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)

Soil protection and rehabilitation for food security (ProSo(i)l)

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

Deutsche Gesellschaft für Internationale Zusammenarbeit (GIZ)

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:

Gully treatment consists in lining the walls of a gully and creating a partial barrier within the gully using stone check dams and, if necessary, earth-filled bags.

2.2 Detailed description of the Technology

Description:

Gully erosion is the removal of soil along drainage lines by surface water runoff when stripped of protective vegetation. If stabilization measures are not implemented, gullies will persist in eroding deeper through regressive erosion or sidewall subsidence, eventually becoming very deep in fragile sedimentary soils. It is much easier and more economical to carry out repair work in the early stages of newly formed gullies. Large, uncontrolled gullies are difficult and costly to repair. Gully treatment is achieved through reducing runoff speed, thus preventing linear soil erosion and the loss of productive land.
Dry stone check dams are well suited to small gullies up to 2 m wide and 1 m deep, with a gentle to medium slope and a medium-soft to hard substrate, and are recommended for cultivated land, reforestation areas, rangelands, etc. But these structures are not suitable for larger gullies, with steep slopes and a very fragile substrate.

The height of each stone check dam depends on local conditions but should never exceed 1.50 m in height. The length depends on the gully's cross-section (width and shape). A check dam’s width should vary according to the volume of water passing through the gully. Wings of stone (higher than the centre point of the check dam) should be securely anchored into gully banks to enhance rigidity and stability and to prevent water flowing around the check dam and creating new gullies to either side.
The purpose of check dams is to slow down water velocity, dissipate its energy, prevent erosion, and induce sedimentation upstream. This process helps reduce the gully slope and facilitates re-vegetation. In the case of deep gullies with filled check dams upstream, another series of check dams can be built to create a stable parabolic section for water passage and re-vegetation with protective species.
This technology makes it possible to control gullying, encourage infiltration and conserve soil moisture, while contributing to groundwater recharge and land reclamation.
The main activities involved in gully treatment are as follows:

•Designing the structure;
•Marking contour lines perpendicular to the gully using a watertube level or an A-Frame;
•Determining the size of spillway (area of origin and estimated volume of runoff);
•Determining the height of the gully and the width of the section to be treated (equal to 2 or 3 times the height of the gully);
•Building the structures;
•Excavating the anchoring trench: dig down to a depth of 10 to 20 cm over the width of the section to be treated (the earth resulting from the excavation is deposited upstream);
•Building the check dam, starting with a layer of gravel, followed by large stones at the bottom, then progressively medium-sized stones and finally small rubble stones;
•Building wings at the sides of the check dams, following the contour line and using small stones and earth-filled sacks.
The inputs needed to implement this technology are soil, stones, gravel and rubble, as well as wheelbarrows, pickaxes, pegs, etc. Experienced manpower is required and access to a vehicle may be needed to transport the inputs.
The technology is suitable for all types of soil and landforms, easy to build and inexpensive, but only if stone is readily available. In addition, it has an immediate impact on the evolution of the gully, correcting the slope and helping reduce flow velocity, thereby controlling the gullying process. It promotes infiltration, conserves soil moisture, contributes to groundwater recharge and reclaims land (especially gully slopes for useful vegetation such as bamboo, vetiver or fodder grasses). It requires maintenance at the start of the rainy season and regular visits to check that it is working properly.

Farmers claim that this technology significantly increases their crop yields through water infiltration and groundwater recovery. However, they acknowledge the substantial financial and human resources required for gully treatment, emphasizing the need for support from development partners for its widespread adoption.

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:

• 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.):

Gully treatment is a technology promoted by ProSoil.

3.1 Main purpose(s) of the Technology

• reduce, prevent, restore land degradation
• preserve/ improve biodiversity
• reduce risk of disasters
• create beneficial economic impact

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

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

• cross-slope measure

3.6 SLM measures comprising the Technology

3.7 Main types of land degradation addressed by the Technology

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

4.1 Technical drawing of the Technology

4.2 General information regarding the calculation of inputs and costs

Specify how costs and inputs were calculated:

• per Technology unit

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

613.5

4.3 Establishment activities

	Activity	Timing (season)
1.	Establishment	Dry season
2.	Determination of the right-of-way	Dry season
3.	Excavation of the anchoring trench	Dry season
4.	Installation of stone blocks	Dry season

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	Establishment	Linear meter	1.0	166.67	166.67
Labour	Opening of trenches and construction	Linear meter	1.0	4166.67	4166.67
Equipment	Small equipment costs	Linear meter	1.0	833.33	833.33
Construction material	Purchase of stone blocks	Linear meter	1.0	10000.0	10000.0
Other	Monitoring costs	Linear meter	1.0	555.56	555.56
Other	Coordination costs	Linear meter	1.0	277.78	277.78
Total costs for establishment of the Technology					16000.01
Total costs for establishment of the Technology in USD					26.08

4.5 Maintenance/ recurrent activities

	Activity	Timing/ frequency
1.	Maintenance of the bund	Before the rainy season

Comments:

To be durable, erosion control structures need maintenance. It is therefore necessary to raise awareness among the population about the need to plow parallel to contour lines, to isolate the structures by 0.5 m on either side, and to organize maintenance and repair work at the start of each campaign. This maintenance and repair work consists of replacing rubble that has been displaced by human or animal intervention.

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
Other	Gully maintenance and repair	Linear meter	1.0	555.56	555.56	100.0
Total costs for maintenance of the Technology					555.56
Total costs for maintenance of the Technology in USD					0.91

Comments:

Technological maintenance involves replacing stones that have been displaced by human or animal intervention.

4.7 Most important factors affecting the costs

Describe the most determinate factors affecting the costs:

Proximity to stone blocks and availability of labor are the most important factors affecting costs.

5.1 Climate

5.2 Topography

Indicate if the Technology is specifically applied in:

• convex situations

Comments and further specifications on topography:

The site under consideration is located at an altitude of 347 m.

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.

The predominant soils in the area are tropical ferruginous soils with minimal or no leaching, primarily characterized by deep hydromorphic (waterlogging) features. The sandy-clay composition of these soils makes them susceptible to water erosion.

5.4 Water availability and quality

Is water salinity a problem?

No

Is flooding of the area occurring?

No

5.5 Biodiversity

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:

• open access (unorganized)

Water use rights:

• open access (unorganized)
• communal (organized)

Are land use rights based on a traditional legal system?

Yes

Specify:

Due to the sacred nature of the land, custom dictates that its management must not be subject to speculation.

Comments:

According to information gathered from the literature and interviews, land in the village of Tiarako is most commonly accessed through inheritance and borrowing. Other access methods (lending, renting and buying) do not seem to be widespread or perceptible.

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

Ecological impacts

Water cycle/ runoff

Soil

Climate and disaster risk reduction

Specify assessment of on-site impacts (measurements):

The assessment revealed that the technology helps reduce water erosion, runoff, chemical and organic degradation, while mitigating the effects of drought. In view of all these advantages, it is necessary to continue promoting and popularizing this technology.

6.2 Off-site impacts the Technology has shown

Specify assessment of off-site impacts (measurements):

The technology is implemented on a micro-catchment scale, yielding positive effects for producers situated both upstream and downstream within the micro-catchment. In this sense, its extension to other micro-catchments should be considered. The current documentation addresses the Tiarako micro-watershed in the Satiri commune, covering an area of 1,735 hectares.

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?
seasonal temperature	dry season	increase	not known

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

Of all those who have adopted the Technology, how many did so spontaneously, i.e. without receiving any material incentives/ payments?

• 0-10%

Comments:

The challenges associated with efforts to place stones, coupled with the substantial manpower required for the implementation of this technology, make it difficult to adopt without the assistance of development partners.

6.6 Adaptation

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

No

6.7 Strengths/ advantages/ opportunities of the Technology

Strengths/ advantages/ opportunities in the land user’s view
The technology helps reduce water erosion and runoff.
The technology helps reduce chemical and organic soil degradation.
The technology mitigates the effects of drought.

Strengths/ advantages/ opportunities in the compiler’s or other key resource person’s view
Treating gullies helps reduce runoff and wind erosion.
The technology enhances the infiltration of water into the soil and upstream sedimentation of soil and other organic materials transported by water (such as straw, animal droppings, various organic residues, etc.).
The technology contributes to the recovery of degraded soils.

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?
The difficulties involved in transporting the rubble are the main risk associated with implementing this technology.	Development projects and programs must continue supporting land users.

Weaknesses/ disadvantages/ risks in the compiler’s or other key resource person’s view	How can they be overcome?
Treating gullies requires considerable financial and human resources.	Considering that these technologies are applied on a micro-basin scale, it is crucial to persist in organizing and providing support to farmers.

7.1 Methods/ sources of information

7.2 References to available publications

Title, author, year, ISBN:

Catalogue de fiches techniques des mesures d’amélioration de la fertilité des sols, Projet « Réhabilitation et protection des sols dégradés et renforcement des instances foncières locales dans les zones rurales du Burkina Faso » (ProSol), 2020/A catalog of data sheets on soil fertility improvement measures, under the project entitled "Rehabilitation and protection of degraded soils and strengthening of local land tenure bodies in the rural areas of Burkina Faso" (ProSol), 2020

Available from where? Costs?

Available at ProSol-Burkina Faso

Title, author, year, ISBN:

Catalogue des mesures CES/DRS promues par le ProSol, 2020/A catalog of WSC/SDR measures promoted by ProSol, 2020

Available from where? Costs?

Available at ProSol-Burkina Faso

Title, author, year, ISBN:

Diagnostic sur les sites d’extension de quatre (04) micros bassins versants au profit du ProSol, Projet « Réhabilitation et protection des sols dégradés et renforcement des instances foncières locales dans les zones rurales du Burkina Faso » (ProSol), 2020/A diagnostic assessment of the extension sites of four (04) micro-catchment areas for the ProSol project, "Rehabilitation and protection of degraded soils and strengthening of local land tenure bodies in the rural areas of Burkina Faso" (ProSol), 2020

Available from where? Costs?

Available at ProSol-Burkina Faso

Title, author, year, ISBN:

Étude sur l’analyse coûts-bénéfices et économiques des mesures CES/DRS promues par ProSol, Projet « Réhabilitation et protection des sols dégradés et renforcement des instances foncières locales dans les zones rurales du Burkina Faso » (ProSol), 2020/A study on the cost-benefit and economic analysis of the WSC/SDR measures promoted by ProSol, under the project entitled "Rehabilitation and protection of degraded soils and strengthening of local land tenure bodies in the rural areas of Burkina Faso" (ProSol), 2020

Available from where? Costs?

Available at ProSol-Burkina Faso

Title, author, year, ISBN:

Réalisation d’un diagnostic de l’état des ressources naturelles et de la gestion foncière dans les régions du Sud-Ouest et des Hauts-Bassins au Burkina Faso, Projet « Réhabilitation et protection des sols dégradés et renforcement des instances foncières locales dans les zones rurales du Burkina Faso » (ProSol), 2015/A diagnostic study of the state of natural resources and land tenure management in the South-West and Hauts-Bassins regions of Burkina Faso, under the project entitled "Rehabilitation and protection of degraded soils and strengthening of local land tenure bodies in the rural areas of Burkina Faso" (ProSol), 2015

Available from where? Costs?

Available at ProSol-Burkina Faso

Title, author, year, ISBN:

Guide de traitement des ravins à l’usage des acteurs communautaires dans la vallée de l’Agoundiss, Ali Blali, Expert Consultant en Aménagement des Bassins Versants et en Conservation des Sols, 2011/A guide to gully treatment for community stakeholders in the Agoundiss valley - Ali Blali, Expert Consultant in Watershed Management and Soil Conservation, 2011

Available from where? Costs?

Available on the Internet

Title, author, year, ISBN:

Gestion Durable des Terres (GDT) sensible genre, Projet « Réhabilitation et protection des sols dégradés et renforcement des instances foncières locales dans les zones rurales du Burkina Faso » (ProSol), 2021/Gender-sensitive Sustainable Land Management (SLM), under the project entitled "Rehabilitation and protection of degraded soils and strengthening of local land tenure bodies in the rural areas of Burkina Faso" (ProSol), 2021

Available from where? Costs?

Available at ProSol-Burkina Faso

7.3 Links to relevant online information

Title/ description:

Guide de traitement des ravins à l’usage des acteurs communautaires dans la vallée de l’Agoundiss, Ali Blali, Expert Consultant en Aménagement des Bassins Versants et en Conservation des Sols/A guide to gully treatment for com munity stakeholders in the Agoundiss valley - Ali Blali, Expert Consultant in Watershed Management and Soil Conservation

URL:

https://www.fellah-trade.com/ressources/pdf/projet-vallee-agoundis/guide-technique-traitement-des-ravins.pdf