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)

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

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:

Intercropping maize with legumes improves soil fertility and provides a rapid source of income for smallholders. Red cowpea, known locally as “lojy zazamena”, is the most widely used legume, but there are also other varieties of cowpea (Vigna unguiculata) that adapt well to the region's environmental conditions.

2.2 Detailed description of the Technology

Description:

Intercropping maize (Zea mays) with legumes improves soil fertility and provides a rapid source of income for smallholders. Red cowpea, known locally as "lojy zazamena", is the most widely used legume, but there are also other varieties of cowpea (Vigna unguiculata) that adapt well to the region's environmental conditions (i.e. Baboka, Rapaenta). This type of crop association is practiced on all types of soil, both on slopes and on the flatter lowlands. It is applied by all categories of farmers (small, medium and large-scale). Typically, maize is sown in rows with 1 m between rows and 50 cm between plants (1 m on less fertile soils). Legumes, on the other hand, are sown between rows of maize, with 50 cm between plants. However many farmers leave spaces of 2 m or more between rows of maize to make it easier to spray legumes. In this case, 2 rows of legumes can be intercropped between the maize rows to facilitate spraying. Maize and legume seeds are concurrently sown, usually at the end of December. The cowpea production cycle spans 3 months, with staggered harvesting if needed. In the event of low rainfall during the cycle, cowpeas can survive even if the maize is not sufficiently productive. The combination of maize and legumes maintains soil fertility of the plot where it is applied – better than a similar plot of monoculture maize, or maize combined with non-leguminous plants. This technique curbs erosion and minimizes weed proliferation, while contributing to household food security by enabling the cultivation of two different crops on the same plot. Having several species on the same plot reduces risks, especially the likelihood of crop pest infestation. This integrated crop approach is frequently embraced by households in need of rapid income, especially during the lean seasons, and helps secure subsistence. This technique is much appreciated by farmers.

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:

Madagascar

Region/ State/ Province:

Boeny

Further specification of location:

Tsaramandroso, Marovoay Banlieue, Ambondromamy

Specify the spread of the Technology:

• evenly spread over an area

If precise area is not known, indicate approximate area covered:

• < 0.1 km2 (10 ha)

Is/are the technology site(s) located in a permanently protected area?

No

Map

×

2.6 Date of implementation

Indicate year of implementation:

2019

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.):

GIZ Prosol Madagascar

3.1 Main purpose(s) of the Technology

• improve production
• reduce, prevent, restore land degradation
• protect a watershed/ downstream areas – in combination with other Technologies
• adapt to climate change/ extremes 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

Cropland

• Annual cropping

Annual cropping - Specify crops:

• cereals - maize
• legumes and pulses - beans

• Cowpea (lojy)

Number of growing seasons per year:

• 1

Specify:

Rainy season

Is intercropping practiced?

Yes

If yes, specify which crops are intercropped:

Maize and cowpea, sometimes intercropped with grass-bordered pigeon pea strips

Is crop rotation practiced?

Yes

If yes, specify:

Maize + Cowpea / Sorghum + Vigna radiata

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)

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

• rotational systems (crop rotation, fallows, shifting cultivation)
• improved ground/ vegetation cover
• integrated soil fertility management

3.6 SLM measures comprising the Technology

agronomic measures

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

3.7 Main types of land degradation addressed by the Technology

soil erosion by water

• Wt: loss of topsoil/ surface erosion

chemical soil deterioration

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

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

4.1 Technical drawing of the Technology

Technical specifications (related to technical drawing):

This technology, which combines maize and cowpeas, requires a spacing of 1 to 3 m between the maize rows.
Two rows of cowpeas can be planted between the maize rows.

Author:

GIZ ProSoil Madagascar

Date:

02/23/2023

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):

Ariary

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

4300.0

4.3 Establishment activities

Comments:

No establishment activities: all activities are recurrent

4.4 Costs and inputs needed for establishment

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

The seeds used were paid for by the ProSol project.

Comments:

No establishment costs: all costs are recurrent

4.5 Maintenance/ recurrent activities

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

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

Seed costs covered by project

Comments:

Daily labor costs are 5,000 ariaries for half a day and 8,000 ariaries for a full day.

5.1 Climate

5.2 Topography

Indicate if the Technology is specifically applied in:

• not relevant

5.3 Soils

5.4 Water availability and quality

Is water salinity a problem?

No

Is flooding of the area occurring?

No

5.5 Biodiversity

Comments and further specifications on biodiversity:

This region boasts a diverse array of plant and animal species, with some being native to the area. However, this biodiversity is relatively moderate when compared to other parts of the island. In terms of habitats, approximately 20% of the region comprises suitable environments for supporting this biodiversity, including forests, water bodies, mangroves, and more, although this percentage remains relatively low.

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

Land ownership:

• individual, not titled
• individual, titled

Land use rights:

• open access (unorganized)
• leased

Water use rights:

• open access (unorganized)
• individual

Are land use rights based on a traditional legal system?

Yes

Specify:

Most villagers can identify the cultivated lands of their fellow community members.

5.9 Access to services and infrastructure

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

Biodiversity: vegetation, animals

Specify assessment of on-site impacts (measurements):

These are estimates from the farmers.

6.2 Off-site impacts the Technology has shown

Specify assessment of off-site impacts (measurements):

These are estimates from the farmers.

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

Climate-related extremes (disasters)

Meteorological disasters

6.4 Cost-benefit analysis

How do the benefits compare with the maintenance/ recurrent costs (from land users' perspective)?

6.5 Adoption of the Technology

• 1-10%

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

• 11-50%

6.6 Adaptation

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

Yes

other (specify):

Soil fertility

Specify adaptation of the Technology (design, material/ species, etc.):

The spacing between legume seedlings was reduced by 30 cm in areas where the soil exhibited higher fertility.

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

7.2 References to available publications

Title, author, year, ISBN:

Région Boeny, 2016, "Schéma Régional d’Aménagement du Territoire de la Région Boeny"

Available from where? Costs?

Boeny Region Hotel

Title, author, year, ISBN:

GIZ ProSol Madagascar, 2022, "Livret des Paysans Relais"

Available from where? Costs?

GIZ ProSol Madagascar

Title, author, year, ISBN:

GIZ ProSol Madagascar, 2022, Poster "Association de culture maïs ou sorgho avec légumineuses"

Available from where? Costs?

GIZ ProSol Madagascar

7.3 Links to relevant online information

Title/ description:

MAÏS + LEGUMINEUSES

URL:

https://gsdm-mg.org/wp-content/files/Maslgumineuses_BVLac.pdf

Title/ description:

VOLY RAKOTRA AFOVOANY ANDREFANA : Fifandimbiasam-boly eo amin’ny « Katsaka miaraka amin’ny voly boribory ravina » sy « Vary an-tanety »

URL:

http://gsdm-mg.org/?dl_id=94

Title/ description:

Fampivadiam-boly katsaka sy amberivatry ary voanemba

URL:

http://open-library.cirad.fr/gsdm/read/2189

Title/ description:

Association Maïs et légumineuses en rotation avec le riz pluvial”, GSDM

URL:

https://gsdm-mg.org/wp-content/files/Fiche_technique_Mas__LEG_revu_GSDM_TFNAC_.pdf

Title/ description:

Association Maïs et légumineuses en rotation avec le riz pluvial”, GSDM

URL:

https://gsdm-mg.org/wp-content/files/Fiche_technique_Mas__LEG_revu_GSDM_TFNAC_.pdf