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

Name of project which facilitated the documentation/ evaluation of the Technology (if relevant)

DESIRE (EU-DES!RE)

Name of the institution(s) which facilitated the documentation/ evaluation of the Technology (if relevant)

INIDA (INIDA) - Cape Verde

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

1.5 Reference to Questionnaire(s) on SLM Approaches (documented using WOCAT)

2.1 Short description of the Technology

Definition of the Technology:

Afforestation is one of the key technologies to address the fragility of ecosystems: it provides better protection against erosion and makes better use of rainfall in order to maintain the sustainability of agricultural systems.

2.2 Detailed description of the Technology

Description:

Mountain forest areas are considered protective due to their role in regulating water (infiltration of storm water, regulation of surface runoff, and ground water recharge) within the watershed. The main species used are Prosopis juliflora, Parkinsonia aculeata, Jatropha curcas, Atriplex spp, Acacia holosericea, Acacia victoriae, Lantana camara and others, in arid areas and Eucalyptus camaldulensis, Grevillea robusta, Pinus and Cupressus ssp. in highland and humid areas.

Purpose of the Technology: The climatic conditions are characterized by high spatial and temporal variability of the rainfall. The rains are concentrated in two or three months (August and September or October); the highlands and the N-NE parts are wetter compared to the low lands or coastal areas, which are very dry. The average annual rainfall is about 225 mm over the whole island; it has declined since the 1960s, with negative effects on farming conditions, and water supply. However, in areas located more than 500 m above sea level and exposed to trade winds, rainfall can exceed 700 mm. About 20% of the precipitation is lost through runoff, 13% infiltrates the soil and recharges aquifers and 67% evaporates. The evaporation loss is a limiting factor for any agriculture or forestry. Therefore, it is necessary to adapt the afforestation implementation to the specific local conditions (slope, stone cover, climate, etc). To overcome and minimize the problem of water scarcity, several measures are applied: (a) caldeira or half-moon structures achieved with earth or stone; (b) contour furrows or level bench terraces with stone walls arranged along the contour; (c). small dams to protect gullies. The aim is to maximize retention of water and control surface runoff. This not only allows better infiltration of water for the tree plantations, but also protects against soil erosion and facilitates groundwater recharge.

Establishment / maintenance activities and inputs: The success of the reforestation may be indicated not only by the area covered but also by the number of introduced plants. In 1975, there were about 3,000 ha of afforested land. By 2011, there are over 90,000 ha of afforested land with almost 50 million trees. Afforestation has focused mainly on the island of Santiago and Santo Antão, (13% of the total area reforested). Nowadays, more than 20% of the country is afforested. The forest has had a great importance in the context of combating desertification, rehabilitation of vegetation cover, in meeting energy needs and forage production and in developing agrosilvopastoral systems, as well as having undoubtedly contributed to a significant modification of the landscape in Cape Verde. The afforestation activities also contributed to increase biodiversity of some species of birds, including “Galinha di mato” (Numida meleagris), “Codorniz” (Coturnix coturnix), “Passarinha” (Halcyon leucocephala) and others.

Natural / human environment: The forest species are mainly used for land protection and for production of fuel wood and coal. Because of the poor growing conditions, the forest species are not well suited to the construction industry or wood processing.

2.3 Photos of 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:

• 10-50 years ago

2.7 Introduction of the Technology

Specify how the Technology was introduced:

• through projects/ external interventions

Comments (type of project, etc.):

Before 1975, the forestry production was directed to the market of wood, after 1975 began to stock in order to protect the environment

3.1 Main purpose(s) of the Technology

• reduce, prevent, restore land degradation
• conserve ecosystem

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

Land use mixed within the same land unit:

Yes

Specify mixed land use (crops/ grazing/ trees):

• Silvo-pastoralism

Comments:

Major land use problems (compiler’s opinion): The loss of soil by runoff, influenced by its low coverage, reducing their fertility and their thickness

Major land use problems (land users’ perception): Soil erosion by runoff, low productive soils, low organic matter, low soil cover, fertility and depth particularly in the agro-systems with rainfed agriculture.

Cut-and-carry/ zero grazing: goats/ cows

Grazingland comments: production is characterized as extensive, although made in a closed expaço

Plantation forestry: Few trees are cut, since the main objective of which is the forest canopy. The dead are removed, make's some clean and plant new trees every year.

Problems / comments regarding forest use: Before 1975, date of independence of Cape Verde, began to stock the areas discovered. The forest is more dense at high altitudes but also introduced

Forest products and services: nature conservation / protection

Future (final) land use (after implementation of SLM Technology): Mixed: Ms: Silvo-pastoralism

Type of grazing system comments: production is characterized as extensive, although made in a closed expaço

Number of growing seasons per year: 1
Longest growing period in days: 90
Longest growing period from month to month: August untill October
Livestock density : 25-50 LU /km2

The main species used are Prosopis juliflora, Parkinsonia aculeata, Jatropha curcas, Atriplex spp, Acacia holosericea, Acacia victoriae, Lantana camara and others, in arid areas and Eucalyptus camaldulensis, Grevillea robusta, Pinus and Cupressus ssp. in highland and humid areas.

3.3 Has land use changed due to the implementation of the Technology?

Has land use changed due to the implementation of the Technology?

• Yes (Please fill out the questions below with regard to the land use before implementation of the Technology)

3.4 Water supply

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

• rainfed

3.5 SLM group to which the Technology belongs

• natural and semi-natural forest management
• irrigation management (incl. water supply, drainage)

3.6 SLM measures comprising the Technology

Comments:

Secondary measures: structural measures

3.7 Main types of land degradation addressed by the Technology

Comments:

Secondary types of degradation addressed: Hg: change in groundwater / aquifer level

Main causes of degradation: soil management (It is cultivated maize and peanuts on land slopes very pronounced and boot up the plants by the root in end of the cycle), crop management (annual, perennial, tree/shrub) (The cleaning of the crop residues of corn is done pulling them by the root, negatively affecting soil stability), poverty / wealth (Leads sensitized peoples to advocate action against the landscape for survival of the family), education, access to knowledge and support services (Knowledge and technical training increase the options for means of survival of the community that acts on the forest, the degree of attending school is low and the illiteracy rate is 17%)

Secondary causes of degradation: overgrazing (Creation of the wild animals compact the soil, destroying the structures for the conservation of soil and water exists, and creates conflict), disturbance of water cycle (infiltration / runoff), Heavy / extreme rainfall (intensity/amounts) (Sometimes occur heavy rains intensity that associated with poor vegetation cover, increase soil erosion), governance / institutional (Lack of applicability of the laws that manage the land)

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

4.3 Establishment activities

	Activity	Timing (season)
1.	Quantification of the area to be afforested
2.	Production of plants in nursery ( 500 - 1300 plants)
3.	Treatment of area (slope) with building terraces (15 m / person / day)
4.	Treatment of area (slope) with: Making half-moons “Caldeiras” (3 / person / day)
5.	4.Excavating the pits (10 / person / day): 60x60x60 cm
6.	Planting (50 /person / day): 5 to 5 metres
7.	Initial maintenance (8 /persons / day)
8.	Cleaning and marking on curves level	In April
9.	Construction of the retention / infiltration ditch and opening of the surface of culture	April to June

4.4 Costs and inputs needed for establishment

	Specify input	Unit	Quantity	Costs per Unit	Total costs per input	% of costs borne by land users
Labour	Labour	ha	1.0	28218.0	28218.0
Equipment	Tools	ha	1.0	410.0	410.0	10.0
Plant material	Seeds	ha	1.0	942.0	942.0
Total costs for establishment of the Technology					29570.0
Total costs for establishment of the Technology in USD					29570.0

Comments:

Duration of establishment phase: 1 month(s)

4.5 Maintenance/ recurrent activities

	Activity	Timing/ frequency
1.	forest cleaning
2.	forest cleaning	In the dry session

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

	Specify input	Unit	Quantity	Costs per Unit	Total costs per input	% of costs borne by land users
Labour	Forest cleaning	ha	1.0	142.0	142.0	52.0
Total costs for maintenance of the Technology					142.0
Total costs for maintenance of the Technology in USD					142.0

Comments:

Machinery/ tools: Hoe, machete

Costs are estimated according to the time required for afforestation and the entity contracted for the implementation of the activities.

4.7 Most important factors affecting the costs

Describe the most determinate factors affecting the costs:

The labour affects the costs more than other factors. Paid labour is a way to achieve additional income for many people in this area. The employer (Directorate General of Agriculture, Sylviculture and Livestock of the Ministry of Rural Development) provides 90% of the cost of the equipment. The lifetime of the equipment is 10-15 years.

5.1 Climate

5.2 Topography

Indicate if the Technology is specifically applied in:

• not relevant

Comments and further specifications on topography:

Altitudinal zone: 100-500 m a.s.l. belongs to the stratum semi-arid sub-humid. Is part of the stratum the highest percentage of the area of the basin. 1000-1500 m a.s.l. includes mainly the cliffs and ridges.

Landforms: Also ridges and footslopes. The hazards of a convex situations does not allow its application in mountain slopes.

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: Very shallow is associated with the sloping hillsides used for rainfull agriculture and shaloow is found mainly in the valley bottoms of the downstream.

Soil texture (topsoil): The soil overlay mainly basaltic rocks, piroclastic, conglomerates and aluvial deposits

Soil fertility is medium - low

Soil drainage / infiltration is good - medium

Soil water storage capacity is medium - low

5.4 Water availability and quality

Comments and further specifications on water quality and quantity:

Ground water table: In rain months, it is more superficial than in the dry months

Availability of surface water: There is some just when it rains.

Water quality (untreated): Salinization of water due to over exploitation of wells and boreholes

5.5 Biodiversity

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: > 4%

and own 1% of the land (the tecnology is applyed by the state, and the state of that country is poor).

Off-farm income specification: forest production (mainly grass and wood) generate an annual income of approximately $2,500

Market orientation of production system: Mixed:Forest products are quite limited: lumber, firewood, charcoal and fodder from the pods. Firewood is the most important product but marketing is quite limited in time and space and subsistence are families who enter the forest for collection of grass and firewood. It is necessary for their survival. The state sells these products in order to finance other development projects.

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:

• state
• individual, titled

• Diocese

Land use rights:

• communal (organized)
• individual

Water use rights:

• communal (organized)

5.9 Access to services and infrastructure

6.1 On-site impacts the Technology has shown

Socio-economic impacts

Production

Water availability and quality

Income and costs

Socio-cultural impacts

Ecological impacts

Water cycle/ runoff

Soil

Climate and disaster risk reduction

Other ecological impacts

6.2 Off-site impacts the Technology has shown

6.3 Exposure and sensitivity of the Technology to gradual climate change and climate-related extremes/ disasters (as perceived by land users)

Gradual climate change

Gradual climate change

	Season	increase or decrease	How does the Technology cope with it?
annual temperature		increase	well

Climate-related extremes (disasters)

Meteorological disasters

	How does the Technology cope with it?
local rainstorm	not known
local windstorm	not well

Climatological disasters

	How does the Technology cope with it?
drought	not well

Hydrological disasters

	How does the Technology cope with it?
general (river) flood	not known

Other climate-related consequences

Other climate-related consequences

	How does the Technology cope with it?
reduced growing period	well

Comments:

Tree species more tolerant of the climatic factors can be used, whilst retaining all the benefits that the existing species provide

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)?

Comments:

The high costs are associated with its implementation; afterwards they are significantly reduced and the technology builds up the benefits.

6.5 Adoption of the Technology

If available, quantify (no. of households and/ or area covered):

None. It's a project of the government

Comments:

Comments on acceptance with external material support: Only the state has implemented this technology, because it changes the use of land and, without any subsidies, other land users are not encouraged to agree to it.

There is a moderate trend towards spontaneous adoption of the Technology

Comments on adoption trend: there is a continuing campaign of afforestation of state land. There are voluntary associations working in this technology for a better environment

6.7 Strengths/ advantages/ opportunities of the Technology

Strengths/ advantages/ opportunities in the land user’s view
Production of firewood and grass How can they be sustained / enhanced? make more forest operations such as pruning or cutting of new seedlings
Protection of soil How can they be sustained / enhanced? strengthen maintenance operations

Strengths/ advantages/ opportunities in the compiler’s or other key resource person’s view
Increases the quality of the landscape and reduces the loss of soil by runoff How can they be sustained / enhanced? increasing the tree cover in areas with low coverage
Encourages the production of livestock, and fuel wood How can they be sustained / enhanced? integrate the community in managing the forest, and manage it in a sustainable way.

6.8 Weaknesses/ disadvantages/ risks of the Technology and ways of overcoming them

Weaknesses/ disadvantages/ risks in the land user’s view	How can they be overcome?
impossibility of farming in the forest lands	off-farm income creation to compensate
Lack of involvement of farmers in the management of forest areas	capacity building of land users in forest management strategies, elaboration of contracts between State and land users for the management of forest perimeters

Weaknesses/ disadvantages/ risks in the compiler’s or other key resource person’s view	How can they be overcome?
Reduces the percentage of land for agricultural production	increase productivity in cultivated land and reduce the need for the use of forest land, and implement new production technologies such as greenhouses

7.1 Methods/ sources of information

7.2 References to available publications

Title, author, year, ISBN:

Desertification at the Santiago Island, DESIRE, 2008

Title, author, year, ISBN:

Relatório de avaliação inicial do impacto das realizações de conservação de solos e água em 1993 do projecto WDP, WDP project, 1995

Title, author, year, ISBN:

www.ine.cv: Survey of family income and expenditure, INE, 2002

Title, author, year, ISBN:

OCDE, CILSS, 1982. Análise do Sector Florestal e Propostas para Cabo Verde. Sahel D (82) 179

Available from where? Costs?

Club do Sahel, pp 203.

Title, author, year, ISBN:

MAAA/DGASP, 1996. Rapport de pays pour la Conférence Technique Internationale de la FAO sur les Ressources Phytogénétiques, Leipzig, 1996, pp 38.

Available from where? Costs?

Leipzig, 1996, pp 38.