Technologies

The Half-Moon Technique [Benin]

Soun man kpéka

technologies_6652 - Benin

Completeness: 88%

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:

OGOUDEDJI Bérenger

Paroisse de Setto / ProSOL / GIG

Benin

land user:

NANKPAN Joseph

Paroisse de Seto / ProSOL / GIG

Name of project which facilitated the documentation/ evaluation of the Technology (if relevant)
Soil protection and rehabilitation for food security (ProSo(i)l)

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. Description of the SLM Technology

2.1 Short description of the Technology

Definition of the Technology:

The half-moon technique is designed to enhance water retention and soil infiltration. This is achieved by constructing crescent-shaped mounds around the base of trees. A compass can be used to outline a semi-circle with a diameter of 4 meters. The soil within this outlined area is then excavated and used to form a ridge.

2.2 Detailed description of the Technology

Description:

The half-moon technique is commonly used on sloping land in arid or semi-arid climates, especially for fruit plantations such as cashew and orange trees. It involves clearing the ground to create basin-like structures, which are a few meters in diameter and bordered by ridges. This technique is essentially used to (i) cultivate encrusted land, (ii) reduce runoff, (iii) concentrate rainwater at the foot of trees by improving its infiltration into the soil, (iv) induce early flowering of fruit trees, (v) improve fruit tree production and (vi) restore biological diversity to agroecosystems.
The protocol for installing the technique is as follows :
-Use a compass with a 2-meter radius to pivot and create the half-moon shape;
-Use a pick, pickaxe, and shovel to dig the half-moon to a depth of 15 to 20 cm;
-Build the ridges starting from the inside and working outward. The height of the ridges can vary, depending on the slope severity, but can reach up to 40 cm;
-Arrange the half-moons in a staggered pattern perpendicular to the slope or following the contour lines; and
-Maintain a 4-metre spacing between two rows of half-moons.
It is recommended to enrich the half-moons with organic fertilizer or well-decomposed compost. Depending on availability, up to 35 kg of compost or manure, or a wheelbarrow full, could be added to each half-moon. Once the half-moon has been installed, it is recommended that it be systematically mulched to minimize moisture loss.
The half-moon technique can be implemented at any time of the year, but preferably in February-March or August-September on orange and cashew trees, to maintain structures designed to collect runoff water. To ensure the longevity of the technique, it is advisable to reshape larger ridges whenever their size diminishes, to strengthen the barrier.

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:

Benin

Region/ State/ Province:

Bohicon

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):

2.0

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

No

2.6 Date of implementation

Indicate year of implementation:

2020

2.7 Introduction of the Technology

Specify how the Technology was introduced:
  • through projects/ external interventions
Comments (type of project, etc.):

The half-moon technology was implemented under the German Cooperation-funded Soil Rehabilitation and Restoration Project (ProSOL)

3. Classification of the SLM Technology

3.1 Main purpose(s) of the Technology

  • improve production
  • reduce, prevent, restore land degradation
  • conserve ecosystem
  • 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

Cropland

  • Tree and shrub cropping
  • Orangers
Number of growing seasons per year:
  • 1
Is intercropping practiced?

No

Is crop rotation practiced?

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?
  • Yes (Please fill out the questions below with regard to the land use before implementation of the Technology)
Land use mixed within the same land unit:

No

Cropland

Cropland

  • Annual cropping
Annual cropping - Specify crops:
  • legumes and pulses - other
  • Mucuna
Is intercropping practiced?

No

Is crop rotation practiced?

No

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

  • agroforestry
  • integrated soil fertility management
  • water harvesting

3.6 SLM measures comprising the Technology

agronomic measures

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

soil erosion by water

  • Wt: loss of topsoil/ surface erosion
biological degradation

biological degradation

  • Bl: loss of soil life

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. Technical specifications, implementation activities, inputs, and costs

4.1 Technical drawing of the Technology

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Technical specifications (related to technical drawing):

The installation protocol involves the following steps:
-Establish the half-moon by pivoting using a compass with a 2-meter radius.
-Use a pick, pickaxe, and shovel to open the half-moon to a depth of 15 to 20 cm.
-Use a pickaxe to dig an area of approximately 6.283 square meters.
-Place the excavated earth on the semicircle, creating a semicircular ridge with a flattened top.
-Arrange the half-moons in a staggered pattern perpendicular to the slope or following the contour lines. Ensure that the arc is intercepted at the slope, allowing the water runoff to be struck by the crest of the ground.
-Maintain a spacing of 4m between two series of half-moons. In one hectare, a total of 625 half-moons should be planted.
-Before sowing, add 35 kg of compost or manure (equivalent to one wheelbarrow) to each half-moon.
-Note that the surface of the half-moon can be utilized for planting crops or perennial crops.

4.2 General information regarding the calculation of inputs and costs

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

1 half moon

Specify dimensions of unit (if relevant):

6.283 square meters

other/ national currency (specify):

CFA F

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

615.18

Indicate average wage cost of hired labour per day:

2000

4.3 Establishment activities

Activity Timing (season)
1. Sourcing the straw January
2. Demarcation of the semi-circles April
3. Digging to create ridges April
4. Mulching April

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 Sourcing the straw Half moon 625.0 50.0 31250.0 100.0
Labour Demarcation of the semi-circles Half moon 625.0 50.0 31250.0 100.0
Labour Digging to create ridges Half moon 625.0 100.0 62500.0 100.0
Equipment Pickaxe or daba Unit 3500.0 1.0 3500.0 100.0
Construction material Straw Half moon 625.0 50.0 31250.0 100.0
Construction material Compost Half moon 625.0 1000.0 625000.0 99.0
Total costs for establishment of the Technology 784750.0
Total costs for establishment of the Technology in USD 1275.64

4.5 Maintenance/ recurrent activities

Activity Timing/ frequency
1. Addition of manure or compost June to July
2. Weeding June to October
3. Filling in collapsed areas (due to water) June to September
4. Mulching June to September

4.6 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 Maintenance/Weeding Half moon 625.0 25.0 15625.0 100.0
Labour Mulching Half moon 625.0 25.0 15625.0 100.0
Labour Filling in collapsed areas (due to water) Half moon 625.0 50.0 31250.0 100.0
Fertilizers and biocides Addition of manure or compost Half moon 625.0 100.0 62500.0 100.0
Total costs for maintenance of the Technology 125000.0
Total costs for maintenance of the Technology in USD 203.19

4.7 Most important factors affecting the costs

Describe the most determinate factors affecting the costs:

Salaried labour is a limiting factor affecting costs.

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
Specify average annual rainfall (if known), in mm:

1025.00

Agro-climatic zone
  • sub-humid

Bohicon is characterized by a tropical climate, featuring a very hot and dry season from December to February, and a rainy season extending from mid-March to October.

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

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):
  • coarse/ light (sandy)
  • fine/ heavy (clay)
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:

medium

Water quality (untreated):

good drinking water

Water quality refers to:

ground water

Is water salinity a problem?

No

Is flooding of the area occurring?

No

5.5 Biodiversity

Species diversity:
  • medium
Habitat diversity:
  • medium

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
  • groups/ community
Level of mechanization:
  • manual work
Gender:
  • women
  • men
Age of land users:
  • youth
  • middle-aged

5.7 Average area of land used 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:

The average land area available is no longer adequate to fulfill the needs of the increasing population.

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

Land ownership:
  • communal/ village
Land use rights:
  • communal (organized)
Water use rights:
  • communal (organized)
  • leased
Are land use rights based on a traditional legal system?

Yes

Specify:

The village has land chiefs responsible for managing and organizing land use.

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
Comments/ specify:

Applied to citrus fruits (orange trees), the technology has resulted in a doubling of seedling production.

risk of production failure

increased
decreased

production area

decreased
increased

land management

hindered
simplified
Income and costs

expenses on agricultural inputs

increased
decreased
Comments/ specify:

Half-moons are costly to create but beneficial in terms of results.

farm income

decreased
increased

economic disparities

increased
decreased

workload

increased
decreased
Comments/ specify:

Half-moon application is labor-intensive.

Socio-cultural impacts

food security/ self-sufficiency

reduced
improved

health situation

worsened
improved
Comments/ specify:

Improved income means better access to health services.

recreational opportunities

reduced
improved

SLM/ land degradation knowledge

reduced
improved

situation of socially and economically disadvantaged groups

worsened
improved

Ecological impacts

Soil

soil moisture

decreased
increased

soil cover

reduced
improved
Biodiversity: vegetation, animals

biomass/ above ground C

decreased
increased
Climate and disaster risk reduction

drought impacts

increased
decreased

fire risk

increased
decreased

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 moderately
seasonal temperature dry season increase well
annual rainfall decrease well
seasonal rainfall wet/ rainy season decrease well

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:

very positive

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

slightly positive

Long-term returns:

positive

6.5 Adoption of the Technology

  • 11-50%
If available, quantify (no. of households and/ or area covered):

50 ha

Of all those who have adopted the Technology, how many did so spontaneously, i.e. without receiving any material incentives/ payments?
  • 11-50%
Comments:

Observing the positive impacts on other producers, some late adopters did not require encouragement. They embraced the technique on their own.

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
Enhanced soil fertility; increased crop yields
Facilitation of water infiltration
Water and wind erosion control
Strengths/ advantages/ opportunities in the compiler’s or other key resource person’s view
Rainwater catchment
Resistance to climatic hazards; high retention capacity for vegetal matter and dissolved particles

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?
Labour-intensive Combine workers (salaried and family) for synergistic action
Very slow soil restoration speed Add organic matter
Flooding of the excavated surface during heavy rains Drain in the event of flooding, since the technology is more suited to arid and semi-arid zones
Weaknesses/ disadvantages/ risks in the compiler’s or other key resource person’s view How can they be overcome?
Compost or organic fertilizer required Mineral fertilizers to be added if compost or manure is difficult to produce
Very slow soil restoration speed Use of mineral fertilizers before the start of the fertilizing process

7. References and links

7.1 Methods/ sources of information

  • field visits, field surveys

4

  • interviews with land users

1

  • interviews with SLM specialists/ experts

2

When were the data compiled (in the field)?

01/16/2023

7.2 References to available publications

Title, author, year, ISBN:

Deutsche Gesellschaft für Internationale Zusammenarbeit (GIZ) GmbH, 2018. Compendium de fiches techniques du formateur

Title, author, year, ISBN:

Deutsche Gesellschaft für Internationale Zusammenarbeit (GIZ) GmbH, 2018. Mesures de Gestion Durable des Terres (GDT) et d’Adaptation au Changement Climatique (ACC) : Boîte à images pour l’animation des séances de formation avec les agriculteurs

7.3 Links to relevant online information

Title/ description:

Communal Approach to the Agricultural Market (Phase 2) INTEGRATED SOIL FERTILITY MANAGEMENT (ISFM)

URL:

https://ifdc.org/wp-content/uploads/2019/07/FICHE-TECHNIQUE-1-GESTION-INTEGREE-DE-LA-FERTILITE-DES-SOLS-ET-PRINCIPES-DE-BASE-INTEGRATED-MANAGEMENT-OF-SOIL-FERTILITY-AND-BASIC-PRINCIPLES.pdf

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