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

2.1 Short description of the Technology

Definition of the Technology:

Enlarged ditch/channels that are not graded in order to collect and retain runoff from road/school (External Catchments)

2.2 Detailed description of the Technology

Description:

A soil bund for soil erosion reduction. Achieved by excavation of ungraded channels which are used for runoff collection.

Purpose of the Technology: reduce soil erosion, collect and retain road runoff (Water Harvesting), Growing of bananas, sugarcane, grass, enhance crop production through reduction of loss of fertile soil and moisture conservation.

Establishment / maintenance activities and inputs: Establishment - Soil excavation (More than conventional recommendation) Grass planting for stabilization. Maintenance - repair of broken sections, de-siltation of the channels.

Natural / human environment: Semi - arid area where rainfall is usually inadequate for good crop performance

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

Country:

Kenya

Region/ State/ Province:

Eastern Province

Specify the spread of the Technology:

• evenly spread over an area

If the Technology is evenly spread over an area, specify area covered (in km2):

0.052

Comments:

Total area covered by the SLM Technology is 0.052 km2.

The area is based on one individual farm - Mr. Musyoka Muindu

Map

×

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 land users' innovation

Comments (type of project, etc.):

From SWC Extension Specialists

3.1 Main purpose(s) of the Technology

• reduce, prevent, restore land degradation

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

Cropland

• Annual cropping
• Perennial (non-woody) cropping

Annual cropping - Specify crops:

• fodder crops - grasses

Perennial (non-woody) cropping - Specify crops:

• banana/plantain/abaca
• sugar cane

Number of growing seasons per year:

• 2

Specify:

Longest growing period in days: 90 Longest growing period from month to month: Oct - Jan Second longest growing period in days: 60Second longest growing period from month to month: Mar - May

Comments:

Perennial crops species: Banana and sugarcane
Grass species: Panicum colorutum makariensis

Major land use problems (compiler’s opinion): Erosion by water due to the erratic nature of the low crop yields, inadequate moisture for crop production

Major land use problems (land users’ perception): Soil erosion by water, low crop yields, Food insecurity.

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

• water harvesting
• water diversion and drainage

3.6 SLM measures comprising the Technology

vegetative measures

• V2: Grasses and perennial herbaceous plants

structural measures

• S3: Graded ditches, channels, waterways

3.7 Main types of land degradation addressed by the Technology

soil erosion by water

• Wt: loss of topsoil/ surface erosion

chemical soil deterioration

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

water degradation

• Ha: aridification

Comments:

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

Secondary types of degradation addressed: Cn: fertility decline and reduced organic matter content

3.8 Prevention, reduction, or restoration of land degradation

Specify the goal of the Technology with regard to land degradation:

• reduce land degradation

4.1 Technical drawing of the Technology

4.2 General information regarding the calculation of inputs and costs

other/ national currency (specify):

Kenya shillings

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

70.0

4.3 Establishment activities

4.4 Costs and inputs needed for establishment

Comments:

Duration of establishment phase: 36 month(s)

4.5 Maintenance/ recurrent activities

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

Comments:

length of structures - 40m, spacing between structures - 18m, no of terraces per ha - 13, total no of metres = 13*40 = 540 of excavation

4.7 Most important factors affecting the costs

Describe the most determinate factors affecting the costs:

Soil depth - soils with a hardpan are more expensive to excavate. Labour - cost varies with seasons

5.1 Climate

5.2 Topography

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.

Soil texture: The soil is a mixture of sand and loam (sandy loam)

Soil fertility is low - medium

Soil drainage / infiltration is good

Soil water storage capacity is medium

5.6 Characteristics of land users applying the Technology

Indicate other relevant characteristics of the land users:

Population density: 10-50 persons/km2

Annual population growth: 2% - 3%

10% of the land users are rich and own 15% of the land.
25% of the land users are average wealthy and own 30% of the land.
40% of the land users are poor and own 25% of the land.
20% of the land users are poor and own 20% of the land.

Off-farm income specification: only a small proportion of the population is in formal employment

Level of mechanization: Use of oxen drawn plough for ploughing and weeding

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

Land ownership:

• individual, titled

Land use rights:

• individual

6.1 On-site impacts the Technology has shown

Ecological impacts

Water cycle/ runoff

Soil

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

If available, quantify (no. of households and/ or area covered):

24 households in an area of 0.52 ha (The area is based on one individual farm - Mr. Musyoka Muindu)

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

• 91-100%

Comments:

24 land user families have adopted the Technology without any external material support

Comments on spontaneous adoption: estimates

There is a moderate trend towards spontaneous adoption of the Technology

Comments on adoption trend: land users have realised the importance of water harvesting under the semi arid conditions where crop performance is poor

7.1 Methods/ sources of information