Short description of the best practice

The vetiver grass is planted on the contour and also in other situations such as along stream banks and minor farm roads to form a vegetative barrier and protect the land from surface erosion.

Location

Kwazulu Natal Province, South Africa|

If the location has well defined boundaries, specify its extension in hectares:

100.0

Estimated population living in the location:

9000000.0

Brief description of the natural environment within the specified location.

Semi-Arid, Sub-humid|
A very prominent characteristic of this province is the deeply cut parallel valleys and ridges formed by a large number of short, fast-flowing rivers which can be seen as the result of a large variation in altitude over a very short distance.|
Sandy loam soils which are easily erodable due to nature of slopes

Prevailing socio-economic conditions of those living in the location and/or nearby

Most income received from cropland with 10% income from off-farm.
Most people are dependant on agriculture.
Land ownership is mostly individual with communage grazing land, cropland and Sugar Cane plantation.|

On the basis of which criteria and/or indicator(s) (not related to The Strategy) the proposed practice and corresponding technology has been considered as 'best'?

The protection and rehabilitation of land susceptible to erosion  

Main problems addressed by the best practice

Land degradation caused by soil erosion, removal of vegetation cover and reduction of water runoff|

Outline specific land degradation problems addressed by the best practice

Land degradation caused by soil erosion, removal of vegetation cover and reduction of water runoff |

Specify the objectives of the best practice

To restore the mined area to something approaching its former condition allowing it to again be used for extensive grazing.

Brief description of main activities, by objective

Land management measures through land restoration and improved soil cover.

Short description and technical specifications of the technology

The vetiver grass is planted on the contour and also in other situations such as along stream banks and minor farm roads to form a vegetative barrier and protect the land from surface erosion.
Vetiver grass is planted as vegetative barrier on the contour at 5m vertical interval down slope of more than 10% in lines about 10m long.

Name and address of the institution developing the technology

Agricultural Research Council-Institute for Soil, Climate and Water (ARC)|600 Belvedere street, Arcadia 0083, South Africa

Was the technology developed in partnership?

Yes

List the partners:

University of Stellennbosch, Mining industry, Commnunity and Government Departments|

Specify the framework within which the technology was promoted

• Local initiative
• National initiative – government-led
• Programme/project-based initiative
• Other (please specify)

Specify:

Academic Institution and Parastatals

Was the participation of local stakeholders, including CSOs, fostered in the development of the technology?

Yes

List local stakeholders involved:

Community representatives

For the stakeholders listed above, specify their role in the design, introduction, use and maintenance of the technology, if any.

Stakeholders were involved during decision making of the choice of technology, implementation methodology and maintenance of the technology.|

Was the population living in the location and/or nearby involved in the development of the technology?

Yes

By means of what?

• Participatory approaches
• Other (please specify)

Specify:

Word of Mouth

Describe on-site impacts (the major two impacts by category)

Increased crop yield due to increased soil moisture and improved soil cover.
Improved water infiltration, development of contour banks, reduction of soil erosion,retention of soil and soil moisture as well as development of wind breaks.|
Income generated from increased production.Implementation was done immediately based on the decision making process which was internalised.

Describe the major two off-site (i.e. not occurring in the location but in the surrounding areas) impacts

Reduced downstream siltation, reduced wind transported sediments and reduced run-off water |

Impact on biodiversity and climate change

Explain the reasons:

The grass does not compete with other crops, the seed is sterile and easy to contain and enhance biodiversity.|
Reduction of run-off water that may result in flooding,increased water infiltration,increased land productivity and improve soil moisture conditions for plants. |
Reduction of run-off water that may result in flooding, restoration Land productivity through monitoring success of soil and vegetation, use of micro-catchments to trap rainwater and improve soil moisture conditions for plants. |

Has a cost-benefit analysis been carried out?

Has a cost-benefit analysis been carried out?

Yes

Specify:

It is long term management measure. The quantity of vetiver may be a problem if you need to do it in a bigger scale, you will need to buy grass or alternatively establish a nursery.|

Was the technology disseminated/introduced to other locations?

Was the technology disseminated/introduced to other locations?

Yes

Where?

Neighbouring Communities|Neighbouring Communities

Can you identify the three main conditions that led to the success of the presented best practice/technology?

The Practice was user friendly and adaptable.
The need to have organised structures with community being strongly represented.
The practice was locally driven with community buy-in that led to the successfull implementaion and sustainance of the technology.

Replicability

In your opinion, the best practice/technology you have proposed can be replicated, although with some level of adaptation, elsewhere?

Yes

At which level?

• Local
• Sub-national
• National
• Subregional
• Regional
• International

Related to human resources

Organized management of the project

Related to financial aspects

Procurement of grasses and improved crop production