1.2 Detalles de contacto de las personas de referencia e instituciones involucradas en la evaluación y la documentación de la Tecnología

Nombre del proyecto que financió la documentación/ evaluación de la Tecnología (si fuera relevante)

Strengthening national-level institutional and professional capacities of country Parties towards enhanced UNCCD monitoring and reporting – GEF 7 EA Umbrella II (GEF 7 UNCCD Enabling Activities_Umbrella II)

Nombre de la(s) institución(es) que facilitaron la documentación/ evaluación de la Tecnología (si fuera relevante)

National Soil Services Centre, Department of Agriculture, Ministry of Agriculture & Livestock (NSSC) - Bután

1.3 Condiciones referidas al uso de datos documentados mediante WOCAT

El compilador y la/s persona(s) de referencia claves aceptan las condiciones acerca del uso de los datos documentados mediante WOCAT:

Sí

1.4 Declaración de la sostenibilidad de la Tecnología descrita

¿La Tecnología aquí descrita resulta problemática en relación a la degradación de la tierra, de tal forma que no puede considerársela una tecnología sostenible para el manejo de la tierra?

No

Comentarios:

Based on the responses provided by the interviewee (Group Chairman), it appears that electric fences may not directly contribute to mitigating land degradation. However, they can be considered as part of a technological approach, particularly in terms of adaptation, given their effectiveness in land restoration, fallow land reversion, ensuring food security, and ultimately enhancing livelihoods.

2.1 Breve descripción de la Tecnología

Definición de la Tecnología:

The Electric Fencing System in Bhutan serves as a non-lethal approach to safeguarding crops from wild animals, aligning with the principles of Gross National Happiness (GNH). GNH emphasizes values such as compassion, non-killing, and harmonious coexistence with nature and its elements.

2.2 Descripción detallada de la Tecnología

Descripción:

The Electric Fencing System in Bhutan serves as a non-lethal approach to safeguarding crops from wild animals, aligning with the principles of Gross National Happiness (GNH). GNH emphasizes values such as compassion, non-killing, and harmonious coexistence with nature.
The National Plant Protection Centre (NPPC), Department of Agriculture (DoA), Ministry of Agriculture and Livestock (MoAL) has been facilitating the application and installation of electric fence systems nationwide. This is achieved through the provision of comprehensive guidelines to help the public comprehend the fundamental components and installation procedures.
In essence, the electric fence system consists of three major parts: Energizers, Insulators, and Earth return. The energizer is responsible for generating high-voltage pulse electricity (ranging from 9-12 KV), which is then delivered along the fence wires. The majority of energizers are directly connected to the electricity line, while in some isolated cases, solar panels and batteries are used as alternative power sources. Insulators are typically crafted from a non-conductive material and serve as a barrier between the electrified wire and the wooden post. In the Bhutanese market, these insulators are not readily available, thus as an alternative, high-density polyethylene (HDPE) pipe has been found to be effective and cheap. The electric fence earth return serves as an essential pathway in the electric circuit, collecting high voltage and current from the earth and returning it to the energizer.
The loss of crops to wild animals leads to increased production costs in Bhutan (time spent in crop guarding) and the expansion of fallow lands. Farmers often resort to illegal and fatal methods of electric fencing, tapping electricity directly from the main line. To address these issues, the implementation of electric fencing, utilizing imported IEC-certified energizers and locally fabricated fencing materials, has proven to be successful. This electric fencing system, introduced after five years of pre-testing across the country, covers various locations targeting different problem species of animals. Not only is this technology effective in controlling wild pests, but it also enjoys high social acceptance among Bhutanese farmers due to its cost-effectiveness and being non-lethal to wild pests.
A recent study on the impact of electric fencing on food security focused on the Laptsakha community in Senggye Gewog, Sarpang Dzongkhag. They faced threats to food security from elephants, boar and stray cattle from neighboring communities in India. Crop production in Laptsakha was negligible before the introduction of electric fencing: resettled households contemplated returning, fertile lands were left fallow, and incomes shrank. The turning point came in 2013 with the introduction of electric fencing. This intervention successfully mitigated wildlife attacks on crops, ensuring food security and contributing to a harmonious ecosystem and improved livelihoods for the people of Laptsakha.
The electric fence, covering a distance of 7 km, protects a total of 60 households in all, safeguarding about 60 (24 ha) acres of vulnerable lands. Electric fences have various benefits including:
•Harmonious Approach: they do not cause harm to animals beyond a repellent shock.
•Economical and Easy to Build: they are cost-effective and relatively easy to construct.
•Learning and Deterrence: animals quickly learn to respect electric fences.
•Durability: they have an extended service life.
•Versatility: they offer a variety of designs and can control a wide range of wild animals.

The installation of an electric fence involves a participatory approach and several key steps:
•Location and Length: determine the location and approximate length of the electric fence either by manual measurement, or remote technologies for larger expanses.
•Material Estimation: estimate the required materials per kilometre based on the identified area, including wooden poles, HDPE pipe, and GI wire.
•Additional Materials: Consider other essential materials like energizers, solar panels, charge controllers, and batteries, depending on the specific requirements.
•Cost Estimation: Calculate the cost of installation, which varies regionally. For example, to instal one kilometre of an electric fence is estimated at about Nu. 7,450 (USD 95) excluding labour costs and cost of wooden poles which is sourced locally.

The implementation of electric fencing in the community has brought significant advantages, particularly in securing food. Prior to this intervention, the community faced severe challenges in harvesting crops, with approximately 70% of fertile lands being left fallow due to constant human-wildlife conflicts. Crop guarding became routine & risky.
With the introduction of electric fences, the community's agricultural landscape has undergone a positive transformation. Crop diversification has been enhanced, encompassing maize, ginger, paddy, mandarin fruit trees and areca nut. The frequency of wild elephant attacks has significantly decreased, leading to a notable increase in crop production. This has resulted in secured food sources and improved livelihoods. Additionally, the community has successfully revived previously fallow lands.
While the electric fencing has proven effective, there are challenges faced by the land users, notably the frequent damage to energizers, primarily attributed to thunderstorms. This has resulted in higher maintenance costs. In one specific instance, the community had to mobilize approximately Nu. 145,000 (USD 1800) independently to replace damaged energizers and other materials, supplementing the continued support from the government.

2.3 Fotografías de la Tecnología

2.5 País/ región/ lugares donde la Tecnología fue aplicada y que se hallan comprendidos por esta evaluación

2.6 Fecha de la implementación

Indique año de implementación:

2013

2.7 Introducción de la Tecnología

Especifique cómo se introdujo la Tecnología:

• mediante proyectos/ intervenciones externas

Comentarios (tipo de proyecto, etc.):

The electric fencing program in the community was facilitated by the former Renewable Natural Resources and Development Centre (RNR-DC) - Yusipang, now known as the National Center for Organic Agriculture- Yusipang. Additionally, the expertise of the electric fence specialist from ARDC - Wengkhar, Mongar (Eastern Bhutan) was involved in the implementation of the program.

3.1 Propósito(s) principal(es) de la Tecnología MST

• mejorar la producción
• reducir, prevenir, restaurar la degradación del suelo
• preservar/ mejorar biodiversidad
• crear impacto económico benéfico
• crear impacto social benéfico

3.2 Tipo(s) actuales de uso de la tierra donde se aplica la Tecnología

Mezcla de tipos de uso de tierras dentro de la misma unidad de tierras: :

Sí

Especifique el uso combinado de tierras (cultivos/ pastoreo/ árboles):

• Agroforestería

3.3 ¿Cambió el uso de tierras debido a la implementación de la Tecnología?

¿Cambió el uso de tierras debido a la implementación de la Tecnología?

• No (Continúe con la pregunta 3.4)

Comentarios:

The introduction of electric fencing in the community has not led to a change in land use patterns. However, there has been a notable transformation in land cover over the years. Prior to the implementation of electric fencing, approximately 70% of the currently cultivated lands (comprising 325 acres, including 168 acres of dry land and 157 acres of wetland) were left fallow due to the threat of wildlife (human-wildlife conflict). The introduction of electric fencing has played a crucial role in revitalizing these fertile fallow lands, bringing them back into cultivation.

3.4 Provisión de agua

Provisión de agua para la tierra donde se aplica la Tecnología:

• mixta de secano – irrigada

Comentarios:

The community is well-equipped with two full-time irrigation sources: Mahajan Irrigation and Ghantay Irrigation canals. However, the reliance on irrigation is reduced when there is sufficient rainfall. Therefore, they describe the irrigation system as a mixed approach, combining both irrigation sources and rainwater.

3.5 Grupo MST al que pertenece la Tecnología

• manejo de bosques naturales y seminaturales:
• manejo integrado de pestes y enfermedades (incl. agricultura orgánica)
• protección/manejo de humedales

3.6 Medidas MST que componen la Tecnología

Comentarios:

The electric fence can be a structural measure that ensures energy savings due to its versatility (solar and electric-power options). It can be also considered as one of the structural measures ensuring a harmonious environment.

3.7 Principales tipos de degradación del suelo encarados con la Tecnología

Comentarios:

The electric fencing ensures harmonious environment for wild life. Their lives are prevented from fatal threats being attempted by farmers in controlling wild pests. Hence, they are dedicated with the safe habitats, which ultimately results in enhanced bio-diversity.

3.8 Prevención, reducción o restauración de la degradación del suelo

Especifique la meta de la Tecnología con relación a la degradación de la tierra:

• prevenir la degradación del suelo
• reducir la degradación del suelo

Comentarios:

The electric fence plays an important role in preventing and reducing land degradation. The lands encompassed within the electric fence are well managed and put to good use (higher ground coverage with year-round cultivation, proper nutrient management, and others). Caring for these productive lands encircled by electric fencing thereby either prevents or reduces land degradation ultimately.

4.1 Dibujo técnico de la Tecnología

4.2 Información general sobre el cálculo de insumos y costos

Especifique cómo se calcularon los costos e insumos:

• por unidad de Tecnología

otra / moneda nacional (especifique):

Ngultrum (Nu.)

Si fuera relevante, indique la tasa de cambio de dólares americanos a la moneda local (ej. 1 U$ = 79.9 Reales Brasileros): 1 U$ =:

80,0

4.3 Actividades de establecimiento

	Actividad	Momento (estación)
1.	Area identification through Google Map by ARDC-Yusipang	2013, Winter
2.	Cleaning of vegetation along the identified fence line (10 m width)	2013, Winter (after crop harvest)
3.	Ground clearing and levelling (2 m width)	2013, Winter (after crop harvest)
4.	Gathering of fencing poles	2013, Winter (after crop harvest)
5.	Procurement and facilitation of materials (energizers, solar panels, nails, GI wire, insulation pipes)	2013, Winter (after crop harvest)
6.	Execution of fencing activities	2013, Winter (after crop harvest)

Comentarios:

The actual electric fencing works in Laptsakha, measuring a distance of seven kilometres was completed in less than a month. Better community cooperation was a major reason behind this success, as per the Group's chairman.

4.4 Costos e insumos necesarios para el establecimiento

	Especifique insumo	Unidad	Cantidad	Costos por unidad	Costos totales por insumo	% de los costos cubiertos por los usuarios de las tierras
Mano de obra	Man	Person-days	1600,0	250,0	400000,0	100,0
Equipo	Energizer	No.	6,0	9500,0	57000,0
Equipo	GI wire (SWG 16)	Kg	356,0	95,0	33820,0
Equipo	Nail (3 inch)	Kg	106,0	82,0	8692,0
Equipo	Solar Panel (20 watts)	No.	6,0	7000,0	42000,0
Equipo	Charge controller	No.	6,0	1800,0	10800,0
Equipo	Acidic Battery	No.	6,0	2800,0	16800,0
Equipo	Lubricants (Gear oil)	Litre	6,0	254,0	1524,0
Equipo	Insulators (HDPE pipe [32 mm])	Metre	781,0	48,0	37488,0
Material de construcción	Wooden poles	No.	1400,0			100,0
Otros	Other accessories	NA	1,0	1000,0	1000,0
Costos totales para establecer la Tecnología					609124,0
Costos totales para establecer la Tecnología en USD					7614,05

Si el usuario de la tierra no cubrió el 100% de los costos, indique quién financió el resto del costo:

National Centre for Organic Agriculture, Yusipang

Comentarios:

The labour contribution was from Laptsakha and Nichula villages as the electric fencing benefitted both villages. Therefore, a higher number of land users are involved in the construction of the technology.
The total cost for the establishment of the technology is USD 7614.05 for 7 km (USD 1087.7 for 1 km). This includes labour cost which is borne by the land users.

4.5 Actividades de establecimiento/ recurrentes

	Actividad	Momento/ frequencia
1.	Replacement of energizers during breakdowns	As and when breakdown occurs
2.	Fence line clearing	Monthly

Comentarios:

Between 2013 and 2019, approximately 20 energizer sets had to be replaced due to thunderstorm damage. To address this issue, the community transitioned to using solar-powered energizers instead of electricity, proving to be a more effective solution. Double batteries were employed to ensure consistent current flow during cloudy days. As part of the routine maintenance, the clearing of the fence line became a monthly task, with each household assigned an area of approximately 116 meters to manage.

4.6 Costos e insumos necesarios para actividades de mantenimiento/ recurrentes (por año)

	Especifique insumo	Unidad	Cantidad	Costos por unidad	Costos totales por insumo	% de los costos cubiertos por los usuarios de las tierras
Mano de obra	Labor	Person-days	59,0	700,0	41300,0	100,0
Indique los costos totales para mantenecer la Tecnología					41300,0
Costos totales para mantener la Tecnología en USD					516,25

Si no puede desglosar los costos especificados en la tabla anterior, proporcione un estimado de los cálculos totales en los que se incurrió para mantener la Tecnología:

145000,0

Comentarios:

The beneficiaries covered the cost of acquiring the damaged energizers through monthly contributions of Nu. 200 per household and other penalty revenues. The total costs for maintenance of the technology is USD 516.25 for 7 km ( USD 73.75 for 1 km).

4.7 Factores más determinantes que afectan los costos:

Describa los factores más determinantes que afectan los costos:

The primary factor incurring the cost, according to the beneficiaries, was the energizer set, which necessitates frequent replacement.

5.1 Clima

5.2 Topografía

Indique si la Tecnología se aplica específicamente en:

• no relevante

Comentarios y especificaciones adicionales sobre topografía :

The gentle plain dominates the area with a slope ranging from 2 to 5 per cent.

5.3 Suelos

Si se halla disponible, adjunte una descripción completa de los suelos o especifique la información disponible, por ej., tipo de suelo, pH/ acidez de suelo, capacidad de intercambio catiónico, nitrógeno, salinidad, etc. :

Moisture content 3.31%, organic matter 7.16%, Organic carbon 4.16%, pH 6.81, electrical conductivity 261.97 µs/cm, nitrogen 0.21%, phosphorus 0.34 ppm, Potassium 201.07 mg/100ml, texture sand clay loam.
The soil analysis was conducted at the Science Laboratory of College of Natural Resources, Royal University of Bhutan, Lobesa, Punakha.

5.4 Disponibilidad y calidad de agua

¿La salinidad del agua es un problema?

No

¿Se está llevando a cabo la inundación del área? :

No

5.5 Biodiversidad

Comentarios y especificaciones adicionales sobre biodiversidad:

The rich periphery environment, higher vegetation coverage, and evident agroforestry indicate high species and habitat diversity.

5.6 Las características de los usuarios de la tierra que aplican la Tecnología

5.7 Área promedio de la tierra usada por usuarios de tierra que aplican la Tecnología

5.8 Tenencia de tierra, uso de tierra y derechos de uso de agua

• Family land ownership

Derechos de uso de tierra:

• individual

Derechos de uso de agua:

• comunitarios (organizado)

¿Los derechos del uso de la tierra se basan en un sistema legal tradicional?

Sí

Especifique:

The land use rights in Bhutan is traditional legal system guided by formal land act and land rules and regulations.

5.9 Acceso a servicios e infraestructura

Comentarios:

The community is striving for the upgradation of the present primary school to high school.

6.1 Impactos in situ demostrados por la Tecnología

Impactos socioeconómicos

Producción

Ingreso y costos

Impactos socioculturales

Impactos ecológicos

Biodiversidad: vegetación, animales

6.2 Impactos fuera del sitio demostrados por la Tecnología

6.3 Exposición y sensibilidad de la Tecnología al cambio climático gradual y a extremos relacionados al clima/ desastres (desde la percepción de los usuarios de tierras)

Cambio climático gradual

Cambio climático gradual

	Estación	Incremento o reducción	¿Cómo es que la tecnología soporta esto?
temperatura anual		incrementó	no se sabe

Extremos (desastres) relacionados al clima

Desastres climatológicos:

	¿Cómo es que la tecnología soporta esto?
tormenta de lluvia local	muy bien
tormenta local	no muy bien
tormenta de viento	muy bien

Desastres hidrológicos

	¿Cómo es que la tecnología soporta esto?
inundación repentina	nada bien
deslizamiento	nada bien

Comentarios:

As per the interviewee, the annual rainfall has remained constant over the past decade. However, there has been a noticeable shift in the rainfall pattern, characterized by erratic rainfall. In previous years, the rainfall followed a seasonal pattern, which is no longer consistent in recent times.

6.4 Análisis costo-beneficio

¿Cómo se comparan los beneficios con los costos de establecimiento (desde la perspectiva de los usuarios de tierra)?

¿Cómo se comparan los beneficios con los costos de mantenimiento/ recurrentes (desde la perspectiva de los usuarios de tierra)?

6.5 Adopción de la Tecnología

• > 50%

Si tiene la información disponible, cuantifique (número de hogares y/o área cubierta):

The 7 km electric fencing program has benefitted 60 households.

De todos quienes adoptaron la Tecnología, ¿cuántos lo hicieron espontáneamente, por ej. sin recibir nada de incentivos/ materiales:

• 0-10%

Comentarios:

The initial establishment was done through external support by covering the whole community catchment area. One-time maintenance involving the cost of Nu. 145,000/- was initiated by the community by mobilizing their fund.

6.6 Adaptación

¿La tecnología fue modificada recientemente para adaptarse a las condiciones cambiantes?

Sí

otros (especifique):

Due to target animal species

Especifique la adaptación de la Tecnología (diseño, material/ especies, etc.):

The existing electric fence, operational up to now, underwent significant modifications, incorporating a chain-link fence valued at 1.10 million between February and May 2023. This alteration is intended to deter active wildlife pests, specifically monkeys and elephants.

6.7 Fuerzas/ ventajas/ oportunidades de la Tecnología

Fuerzas/ ventajas/ oportunidades desde la perspectiva del usuario de la tierra
Electric fencing aligns with the convictions of the land users, avoiding harm to wildlife as a means of protecting the land from wild animals.
Scaring wild animals with a mild electric shock, the technology deters them from approaching due to the fear of the electric shock from the fence.
Creating a favorable environment for agricultural activities, the technology encourages land users to participate in farming, resulting in increased production and household income.

Fuerzas/ ventajas/ oportunidades desde la perspectiva del compilador o de otra persona de referencia clave
Reduced risk of loss of life: Wild animals, particularly elephants, pose a threat to the lives of land users, with some reported fatalities. The technology can help mitigate or prevent such incidents.
The replication of this technology can eliminate fatal attempts made by land users in various parts of the country to control wild pests.

6.8 Debilidades/ desventajas/ riesgos de la Tecnología y formas de sobreponerse a ellos

Debilidades/ desventajas/ riesgos desde la perspectiva del usuario de la tierra	¿Cómo sobreponerse a ellas?
Continuous break down of energizers has incurred high maintenance costs	Solar-powered fencing has been the best alternative as implemented by the community.
Clearing of the land under the fence is labourious and time consuming.	Timely monitoring of the clearing activity should be done.

Debilidades/ desventajas/ riesgos desde la perspectiva del compilador o de otra persona de referencia clave	¿Cómo sobreponerse a ellas?
The GI wire experiences swift rusting.	Timely greasing and utilizing superior quality GI wire.

7.1 Métodos/ fuentes de información

7.3 Vínculos a la información relevante disponible en línea

Título/ descripción:

Technical Reference Manual for installation and maintenance of Electric Fence, National Plant Protection Centre (NPPC), n.d.

URL:

https://www.nppc.gov.bt/electric-fencing-manual/

Título/ descripción:

Implementation Guidelines for Electric Fencing System, National Plant Protection Centre (NPPC), 2015

URL:

https://www.nppc.gov.bt/electric-fencing-manual/

Título/ descripción:

EF accessories, National Plant Protection Centre (NPPC), 2015

URL:

https://www.nppc.gov.bt/ef-accessories/

7.4 Comentarios generales

The questionnaire is not easy to apply for such technology in terms of sections 2.5 and 4.2. Under section 2.5 “specify the spread of the technology” the options are not applicable for this technology implemented in 7 km length. Under section 4.2. it is difficult to specify units for the cost calculation. The cost for overall technology implementation can be added. However, the cost specified in km is not uniform. For example, the cost for 1 km could be USD 95 but for 2 km it will be less than USD 190 as there is no need for two energizers and other accessories.