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

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

2.1 Short description of the Technology

Definition of the Technology:

Development of micro-catchment for soil and water conservation and for the provision of supplementary irrigation during the dry season.

2.2 Detailed description of the Technology

Description:

Small Water Impounding Project (SWIP) is a water harvesting and storage structure consisting of an earth embankment spillway, outlet works and canal facilities. It is designed for soil and water conservation and flood control by holding as much water as possible during the rainy season. The reduced volume and force of runoff subsequently reduced their eroding power of water thereby minimizing soil erosion and silting of fertile bottom lands. The reservoir with its stored water is an important supplemental source of water for agriculture and is also used for fisheries. SWIP development involves a holistic approach. The watershed is developed for land use that enhances water infiltration and minimizes soil erosion (for the long life of the reservoir). The most common use of the watershed is agro-forestry. The service area is used for high value crops that minimizes the use of water on a controlled basis. A holistic and integrated approach is done in managing the micro-watershed. The farmer-beneficiaries of the irrigation water and those of the watershed are organized into an association. They maintain the system and protect the watershed by advocating sustainable agriculture.

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:

Philippines

Region/ State/ Province:

Nueva Ecija

Further specification of location:

Nueva Ecija

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):

10.0

If precise area is not known, indicate approximate area covered:

• 1-10 km2

Comments:

Total area covered by the SLM Technology is 10 km2.
Because of the recurring El Nino phonomenon, the government fast-tracked the development of small water impounding projects during the 90's to counteract severe water shortages especially for upland areas.

Map

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2.6 Date of implementation

If precise year is not known, indicate approximate date:

• less than 10 years ago (recently)

2.7 Introduction of the Technology

Specify how the Technology was introduced:

• through projects/ external interventions

Comments (type of project, etc.):

From other areas with simlar condition (areas where runoff can be collected and impounded and used for supplementary irrigation)

3.1 Main purpose(s) of the Technology

• improve production
• conserve ecosystem

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

Cropland

• Annual cropping
• Perennial (non-woody) cropping

• rice

Number of growing seasons per year:

• 2

Specify:

Longest growing period in days: 180, Longest growing period from month to month: May - Oct; Second longest growing period in days: 120, Second longest growing period from month to month: Nov - Feb

Comments:

Major land use problems (compiler’s opinion): Long term sustainability of agricultural system is seriously in doubt. Because farmers cannot practice intensive agriculture, income is low.
Major land use problems (land users’ perception): Low yield and cannot raise two crops of rice in one year. High inputs required. Small farm area and lack of irrigation facilities.

3.4 Water supply

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

• mixed rainfed-irrigated

3.5 SLM group to which the Technology belongs

• irrigation management (incl. water supply, drainage)
• surface water management (spring, river, lakes, sea)

3.7 Main types of land degradation addressed by the Technology

soil erosion by water

• Wt: loss of topsoil/ surface erosion

chemical soil deterioration

• Cn: fertility decline and reduced organic matter content (not caused by erosion)

water degradation

• Ha: aridification

3.8 Prevention, reduction, or restoration of land degradation

Specify the goal of the Technology with regard to land degradation:

• restore/ rehabilitate severely degraded land

4.1 Technical drawing of the Technology

4.2 General information regarding the calculation of inputs and costs

other/ national currency (specify):

Phil. Peso

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

40.0

4.3 Establishment activities

4.4 Costs and inputs needed for establishment

Comments:

Duration of establishment phase: 12 month(s)

4.5 Maintenance/ recurrent activities

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

Comments:

Length, height and width of structure and the source of materials like gravels and stones.

4.7 Most important factors affecting the costs

Describe the most determinate factors affecting the costs:

The source of materials like stones/gravels affect the cost. Usually, these are hauled from long distances. Also the construction of access roads adds substantially to the cost.

5.1 Climate

5.2 Topography

5.3 Soils

5.6 Characteristics of land users applying the Technology

Indicate other relevant characteristics of the land users:

Population density: 50-100 persons/km2
Annual population growth: 1% - 2%
5% of the land users are very rich and own 25% of the land (4).
10% of the land users are rich and own 25% of the land.
50% of the land users are average wealthy and own 40% of the land.
30% of the land users are poor and own 5% of the land.

5.7 Average area of land used by land users applying the Technology

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

Land ownership:

• individual, not titled
• individual, titled

Land use rights:

• open access (unorganized)
• individual

6.1 On-site impacts the Technology has shown

Socio-economic impacts

Production

Income and costs

Other socio-economic impacts

Socio-cultural impacts

Ecological impacts

Soil

Biodiversity: vegetation, animals

Other ecological impacts

6.2 Off-site impacts the Technology has shown

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 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
180 land user families have adopted the Technology with external material support

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

7.2 References to available publications

Title, author, year, ISBN:

Small Water Impounding Project (SWIP) for Productivity Improvement of Paddy Soils: The case of Talugtug, Nueva Ecija, Philippines, 2000, Rodolfo M. Lucas, Samuel Contreras, Teresita Sandoval