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)

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:

Basket composting enhances the yield of tubers such as cassava by producing concentrated organic matter that adds fertility to the soil. This technique proves to be highly advantageous for small-scale farmers with limited land, allowing them to maximize production within a confined space.

2.2 Detailed description of the Technology

Description:

Basket composting is an agricultural intensification method designed to enhance the yield of tubers such as cassava. The compost is concentrated organic matter made from a mixture of dry grass, green matter and, if possible, a little animal dung. The best land for cassava is close to homesteads and away from livestock. This technology maximizes cassava production per plant. It improves soil fertility and helps restore degraded soils. Planting holes should be 40 cm deep and 60 cm x 60 cm wide. Each hole should be spaced 1 m apart. Basket compost is prepared as follows:
- fill half the hole with dry organic matter, then pack it tightly;
- add a layer of chopped-up green matter; the smaller it is chopped, the faster it decomposes;
- add a 10 cm thick layer of fertilizer mixed with fertile soil;
- cover with the top layer of original soil to form a mound;
- mark the centre of the hole with a rod and place a heap of fertilizer and fertile soil before planting a cassava stem cutting;
- leave the hole for 45 days;
- plant the cassava stem cutting vertically in the place of the original stem, pushing 3 buds of the cutting into the soil;
- compact the soil around the stem cutting.

The cassava stem cutting to be planted must be in good health, free from disease, especially mosaic. It should be mature, neither too young nor too old, leafless, with 4 to 5 buds, and at least 20 cm long. When the cassava plant reaches 30 cm in height, select the best stem (main stem) and eliminate the other stems (secondary stems).
The main inputs required to set up basket compost are :
- dry organic matter: rice straw, weeds, other waste;
- green plant matter: acacia leaves, banana leaves, green grasses, etc;
- fertile soil mixed with animal droppings (manure).

Basket composting maximizes tuber production; the yield achieved is from 5 kg to 25 kg of cassava per plant. The challenges associated with this technology lie in the harvesting process, transportation, and the procurement of organic materials (plant matter and animal manure). Although labour-intensive, this technology leads to high productivity within a limited area, making it well suited to small-scale farmers.

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:

Madagascar

Region/ State/ Province:

Boeny

Further specification of location:

Ambondromamy, Belobaka, Marovoay Banlieue, Manerinerina

Specify the spread of the Technology:

• applied at specific points/ concentrated on a small area

Is/are the technology site(s) located in a permanently protected area?

No

Map

×

2.6 Date of implementation

Indicate year of implementation:

2019

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.):

GIZ Prosol Madagascar

3.1 Main purpose(s) of the Technology

• improve production
• reduce, prevent, restore land degradation
• preserve/ improve biodiversity
• adapt to climate change/ extremes and its impacts

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):

• Agroforestry

Cropland

• Annual cropping

Annual cropping - Specify crops:

• root/tuber crops - cassava

• Vigna radiata

Number of growing seasons per year:

• 1

Is intercropping practiced?

No

Is crop rotation practiced?

Yes

If yes, specify:

cassava/pumpkin, cassava/maize

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

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

• No (Continue with question 3.4)

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

• improved ground/ vegetation cover
• integrated soil fertility management

3.6 SLM measures comprising the Technology

agronomic measures

• A2: Organic matter/ soil fertility
• A4: Subsurface treatment

3.7 Main types of land degradation addressed by the Technology

chemical soil deterioration

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

3.8 Prevention, reduction, or restoration of land degradation

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

• reduce land degradation
• restore/ rehabilitate severely degraded land

4.1 Technical drawing of the Technology

Technical specifications (related to technical drawing):

Compost basket holes should have a minimum depth of 40 cm and a width ranging from 50 to 60 cm. The spacing between these holes should be maintained at 50 cm to 1 m.

Half the hole should be filled with dry organic matter, which is then compacted into a mound. A layer of well-chopped green matter is then laid down, followed by a layer of animal dung mixed with fertile soil. The entire setup is covered with the top layer of the original soil to create a raised ridge. A stem will serve as a marker for the hole, and after 45 days when the basket compost is ready, it will be replaced by cassava cuttings.

Author:

GIZ Prosol Madagascar

Date:

01/02/2023

4.2 General information regarding the calculation of inputs and costs

Specify how costs and inputs were calculated:

• per Technology area

other/ national currency (specify):

Ariary

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

4300.0

4.3 Establishment activities

4.4 Costs and inputs needed for establishment

If land user bore less than 100% of costs, indicate who covered the remaining costs:

The Prosol Project has provided equipment such as wheelbarrows, shovels and cassava cuttings.

Comments:

During a single growing season, a farmer can create an average of 100 compost basket holes, covering approximately 10 ares. After the cassava harvest, the plot retains its fertility and becomes suitable for cultivating other crops. To prevent soil exhaustion, it is recommended to allow the land to fallow for three years after two consecutive years of cassava cultivation. Following the fallow period or on nutrient-depleted soil, basket compost is reapplied for a new cassava crop. The provided prices are derived from field surveys and endorsed by SLM experts.

4.5 Maintenance/ recurrent activities

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

5.1 Climate

5.2 Topography

Indicate if the Technology is specifically applied in:

• not relevant

5.3 Soils

5.4 Water availability and quality

Is water salinity a problem?

No

Is flooding of the area occurring?

No

5.5 Biodiversity

Comments and further specifications on biodiversity:

This region boasts a diverse array of animal and plant species, with some being native. However, this biodiversity is relatively moderate when compared to other parts of the island. In terms of habitats, approximately 20% of the region comprises suitable environments for supporting this biodiversity, including forests, water bodies, mangroves, and more, although this percentage remains fairly low.

5.6 Characteristics of land users applying the Technology

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

Land use rights:

• individual

Water use rights:

• individual

Are land use rights based on a traditional legal system?

Yes

Specify:

Most villagers can identify the cultivated lands of their fellow community members.

5.9 Access to services and infrastructure

6.1 On-site impacts the Technology has shown

Socio-economic impacts

Production

Income and costs

Socio-cultural impacts

Specify assessment of on-site impacts (measurements):

These are estimates made by the farmers interviewed.

6.2 Off-site impacts the Technology has shown

Specify assessment of off-site impacts (measurements):

not applicable

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

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

• single cases/ experimental

6.6 Adaptation

Has the Technology been modified recently to adapt to changing conditions?

No

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:

Région Boeny, 2016, "Schéma Régional d’Aménagement du Territoire de la Région Boeny"

Available from where? Costs?

Boeny Region Hotel

Title, author, year, ISBN:

GIZ ProSol Madagascar, 2022, "Livret des Paysans Relais"

Available from where? Costs?

GIZ ProSol Madagascar

Title, author, year, ISBN:

GIZ ProSol Madagascar, 2022, Poster "Basket compost"

Available from where? Costs?

GIZ ProSol Madagascar

7.3 Links to relevant online information

Title/ description:

La Technique du basket compost

URL:

http://interaide.org/pratiques/content/la-technique-du-basket-compost-en-images

Title/ description:

Fampiasana basket compost amin'ny kazaha - Bâche de formation Basket compost - Projet Manitatra – Sud Est

URL:

https://gsdm-mg.org/wp-content/files/Bche_Basket_compost_-Sud_Est.jpg

Title/ description:

"Basket compost", site web de l’Université de Mahajanga

URL:

https://soatany.org/fiches-techniques/

Title/ description:

"Basket compost", site web de l’Université de Mahajanga

URL:

https://soatany.org/fiches-techniques/