1.2 Coordonnées des personnes-ressources et des institutions impliquées dans l'évaluation et la documentation de la Technologie

Nom du projet qui a facilité la documentation/ l'évaluation de la Technologie (si pertinent)

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)

Nom du ou des institutions qui ont facilité la documentation/ l'évaluation de la Technologie (si pertinent)

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

1.3 Conditions relatives à l'utilisation par WOCAT des données documentées

Le compilateur et la(les) personne(s) ressource(s) acceptent les conditions relatives à l'utilisation par WOCAT des données documentées:

Oui

1.4 Déclaration sur la durabilité de la Technologie décrite

Est-ce que la Technologie décrite ici pose problème par rapport à la dégradation des terres, de telle sorte qu'elle ne peut pas être déclarée comme étant une technologie de gestion durable des terres?

Non

Commentaires:

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 Courte description de la Technologie

Définition de la Technologie:

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 Description détaillée de la Technologie

Description:

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 Photos de la Technologie

2.5 Pays/ région/ lieux où la Technologie a été appliquée et qui sont couverts par cette évaluation

2.6 Date de mise en œuvre de la Technologie

Indiquez l'année de mise en œuvre:

2013

2.7 Introduction de la Technologie

Spécifiez comment la Technologie a été introduite: :

• par le biais de projets/ d'interventions extérieures

Commentaires (type de projet, 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 Principal(aux) objectif(s) de la Technologie

• améliorer la production
• réduire, prévenir, restaurer les terres dégradées
• conserver/ améliorer la biodiversité
• créer un impact économique positif
• créer un impact social positif

3.2 Type(s) actuel(s) d'utilisation des terres, là où la Technologie est appliquée

Les divers types d'utilisation des terres au sein du même unité de terrain: :

Oui

Précisez l'utilisation mixte des terres (cultures/ pâturages/ arbres):

• Agroforesterie

3.3 Est-ce que l’utilisation des terres a changé en raison de la mise en œuvre de la Technologie ?

Est-ce que l’utilisation des terres a changé en raison de la mise en œuvre de la Technologie ?

• Non (Passez à la question 3.4)

Commentaires:

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 Approvisionnement en eau

Approvisionnement en eau des terres sur lesquelles est appliquée la Technologie:

• mixte: pluvial-irrigué

Commentaires:

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 Groupe de GDT auquel appartient la Technologie

• gestion des forêts naturelles et semi-naturelles
• lutte intégrée contre les ravageurs et les maladies (incluant l'agriculture biologique)
• gestion/ protection des zones humides

3.6 Mesures de GDT constituant la Technologie

Commentaires:

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 Principaux types de dégradation des terres traités par la Technologie

Commentaires:

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 Prévention, réduction de la dégradation ou réhabilitation des terres dégradées

Spécifiez l'objectif de la Technologie au regard de la dégradation des terres:

• prévenir la dégradation des terres
• réduire la dégradation des terres

Commentaires:

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 Dessin technique de la Technologie

4.2 Informations générales sur le calcul des intrants et des coûts

Spécifiez la manière dont les coûts et les intrants ont été calculés:

• par entité de la Technologie

autre/ monnaie nationale (précisez):

Ngultrum (Nu.)

Indiquez le taux de change des USD en devise locale, le cas échéant (p.ex. 1 USD = 79.9 réal brésilien): 1 USD = :

80,0

4.3 Activités de mise en place/ d'établissement

	Activité	Calendrier des activités (saisonnier)
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)

Commentaires:

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 Coûts et intrants nécessaires à la mise en place

	Spécifiez les intrants	Unité	Quantité	Coûts par unité	Coût total par intrant	% des coût supporté par les exploitants des terres
Main d'œuvre	Man	Person-days	1600,0	250,0	400000,0	100,0
Equipements	Energizer	No.	6,0	9500,0	57000,0
Equipements	GI wire (SWG 16)	Kg	356,0	95,0	33820,0
Equipements	Nail (3 inch)	Kg	106,0	82,0	8692,0
Equipements	Solar Panel (20 watts)	No.	6,0	7000,0	42000,0
Equipements	Charge controller	No.	6,0	1800,0	10800,0
Equipements	Acidic Battery	No.	6,0	2800,0	16800,0
Equipements	Lubricants (Gear oil)	Litre	6,0	254,0	1524,0
Equipements	Insulators (HDPE pipe [32 mm])	Metre	781,0	48,0	37488,0
Matériaux de construction	Wooden poles	No.	1400,0			100,0
Autre	Other accessories	NA	1,0	1000,0	1000,0
Coût total de mise en place de la Technologie					609124,0
Coût total de mise en place de la Technologie en dollars américains (USD)					7614,05

Si le coût n'est pas pris en charge à 100% par l'exploitant des terres, indiquez qui a financé le coût restant:

National Centre for Organic Agriculture, Yusipang

Commentaires:

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 Activités d'entretien/ récurrentes

	Activité	Calendrier/ fréquence
1.	Replacement of energizers during breakdowns	As and when breakdown occurs
2.	Fence line clearing	Monthly

Commentaires:

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 Coûts et intrants nécessaires aux activités d'entretien/ récurrentes (par an)

	Spécifiez les intrants	Unité	Quantité	Coûts par unité	Coût total par intrant	% des coût supporté par les exploitants des terres
Main d'œuvre	Labor	Person-days	59,0	700,0	41300,0	100,0
Coût total d'entretien de la Technologie					41300,0
Coût total d'entretien de la Technologie en dollars américains (USD)					516,25

Si vous n'êtes pas en mesure de décomposer les coûts dans le tableau précédent, donnez une estimation du coût total de l'entretien de la Technologie:

145000,0

Commentaires:

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 Facteurs les plus importants affectant les coûts

Décrivez les facteurs les plus importants affectant les coûts :

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

5.1 Climat

5.2 Topographie

Indiquez si la Technologie est spécifiquement appliquée dans des:

• non pertinent

Commentaires et précisions supplémentaires sur la topographie:

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

5.3 Sols

Si disponible, joignez une description complète du sol ou précisez les informations disponibles, par ex., type de sol, pH/ acidité du sol, capacité d'échange cationique, azote, salinité, 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 Disponibilité et qualité de l'eau

La salinité de l'eau est-elle un problème? :

Non

La zone est-elle inondée?

Non

5.5 Biodiversité

Commentaires et précisions supplémentaires sur la biodiversité:

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

5.6 Caractéristiques des exploitants des terres appliquant la Technologie

5.7 Superficie moyenne des terres utilisées par les exploitants des terres appliquant la Technologie

5.8 Propriété foncière, droits d’utilisation des terres et de l'eau

• Family land ownership

Droits d’utilisation des terres:

• individuel

Droits d’utilisation de l’eau:

• communautaire (organisé)

Est-ce que les droits d'utilisation des terres sont fondés sur un système juridique traditionnel?

Oui

Précisez:

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

5.9 Accès aux services et aux infrastructures

Commentaires:

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

6.1 Impacts sur site que la Technologie a montrés

Impacts socio-économiques

Production

Revenus et coûts

Impacts socioculturels

Impacts écologiques

Biodiversité: végétale, animale

6.2 Impacts hors site que la Technologie a montrés

6.3 Exposition et sensibilité de la Technologie aux changements progressifs et aux évènements extrêmes/catastrophes liés au climat (telles que perçues par les exploitants des terres)

Changements climatiques progressifs

Changements climatiques progressifs

	Saison	Augmentation ou diminution	Comment la Technologie fait-elle face à cela?
températures annuelles		augmente	pas connu

Extrêmes climatiques (catastrophes)

Catastrophes météorologiques

	Comment la Technologie fait-elle face à cela?
pluie torrentielle locale	très bien
orage local	pas bien
tempête de vent locale	très bien

Catastrophes hydrologiques

	Comment la Technologie fait-elle face à cela?
crue éclair	pas bien du tout
glissement de terrain	pas bien du tout

Commentaires:

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 Analyse coûts-bénéfices

Quels sont les bénéfices comparativement aux coûts de mise en place (du point de vue des exploitants des terres)?

Quels sont les bénéfices comparativement aux coûts d'entretien récurrents (du point de vue des exploitants des terres)?

6.5 Adoption de la Technologie

• > 50%

Si disponible, quantifiez (nombre de ménages et/ou superficie couverte):

The 7 km electric fencing program has benefitted 60 households.

De tous ceux qui ont adopté la Technologie, combien d'entre eux l'ont fait spontanément, à savoir sans recevoir aucune incitation matérielle, ou aucune rémunération? :

• 0-10%

Commentaires:

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 Adaptation

La Technologie a-t-elle été récemment modifiée pour s'adapter à l'évolution des conditions?

Oui

autre (précisez):

Due to target animal species

Spécifiez l'adaptation de la Technologie (conception, matériaux/ espèces, 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 Points forts/ avantages/ possibilités de la Technologie

Points forts/ avantages/ possibilités du point de vue de l'exploitant des terres
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.

Points forts/ avantages/ possibilités du point de vue du compilateur ou d'une autre personne ressource clé
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 Faiblesses/ inconvénients/ risques de la Technologie et moyens de les surmonter

Faiblesses/ inconvénients/ risques du point de vue de l’exploitant des terres	Comment peuvent-ils être surmontés?
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.

Faiblesses/ inconvénients/ risques du point de vue du compilateur ou d'une autre personne ressource clé	Comment peuvent-ils être surmontés?
The GI wire experiences swift rusting.	Timely greasing and utilizing superior quality GI wire.

7.1 Méthodes/ sources d'information

7.3 Liens vers les informations pertinentes en ligne

Titre/ description:

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/

Titre/ description:

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

URL:

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

Titre/ description:

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

URL:

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

7.4 Observations d'ordre général

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.