1.3 Conditions regarding the use of data documented through WOCAT

When were the data compiled (in the field)?

11/10/2002

The compiler and key resource person(s) accept the conditions regarding the use of data documented through WOCAT:

Yes

2.1 Short description of the Technology

Definition of the Technology:

Multiple cropping is an agronomic practice of growing two or more crops on the same land simultaneously in a given growing season

2.2 Detailed description of the Technology

Description:

Growing of different types of crops in the same field. The crops grown together are, however, harvested at different times. In the Konso case the farmers are used to growing of 10-15 types of crops on the same area. The purpose is to avoid risk (some crops are more resistant or escape the adverse conditions like drought, pest and disease) and to get variety of produce at a time. Annual crops are sown/planted every season. Binual and perenial crops are planted and managed according to their seasonal calendar in which the crops grown to provide better production. Low fertility status, unpredictable and erratic rainfall, pest and diseases are some of the constraints limiting productivity.

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

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.):

The emergence of the technology appears to be an attempt to avert/minimize the risk that could occur owing to recurrent drought. It is a coping mechanism to adverse climatic conditions.

3.1 Main purpose(s) of the Technology

• improve production

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

Comments:

Major land use problems (compiler’s opinion): Most of the lands without SWC are not treated because they are communal holdings.

Major land use problems (land users’ perception): Most of the lands without SWC are those communally held and used.

Type of cropping system and major crops comments: Inter cropping, sequential cropping, rotational cropping and monocropping in some potential flatter areas

3.3 Further information about land use

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

• mixed rainfed-irrigated

Number of growing seasons per year:

• 2

Specify:

Longest growing period in days: 90 Longest growing period from month to month: Mar - May Second longest growing period in days: 50 Second longest growing period from month to month: Aug - Oct

3.4 SLM group to which the Technology belongs

• Multiple cropping

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:

• > 10,000 km2

Comments:

Total area covered by the SLM Technology is 1000 m2.

3.6 SLM measures comprising the Technology

Comments:

Main measures: agronomic measures

Type of agronomic measures: mixed cropping / intercropping, minimum tillage

3.7 Main types of land degradation addressed by the Technology

Comments:

Main type of degradation addressed: Wt: loss of topsoil / surface erosion

Secondary types of degradation addressed: Et: loss of topsoil, Cn: fertility decline and reduced organic matter content

4.2 Technical specifications/ explanations of technical drawing

Technical knowledge required for field staff / advisors: moderate

Technical knowledge required for land users: moderate

Main technical functions: control of raindrop splash

Secondary technical functions: control of dispersed runoff: retain / trap, increase in organic matter

If the original slope has changed as a result of the Technology, the slope today is (see figure below): 3.00%

Gradient along the rows / strips: 0.00%

If the original slope has changed as a result of the Technology, the slope today is: 1%

Lateral gradient along the structure: 0%

4.3 General information regarding the calculation of inputs and costs

other/ national currency (specify):

Ethiopian birr

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

8.5

4.4 Establishment activities

	Activity	Type of measure	Timing
1.	Land preparation	Vegetative	dry season
2.	Seeding/sawing/planting	Vegetative	wet season

4.5 Costs and inputs needed for establishment

Comments:

Duration of establishment phase: 12 month(s)

4.6 Maintenance/ recurrent activities

	Activity	Type of measure	Timing/ frequency
1.	pest control	Agronomic	Wet season / each cropping season
2.	First tillage	Agronomic	dry season / annual
3.	Collection of mulch and mulch incorporation	Agronomic	dry season / each cropping season
4.	Seeding/planting	Agronomic	dry season / annual
5.	Weeding	Agronomic	Wet season / each cropping season
6.	Thinning	Vegetative	wet season /once
7.	Rattoon management	Vegetative	dry season /1-2

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

Comments:

labour, tools, compost and seeds

4.8 Most important factors affecting the costs

Describe the most determinate factors affecting the costs:

labour, high temperature, topography, surface stoniness, workability

5.1 Climate

5.2 Topography

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 fertility is low
Soil drainage/infiltration is good

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%

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

Land ownership:

• state

6.1 On-site impacts the Technology has shown

Ecological impacts

Water cycle/ runoff

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

Comments:

There is a moderate trend towards spontaneous adoption of the Technology

Comments on adoption trend: in the surrounding areas