maximize agricultural operations, and encourage sustainable farming methods for higher crop output and enhanced ecological resilience by converting narrower and more steep bench terraces into bigger ones (NSSC, 2020). A large portion of hillside farmers around the world rely on terracing. For the purpose of facilitating the growth of field crops, horticultural crops, fodder, and other crops that require specific management practices (e.g., irrigation), alone or in agroforestry systems, hilly or mountainous terrains are divided into narrow but graduated steps, typically 2-3 m wide and 50-80 m long across the slopes (Chapagain & Raizada, 2017).
Enlargement of terraces begins with a thorough survey and analysis of the topography and terrain. In order to build larger terraces with the least amount of environmental damage, this phase is essential. The next step in the construction process is to reshape the present, small terraces into larger, more open ones. To make wider terraced levels, this may entail moving soil and cutting through slopes. Furthermore, filling up the gaps and levelling the land's surface is required in order to reduce the number of risers and produce a continuous, gently sloping terrace. The installation of suitable drainage systems is also crucial to guarantee adequate water management and stop soil erosion.
Larger terraces enhance water management capabilities. With a more extensive surface area, water runoff is minimized, and the distribution of irrigation water becomes more even, promoting better soil moisture retention and reducing erosion. This, in turn, contributes to soil health and fertility, supporting sustainable farming practices. Moreover, the consolidation of smaller terraces into larger ones reduces the overall number of risers, thereby enhancing accessibility for farmworkers and farm machinery. This ease of access further optimizes the use of resources and fosters better crop management. Additionally, larger terraces can enable the implementation of crop diversification strategies, such as intercropping and crop rotation, promoting biodiversity and mitigating the risk of crop failure due to pests or adverse weather conditions.
However, the process of enlarging terraces involves altering the terrain, which can lead to soil erosion, habitat destruction, and ecological imbalances. This environmental impact may negatively affect local flora and fauna, reducing biodiversity and disrupting the delicate ecological equilibrium (Deng et al., 2021). Planning for safe discharge of excess water out of the terrace system effectively helps preserve soil fertility and reduces runoff. It is essential also to pay close attention to the preservation of the local ecosystem and biodiversity throughout the process.

2.3 Photos of the Technology

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

2.6 Date of implementation

Indicate year of implementation:

2021

2.7 Introduction of the Technology

Specify how the Technology was introduced:

• through projects/ external interventions

Comments (type of project, etc.):

The terrace consolidation activities in this community was funded by the Green Climate Fund (GCF) project for Land Consolidation

3.1 Main purpose(s) of the Technology

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

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

Land use mixed within the same land unit:

No

3.3 Has land use changed due to the implementation of the Technology?

Has land use changed due to the implementation of the Technology?

• No (Continue with question 3.4)

Land use mixed within the same land unit:

No

3.4 Water supply

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

• mixed rainfed-irrigated

3.5 SLM group to which the Technology belongs

• cross-slope measure
• wetland protection/ management
• ecosystem-based disaster risk reduction

3.6 SLM measures comprising the Technology

3.7 Main types of land degradation addressed by the Technology

3.8 Prevention, reduction, or restoration of land degradation

Specify the goal of the Technology with regard to land degradation:

• reduce land degradation
• adapt to land degradation

4.1 Technical drawing of the Technology

4.2 General information regarding the calculation of inputs and costs

Specify how costs and inputs were calculated:

• per Technology area

other/ national currency (specify):

Ngultrum

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

80.0

4.3 Establishment activities

	Activity	Timing (season)
1.	Secure funding support from GCF	January (Before cropping)
2.	Action planning in consultation with beneficiaries and the stakeholders	February (Before cropping)
3.	Arrangement of excavator machine	First week of March (Before cropping)
4.	Activity implementation	Second week of March till April (Before cropping)

4.4 Costs and inputs needed for establishment

	Specify input	Unit	Quantity	Costs per Unit	Total costs per input	% of costs borne by land users
Labour	Assisting operator (reaching fuel)	no	60.0	500.0	30000.0	100.0
Labour	Labelling of terraces	no	60.0	500.0	30000.0	100.0
Equipment	Hiring of Excavator	day	6.0	20000.0	120000.0
Total costs for establishment of the Technology					180000.0
Total costs for establishment of the Technology in USD					2250.0

If land user bore less than 100% of costs, indicate who covered the remaining costs:

This technology is been supported and funded by Green Climate Fund for land consolidation

Comments:

consolidation of old terraces is recommended only if the general slope of the proposed site is less than 20% with good soil drainage and minimal risk of land degradation. While consolidating small terraces into large terraces, the new terrace riser height should not be more than 1.5 m and width of the bench not less than 3.5 .For one ha there are around 34 small terrace which is consolidated to 18 terraces.

4.5 Maintenance/ recurrent activities

Comments:

No maintenance is done until now

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

Comments:

Till date no maintenance was done

4.7 Most important factors affecting the costs

Describe the most determinate factors affecting the costs:

The major factor affecting the cost for implementing this technology is in hiring of excavator

5.1 Climate

5.2 Topography

Indicate if the Technology is specifically applied in:

• not relevant

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 Type: Sandy Loam
MC (%): 3.66
OM (%): 1.73
OC (%): 1.00
pH (H20): 6.60
EC (µs/cm): 28.37
N (%): 0.05
P (ppm): 0.73
K (mg/100ml): 82.77

5.4 Water availability and quality

Is water salinity a problem?

No

Is flooding of the area occurring?

Yes

Regularity:

episodically

5.5 Biodiversity

5.6 Characteristics of land users applying the Technology

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

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

• Family

Land use rights:

• communal (organized)
• individual

Water use rights:

• communal (organized)
• individual

Are land use rights based on a traditional legal system?

Yes

5.9 Access to services and infrastructure

6.1 On-site impacts the Technology has shown

Socio-economic impacts

Production

Water availability and quality

Income and costs

Socio-cultural impacts

Ecological impacts

Soil

Climate and disaster risk reduction

6.2 Off-site impacts the Technology has shown

Specify assessment of off-site impacts (measurements):

there is no off-site impacts recorded for this technology

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	increase or decrease	How does the Technology cope with it?
annual temperature		increase	very well
annual rainfall		decrease	not known

Climate-related extremes (disasters)

Meteorological disasters

	How does the Technology cope with it?
local rainstorm	very well
local thunderstorm	very well
local windstorm	very well

Climatological disasters

	How does the Technology cope with it?
heatwave	very well
cold wave	very well
extreme winter conditions	very well
drought	not well

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

• 1-10%

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

8 households

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

• 0-10%

6.6 Adaptation

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

No

6.7 Strengths/ advantages/ opportunities of the Technology

Strengths/ advantages/ opportunities in the land user’s view
Increased production
Enhanced farm mechanization and workability

Strengths/ advantages/ opportunities in the compiler’s or other key resource person’s view
Reduced surface runoff
Optimal use of resources
Increased production
Enhanced farm mechanization and workability

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?
cost for terrace consolidation	help and support through government and projects

Weaknesses/ disadvantages/ risks in the compiler’s or other key resource person’s view	How can they be overcome?
Heavy and large machineries (excavator) used to carry out terrace consolidation might pose soil compaction and sealing	Use of smaller excavators specifically designed for terracing

7.1 Methods/ sources of information

7.2 References to available publications

Title, author, year, ISBN:

BHUCAT, NSSC, 2011

Available from where? Costs?

Website

7.3 Links to relevant online information

Title/ description:

Agronomic Challenges and Opportunities for Smallholder Terrace Agriculture in Developing/ Countries/

URL:

https://doi.org/10.3389/fpls.2017.00331

Title/ description:

Advantages and disadvantages of terracing/A comprehensive review. International Soil and Water Conservation Research

URL:

https://doi.org/10.1016/j.iswcr.2021.03.002

Title/ description:

PARTICIPATORY SLM ACTION PLAN 2020 /Supporting Climate Resilience and Transformational Change in the Agriculture Sector in Bhutan Funded by Green Climate Fund.

URL:

https://www.bhutangcf.gov.bt/wp-content/uploads/2021/12/SLM_Action-Plan_2020.pdf

Title/ description:

Soil and Water Conservation / Lesson 5 Terraces for Water Erosion Control

URL:

http://ecoursesonline.iasri.res.in/mod/page/view.php?id=2098