This is an outdated, inactive version of this case. Go to the current version.
Technologies
Inactive

Ridge & Basin [Ethiopia]

Monna (Konso Language)

technologies_979 - Ethiopia

Completeness: 53%

1. General information

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. Description of the SLM Technology

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

Country:

Ethiopia

Region/ State/ Province:

SNNPR

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. Classification of the SLM Technology

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

Cropland

Cropland

  • Annual cropping
  • Perennial (non-woody) cropping
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

structural measures

structural measures

  • S4: Level ditches, pits
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

soil erosion by water

soil erosion by water

  • Wt: loss of topsoil/ surface erosion
water degradation

water degradation

  • Ha: aridification
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. Technical specifications, implementation activities, inputs, and costs

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

Indicate average wage cost of hired labour per day:

0.65

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. 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
Agro-climatic zone
  • semi-arid

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.

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):
  • medium (loamy, silty)
Topsoil organic matter:
  • medium (1-3%)
  • low (<1%)
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

Off-farm income:
  • less than 10% of all income
Relative level of wealth:
  • poor
  • average
Level of mechanization:
  • manual work
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. Impacts and concluding statements

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:

positive

Long-term returns:

very positive

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.

Links and modules

Expand all Collapse all

Modules