1.3 Conditions regarding the use of data documented through WOCAT

When were the data compiled (in the field)?

15/10/2002

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:

It is a rectangular shaped soil embankment created in digging up sol and farming ridge and a basin for harvesting moisture.

2.2 Detailed description of the Technology

Description:

It is rectangular soil embankment made with local implement called 'Bayra' and maintained every three years during dry season. The technology is applied on moderately deep soils. It is intended for moisture harvesting. Establishment is made by visual survey and then the soil excavated using local implement and maintained wherever there is a need for maintenance. Low and erratic nature of rainfall, shallow to moderately deep soils and medium textured soils are some of the governing factors for 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

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.):

It is practiced since long time by the Konso Tribes

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

Comments:

Major land use problems (compiler’s opinion): land shortage, pest, high price of inputs, low rainfall and erratic nature

Major land use problems (land users’ perception): land shortage, pest, low rainfall

Type of cropping system and major crops comments: inter cropping

3.3 Further information about land use

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

• rainfed

Number of growing seasons per year:

• 2

Specify:

Longest growing period in days: 150 Longest growing period from month to month: Mar - Jul Second longest growing period in days: 120 Second longest growing period from month to month: Aug - Dec

3.4 SLM group to which the Technology belongs

• water harvesting

3.6 SLM measures comprising the Technology

Comments:

Main measures: structural measures

Secondary measures: vegetative measures

Type of agronomic measures: mixed cropping / intercropping, contour ridging

3.7 Main types of land degradation addressed by the Technology

Comments:

Main type of degradation addressed: Ha: aridification

Secondary types of degradation addressed: Wt: loss of topsoil / surface erosion

Main causes of degradation: other natural causes (avalanches, volcanic eruptions, mud flows, highly susceptible natural resources, extreme topography, etc.) specify, poverty / wealth (Lack of captial)

Secondary causes of degradation: other human induced causes (specify) (Agricultural causes), labour availability (Lack of labour)

4.2 Technical specifications/ explanations of technical drawing

Technical knowledge required for land users: moderate

Main technical functions: Moisture harvesting

Secondary technical functions: control of dispersed runoff: retain / trap, increase / maintain water stored in soil

Mixed cropping / intercropping
Material/ species: Sorghum,pigeon peas, cotton, beans

Contour ridging
Material/ species: layout is on nearly contour and accrose the slope. The ridges are mostly rectangular with 3x2, 4x3m

Gradient along the rows / strips: 0.00%

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.	Planting	Vegetative	onset of rain
3.	Weeding	Vegetative	rainy season
4.	Lay out	Structural	dry season
5.	Soil excavation	Structural	dry 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.	Land preparation	Agronomic
2.	Planting of sorghum	Agronomic
3.	Planting of cotton	Agronomic
4.	Planting of pigeon peas	Agronomic
5.	Planting of beans	Agronomic
6.	Soil excavation	Vegetative	dry season/each cropping season
7.	Soil excavation	Structural	dry season/each cropping season

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

Comments:

Per ha of land treated

4.8 Most important factors affecting the costs

Describe the most determinate factors affecting the costs:

Labour, farm implement, soil workability and surface stoniness

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. Also very low - medium
Soil drainage/infiltration is good
Soil water storage capacity is medium/low

5.6 Characteristics of land users applying the Technology

Indicate other relevant characteristics of the land users:

Population density: 10-50 persons/km2
Annual population growth: 2% - 3%
60% of the land users are average wealthy and own 60% of the land.
25% of the land users are poor and own 35% of the land.
20% of the land users are poor and own 5% of the land.
Off-farm income specification: No considerable difference
Level of mechanization: Manual labour (Animal traction is hindered as a result of the ridge and basin structures. It means that only hoe cultivation is possible)

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

Land ownership:

• individual, titled

Land use rights:

• individual

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 have did so spontaneously, i.e. without receiving any material incentives/ payments?

• 0-10%

Comments:

100% of land user families have adopted the Technology with external material support

Comments on acceptance with external material support: estimates

There is a strong trend towards spontaneous adoption of the Technology

Comments on adoption trend: The technology started over 400 years ago and it is already part of the farming systems.