1.2 Contact details of resource persons and institutions involved in the assessment and documentation of the Technology

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

2.1 Short description of the Technology

Definition of the Technology:

Construction of earth dams to provide stock water

2.2 Detailed description of the Technology

Description:

Bulldozers were used to build earth dams and to move the soil to construct bankments and spillways in a river or natural run-off (water course of some kind). No concrete or rock is used, only soil up to a certain slope of sides or crests. The main concern is to provide water to seep through the spillway large enough to discharge the excess water from the catchment whenever the dam is full. Normally the spillway is constructed so that the water doesn’t cause erosion in the spillway itself.

Purpose of the Technology: The purpose was to catch water to provide stock water for animals in the rural areas (de-silt earth dam in 5-10 years time close to the village, dams far away in the veld silt up in a longer time).

Establishment / maintenance activities and inputs: Maintenance is done in winter when rain is not expected. All the dams are seasonal, water is only available for 2 months after the rainy season (June - September). Evaporation is very high, and cleaning up and fixing-up are necessary.

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

Country:

South Africa

Region/ State/ Province:

North West Province

Further specification of location:

Eastern Regions of North West

Specify the spread of the Technology:

• applied at specific points/ concentrated on a small area

Comments:

Total area covered by the SLM Technology is 184 km2.

All farm cattle are communal. Ruighoek town the only big village in the area.

Map

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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.):

Comes from a need which people had

3.1 Main purpose(s) of the Technology

• access to water

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

Grazing land

Extensive grazing:

• Nomadism

Settlements, infrastructure

• Settlements, buildings

Comments:

Major land use problems (compiler’s opinion): Communal ownership system, grass belong to everybody - not one owner. Overgrazing as far the little boys (witch look after the cattle) can walk, in the rest undergrazing, no proper management, no knowledge, no infrastructure

Major land use problems (land users’ perception): Land doesn’t belong to him, can’t put infrastructure in (fence, water) for cattle farming.
Drought, fire (caused by human), some people still belief that veld get sweeter if it is burned each year

Nomadism: Yes

Number of growing seasons per year: 1
Longest growing period in days: 150; Longest growing period from month to month: Oct - Feb

3.5 SLM group to which the Technology belongs

• water harvesting

3.6 SLM measures comprising the Technology

structural measures

• S5: Dams, pans, ponds

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

Comments:

Secondary goals: prevention of land degradation

4.1 Technical drawing of the Technology

4.2 General information regarding the calculation of inputs and costs

other/ national currency (specify):

Rand

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

6.0

4.3 Establishment activities

4.4 Costs and inputs needed for establishment

4.5 Maintenance/ recurrent activities

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

Comments:

Earth moving

4.7 Most important factors affecting the costs

Describe the most determinate factors affecting the costs:

Machine running cost

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 depth on average: In February

Soil fertility is high

Soil water storage capacity is very high

5.6 Characteristics of land users applying the Technology

Indicate other relevant characteristics of the land users:

100% of the land users are poor and own 80% of the land (Communal farmers).

Off-farm income specification: Farming can't sustain the people

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

Land ownership:

• communal/ village

Land use rights:

• communal (organized)

6.1 On-site impacts the Technology has shown

Socio-economic impacts

Production

Ecological impacts

Water cycle/ runoff

6.2 Off-site impacts the Technology has shown

6.5 Adoption of the Technology

Comments:

There is no trend towards spontaneous adoption of the Technology

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