Technologies

Multiple Cropping [Ethiopia]

Ulupe unta pisa ayleta

technologies_978 - Ethiopia

Completeness: 57%

1. General information

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. Description of the SLM Technology

2.1 Short description of the Technology

Definition of the Technology:

Multiple cropping is an agronomic practice of growing two or more crops on the same land simultaneously in a given growing season

2.2 Detailed description of the Technology

Description:

Growing of different types of crops in the same field. The crops grown together are, however, harvested at different times. In the Konso case the farmers are used to growing of 10-15 types of crops on the same area. The purpose is to avoid risk (some crops are more resistant or escape the adverse conditions like drought, pest and disease) and to get variety of produce at a time. Annual crops are sown/planted every season. Binual and perenial crops are planted and managed according to their seasonal calendar in which the crops grown to provide better production. Low fertility status, unpredictable and erratic rainfall, pest and diseases are some of the constraints limiting productivity.

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

Country:

Ethiopia

Region/ State/ Province:

Southern Nations, Nationalitie and Peoples' Region (SNNPR)

Specify the spread of the Technology:
  • evenly spread over an area
If precise area is not known, indicate approximate area covered:
  • > 10,000 km2
Comments:

Total area covered by the SLM Technology is 1000 km2.

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.):

The emergence of the technology appears to be an attempt to avert/minimize the risk that could occur owing to recurrent drought. It is a coping mechanism to adverse climatic conditions.

3. Classification of the SLM Technology

3.1 Main purpose(s) of the Technology

  • improve production

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

Cropland

Cropland

  • Annual cropping
  • Perennial (non-woody) cropping
Number of growing seasons per year:
  • 2
Specify:

Longest growing period in days: 90 Longest growing period from month to month: Mar - May Second longest growing period in days: 50 Second longest growing period from month to month: Aug - Oct

Is intercropping practiced?

Yes

Is crop rotation practiced?

Yes

Comments:

Major land use problems (compiler’s opinion): Most of the lands without SWC are not treated because they are communal holdings.

Major land use problems (land users’ perception): Most of the lands without SWC are those communally held and used.

Type of cropping system and major crops comments: Inter cropping, sequential cropping, rotational cropping and monocropping in some potential flatter areas

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

  • Multiple cropping

3.6 SLM measures comprising the Technology

agronomic measures

agronomic measures

  • A1: Vegetation/ soil cover
  • A3: Soil surface treatment
A3: Differentiate tillage systems:

A 3.2: Reduced tillage (> 30% soil cover)

Comments:

Main measures: agronomic measures

Type of agronomic measures: mixed cropping / intercropping, minimum tillage

3.7 Main types of land degradation addressed by the Technology

soil erosion by water

soil erosion by water

  • Wt: loss of topsoil/ surface erosion
soil erosion by wind

soil erosion by wind

  • Et: loss of topsoil
chemical soil deterioration

chemical soil deterioration

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

Main type of degradation addressed: Wt: loss of topsoil / surface erosion

Secondary types of degradation addressed: Et: loss of topsoil, Cn: fertility decline and reduced organic matter content

4. Technical specifications, implementation activities, inputs, and costs

4.1 Technical drawing of the Technology

Technical specifications (related to technical drawing):

Technical knowledge required for field staff / advisors: moderate

Technical knowledge required for land users: moderate

Main technical functions: control of raindrop splash

Secondary technical functions: control of dispersed runoff: retain / trap, increase in organic matter

If the original slope has changed as a result of the Technology, the slope today is (see figure below): 3.00%

Gradient along the rows / strips: 0.00%

If the original slope has changed as a result of the Technology, the slope today is: 1%

Lateral gradient along the structure: 0%

4.2 General information regarding the calculation of inputs and costs

other/ national currency (specify):

Ethiopian birr

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

8.5

Indicate average wage cost of hired labour per day:

0.60

4.3 Establishment activities

Activity Timing (season)
1. Land preparation dry season
2. Seeding/sawing/planting wet season

4.4 Costs and inputs needed for establishment

Comments:

Duration of establishment phase: 12 month(s)

4.5 Maintenance/ recurrent activities

Activity Timing/ frequency
1. pest control Wet season / each cropping season
2. First tillage dry season / annual
3. Collection of mulch and mulch incorporation dry season / each cropping season
4. Seeding/planting dry season / annual
5. Weeding Wet season / each cropping season
6. Thinning wet season /once
7. Rattoon management dry season /1-2

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

Comments:

labour, tools, compost and seeds

4.7 Most important factors affecting the costs

Describe the most determinate factors affecting the costs:

labour, high temperature, topography, surface stoniness, workability

5. Natural and human environment

5.1 Climate

Annual rainfall
  • < 250 mm
  • 251-500 mm
  • 501-750 mm
  • 751-1,000 mm
  • 1,001-1,500 mm
  • 1,501-2,000 mm
  • 2,001-3,000 mm
  • 3,001-4,000 mm
  • > 4,000 mm
Specifications/ comments on rainfall:

Annual rainfall: < 250 mm or 500-750 mm

Agro-climatic zone
  • semi-arid
  • arid

5.2 Topography

Slopes on average:
  • flat (0-2%)
  • gentle (3-5%)
  • moderate (6-10%)
  • rolling (11-15%)
  • hilly (16-30%)
  • steep (31-60%)
  • very steep (>60%)
Landforms:
  • plateau/plains
  • ridges
  • mountain slopes
  • hill slopes
  • footslopes
  • valley floors
Altitudinal zone:
  • 0-100 m a.s.l.
  • 101-500 m a.s.l.
  • 501-1,000 m a.s.l.
  • 1,001-1,500 m a.s.l.
  • 1,501-2,000 m a.s.l.
  • 2,001-2,500 m a.s.l.
  • 2,501-3,000 m a.s.l.
  • 3,001-4,000 m a.s.l.
  • > 4,000 m a.s.l.

5.3 Soils

Soil depth on average:
  • very shallow (0-20 cm)
  • shallow (21-50 cm)
  • moderately deep (51-80 cm)
  • deep (81-120 cm)
  • very deep (> 120 cm)
Soil texture (topsoil):
  • coarse/ light (sandy)
  • medium (loamy, silty)
Topsoil organic matter:
  • low (<1%)
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 fertility is low
Soil drainage/infiltration is good

5.6 Characteristics of land users applying the Technology

Off-farm income:
  • less than 10% of all income
Level of mechanization:
  • manual work
  • animal traction
Indicate other relevant characteristics of the land users:

Population density: 100-200 persons/km2

Annual population growth: 2% - 3%

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

Land ownership:
  • state

6. Impacts and concluding statements

6.1 On-site impacts the Technology has shown

Ecological impacts

Water cycle/ runoff

surface runoff

increased
decreased
Quantity before SLM:

50

Quantity after SLM:

10

6.4 Cost-benefit analysis

How do the benefits compare with the establishment costs (from land users’ perspective)?
Short-term returns:

positive

Long-term returns:

positive

How do the benefits compare with the maintenance/ recurrent costs (from land users' perspective)?
Short-term returns:

slightly positive

Long-term returns:

positive

6.5 Adoption of the Technology

Comments:

There is a moderate trend towards spontaneous adoption of the Technology

Comments on adoption trend: in the surrounding areas

7. References and links

7.1 Methods/ sources of information

Links and modules

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