1.2 Contact details of resource persons and institutions involved in the assessment and documentation of the Technology

Name of project which facilitated the documentation/ evaluation of the Technology (if relevant)

Central Asian Countries Initiative for Land Management (CACILM I)

Name of the institution(s) which facilitated the documentation/ evaluation of the Technology (if relevant)

The National Institute of Deserts, Flora and Fauna of the Ministry of Nature Protection of Turkmenistan ( NIDFF) - Turkmenistan

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:

The stabilization of shifting sands by installing means of mechanical protection and planting shrubs around settlements in the Central Karakum

2.2 Detailed description of the Technology

Description:

As a result of overgrazing, the pastures surrounding Bokurdok village have been transformed into bare sand dunes which now threaten infrastructure. Families are forced to spend up to 25% of the family savings for the construction of new houses.
This problem was solved using the technology of sand dune stabilization which includes the installation of mechanical sand dune fixation devices (MSDFs) and planting vegetation adapted to desert environments. MSDFs were made using bundles of reed (of 1-1.2m length), which widely grows along the channel banks. The bundles, 0.02-0.03m in diameter, were bent in the middle (0.5m) and placed vertically into the sand in 25-30cm depth. In this way they are used to establish quadratic parcels with typically 25cm high sidewalls. The optimum grid size is 2x2m and depends on local wind and sand transport conditions. 2x2m MSDFs are used when winds of different directions dominate, otherwise MSDFs are set formed by rows perpendicular to the predominant sand transport direction
The MSDFs assure sand dune stabilization for 2 years. In subsequent years, the stabilization of the sandy surface is achieved by planting seedlings of local desert trees and shrubs and their natural reproduction. 3500-4000 seedlings per ha should be planted if the dunes are to be successfully stabilized without irrigation. If the plants are watered three times in the first season, then the standard for seedling planting is 1200-1300 plants per ha. The planting scheme is as follows: the distance between the plants in the row is 2m, and the spacing between the rows is 4m. Plants are planted 20-40cm deep after the sand has been soaked by rainfall in January-February once temperatures are above 0 ºC

Purpose of the Technology: The purpose of this technology is to improve environmental conditions and the sustainability of farms in the village in general. This can only be achieved if vegetation on degraded pastures near the village is restored and infrastructure is protected against the advance of the desert

Establishment / maintenance activities and inputs: The GTZ project “Participatory management of natural resources in 3 biogeographic regions of Turkmenistan” has provided funds for activities aimed at stabilizing sands in the Bukordak village. 7 families from the village have been involved in the work to stabilize 7 ha of sand dunes. In 2008-2010, within the framework of the CACILM project these activities have been continued. Currently, 50 ha of previously mobile sand dunes, which were threatening the hospital, the main road and houses, have been stabilized

Natural / human environment: The Bokurdak village is located 90 km north of Ashgabad in the Central Karakum Desert. The population is 4,200 people. The village’s water supply for irrigation and livestock is piped from the Karakum Canal. The plants grow on the stabilized sands: Haloxylon persicum, Calligonum sp, Salsola richter, Astragalus sp, Carex physodes perennial grass, and spring annuals. Annual precipitation is around 141mm. Maximum and minimum air temperatures are +47ºC (July) and -28 ºC (January)

2.3 Photos of the Technology

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

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 projects/ external interventions

Comments (type of project, etc.):

The technology was developed in the 1950’s-1960’s to secure economic projects

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

Comments:

Major land use problems (compiler’s opinion): The pastures' capacity is too low to provide enough forage for livestock grazing. The plants in desert forests are also used as forage and cutting them to satisfy fuel needs reduces the productivity of pastures. The sharp fluctuations in yields on pastures from year to year and from season to season determine the number of animals on farms. Lack of finance, commitment (pastures are state owned) and the necessary knowledge for the rehabilitation of village pastures on sand dunes among the local communities also have an impact

Major land use problems (land users’ perception): Scarce pasture lands and water for watering the animals, especially in dry years, when the salt concentration in well water increases

Nomadism: One or several families live year-round deep in the desert and care for the livestock, but they also have houses in the village

Semi-nomadism / pastoralism: 2-3 farmers take turns grazing animals around a well deep in the desert. However, they are not additionally engaged in land cultivation

Grazingland comments: Farmers of the “Karakum” Daikhan Association are engaged in livestock breeding. Sheep and camels grazed year-round on pastures around wells in the Central Karakum desert

Future (final) land use (after implementation of SLM Technology): Grazing land: Ge: Extensive grazing land

Type of grazing system comments: Farmers of the “Karakum” Daikhan Association are engaged in livestock breeding. Sheep and camels grazed year-round on pastures around wells in the Central Karakum desert

3.3 Has land use changed due to the implementation of the Technology?

Has land use changed due to the implementation of the Technology?

• Yes (Please fill out the questions below with regard to the land use before implementation of the Technology)

Comments:

Тип пастбищеоборота: Фермеры дайханского объединения «Каракум» занимаются животноводством. Овцы и верблюды выпасаются круглый год на пастбищах в Центральных Каракумах вокруг колодцев

3.4 Water supply

Water supply for the land on which the Technology is applied:

• full irrigation

Comments:

Number of growing seasons per year:

1

Specify:

Longest growing period in days: 270; Longest growing period from month to month: March to November

3.5 SLM group to which the Technology belongs

• improved ground/ vegetation cover
• cross-slope measure

3.6 SLM measures comprising the Technology

Comments:

Secondary measures: vegetative measures, management measures

Type of vegetative measures: aligned: -linear

Vertical mechanical sand dune fixation means generally a stabilization of moving sands for two years (as long as the mechanical sand dune fixation can persist). Stabilization of the sandy surface in the following years is achieved by planting seedlings of local psammophytic plants (Haloxylon persicum, several species of Calligonum sp., Salsola richter, S. paletzkiana) and their further self-restoration. It is identified that in order to successfully stabilize the sandy surface (without irrigation) about 3500-4000 pieces of seedlings per 1 ha should be planted, but often we faced low level of plant rooting. When irrigation is carried out three times (60 l per plant in the summer), the ratio for seedlings planted was 1200-1300 plants per 1 ha (80-95% survival rate of plants). According to the planting scheme a distance between the plants was 2 m and 4 m between the rows. They are planted after the sand is soaked with rainfall to a depth of 30-40 cm and when the air temperatures are positive (January-February)

3.7 Main types of land degradation addressed by the Technology

Comments:

Secondary types of degradation addressed: Bc: reduction of vegetation cover, Bh: loss of habitats, Bq: quantity / biomass decline, Bs: quality and species composition /diversity decline, Bl: loss of soil life

Main causes of degradation: overgrazing (Unsustainable grazing leads to the destruction of undergrowth and a reduction in the number of edible species, constraining the sustainable development of plant communities), droughts (Drought leads to reduced productivity of pasture vegetation), governance / institutional (A lack of both awareness raising measures and control by the authorities responsible for plant resources has led to their complete destruction (deforestation) in the vicinity of settlements)

Secondary causes of degradation: deforestation / removal of natural vegetation (incl. forest fires) (Lack of awareness raising measures and lack of control by the authorities responsible for plant resources has led to their complete destruction (deforestation) in the vicinity of settlements), over-exploitation of vegetation for domestic use (Cutting shrubs for fuel and building materials leads to a change in climate and to further reduction and changes in the species composition in the associated herbaceous vegetation), change in temperature (Increased temperature in the desert vegetation’s growing season leads to a decrease in the productivity of pasture vegetation), wind storms / dust storms (Dust storms carry sand from the dunes devoid of vegetation, which leads to its accumulation in other places (in households, roads, economic facilities, etc.)), population pressure (Overgrazing changes the plant species composition and reduces the land's productivity. Cutting the shrubs changes wind patterns in the plant communities and reduces the number of herbaceous vegetation)

3.8 Prevention, reduction, or restoration of land degradation

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

• reduce land degradation
• restore/ rehabilitate severely degraded land

Comments:

Secondary goals: mitigation / reduction of land degradation

4.1 Technical drawing of the Technology

4.2 General information regarding the calculation of inputs and costs

other/ national currency (specify):

Turkmen manat

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

2.86

4.3 Establishment activities

	Activity	Timing (season)
1.	Digging holes and planting the seedlings for sand stabilization	After rainfall (winter - early spring)
2.	Reed harvesting and transportation to the place of technology application (200 m3)	When the reed has matured
3.	Installing mechanical sand dune fixation cells (digging trenches and putting reeds into them)	After rainfall
4.	Fencing the land plot	After mechanical protection means are installed and shrubs are planted

4.4 Costs and inputs needed for establishment

	Specify input	Unit	Quantity	Costs per Unit	Total costs per input	% of costs borne by land users
Labour	Digging holes and planting	persons/day	13.0	20.0	260.0	100.0
Labour	Reed harvesting and transportation	persons/day	40.0	16.25	650.0
Labour	Installing mechanical sand dune	persons/day	130.0	10.0	1300.0	100.0
Labour	Fencing the land plot	persons/day	8.0	20.0	160.0	100.0
Equipment	Tools	ha	1.0	180.0	180.0	100.0
Equipment	Machine hours	hour/ha	72.0	16.7222222	1204.0
Plant material	Seedling	pieces/ha	1250.0	1.0	1250.0
Construction material	Wooden racks for the fences	pieces/ha	200.0	4.45	890.0
Construction material	Iron wire for fencing	meter/ha	1200.0	0.35	420.0
Total costs for establishment of the Technology					6314.0
Total costs for establishment of the Technology in USD					2207.69

Comments:

Duration of establishment phase: 9 month(s)

4.5 Maintenance/ recurrent activities

	Activity	Timing/ frequency
1.	Plants wateringvehicle (water carrier) to deliver water for three irrigations – 75000 l, 60 hours	3 irrigations in the first year after planting (July-August)

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

	Specify input	Unit	Quantity	Costs per Unit	Total costs per input	% of costs borne by land users
Labour	Deliver water for three irrigations	persons/day	13.0	20.0	260.0	50.0
Equipment	Plant watering vehicle	hours/ha	60.0	6.25	375.0
Total costs for maintenance of the Technology					635.0
Total costs for maintenance of the Technology in USD					222.03

Comments:

Machinery/ tools: Vehicle (water carrier), spade, Vehicle (ZIL) to transport reeds, water carrier vehicle, spades and sickles

The costs were calculated for mechanical stabilization of 1 ha of moving sand dunes by installing cells of mechanical san dune fixation made of reed (200m³/ha) and planting the sand stabilizing shrubs – 1250 pcs/ha

4.7 Most important factors affecting the costs

Describe the most determinate factors affecting the costs:

There is no special machinery for reed harvesting and packing. Therefore, only manual labor is used. The cost of transporting building materials depends on the type of transport needed and the distance to the place of harvesting. Only one leskhoz (state forestry enterprise) cultivates psammophytic plants, therefore they are expensive

5.1 Climate

5.2 Topography

Indicate if the Technology is specifically applied in:

• not relevant

Comments and further specifications on topography:

Slopes on average: The steepness of the sand ridges’ slopes varies from 0 to 60%

Altitudinal zone: 74 m a.s.l.

Landforms (hill slopes): On the slopes of sand dunes of 18-20 m in height at an angle of 0-60%

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 depth on average: Soil horizon on the sands is virtually absent

Soil fertility is low, but using certain farming practices can ensure a good harvest of crop

Soil drainage / infiltration is good because of sandy soils

Soil water storage capacity is low and only enough for desert vegetation

5.4 Water availability and quality

Comments and further specifications on water quality and quantity:

Ground water table: Water table is located at a depth of 18-25m

Availability of surface water: Surface water remains on takyrs after rainfall. Rainfall takes place in the winter and spring. Runoff is absent in summer and autumn

Water quality (untreated): In winter and spring, the surface rain water is used for drinking purposes of both people and animals. Wells with a salinity level of 4-8 g/l are used year round for watering the animals only. Water with a salinity higher than 8 g/l is used in winter or diluted with fresh water.

5.5 Biodiversity

Comments and further specifications on biodiversity:

There are about 200 species of vascular plants in the research area

5.6 Characteristics of land users applying the Technology

Indicate other relevant characteristics of the land users:

Land users applying the Technology are mainly common / average land users

Difference in the involvement of women and men: Women have traditionally engaged in keeping the household (animal care, housework and work on the household plot). Women's labor is used for planting and packing the reed

Population density: < 10 persons/km2

Annual population growth: 2% - 3%

100% of the land users are average wealthy.

Off-farm income specification: 10-20% of the Daikhan Association’s members work outside the DA, they bring about 30-50% of the money coming into the family budget

Market orientation of production system: Also Daikhan association, which is a state-owned livestock farm in the Central Karakum. Only arable land on some household plots is cultivated. The village is supplied with water from a 90 km water pipe. A private farm is able to provide for its own needs and can carry out commercial sales.

The area where the work on sand stabilization has been carried out is located on the former pasture lands in the vicinity of Bokurdak village, the administrative center of the “Karakum” Daikhan Association (DA). All animals of the DA are grazed on desert pastures year-round. State-owned animals, 25,090 sheep and 2,329 camels, are grazed at the Daikhan Association’s land. Along with the state-owned cattle, there are private cattle grazed on this land. There are 63,863 privately-owned sheep and 5,909 privately-owned. Currently, there are a total of 88 953 sheep and 8238 camels grazing on the DA’s land. The total area of the DA’s pastures is 845 531 ha. All pastures are owned by the state. The state-owned livestock is leased by farmers. Usually, 1 or 2 farmers get a pasture plot and a well within the boundaries of DA with the leased animals. Farmers do not pay for pastures and wells. The administration of the DA pays the farmers for livestock management by giving them 50% of the total offspring in the herd. If the water in a well is not too salty the animals graze year-round on the pasture. If the water in a well is very salty farmers graze animals only in winter and spring, and they drive cattle closer to the wells with less mineralized water. All farmers have houses in the villages. Each private household has a certain pasture plot (which is not legally assigned to them) and there they graze on average 150-250 sheep and 5-7 camels. Privately-owned cattle is grazed on the pastures around the villages and in the areas around wells, from which the state-owned animals moved to the summer and autumn pastures, and also on unwatered pastures with no wells. For this purpose, each farmer has a vehicle (water carrier) to bring water to the herd. The government does not limit the number of animals owned by farmers. Taxes on animals and fees for pastures are not collected.

5.7 Average area of land used by land users applying the Technology

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

Land ownership:

• state

• Государственная земля выделена дайханскому объединению (д/о)

Land use rights:

• leased

• State land is allocated to the Daikhan (Farmers’) Association (DA)

• State land is allocated to the Daikhan (Farmers’) Association (DA)

Comments:

The Daikhan Association (DA) is engaged in livestock breeding. The state-owned animals are leased to farmers. The tenants can get a well and a pasture plot on the desert pastures within the boundaries of the DA land. No fees are charged for pastures and wells

5.9 Access to services and infrastructure

6.1 On-site impacts the Technology has shown

Socio-economic impacts

Production

Income and costs

Other socio-economic impacts

Socio-cultural impacts

Ecological impacts

Biodiversity: vegetation, animals

Climate and disaster risk reduction

Other ecological impacts

6.2 Off-site impacts the Technology has shown

6.3 Exposure and sensitivity of the Technology to gradual climate change and climate-related extremes/ disasters (as perceived by land users)

Gradual climate change

Gradual climate change

	Season	increase or decrease	How does the Technology cope with it?
annual temperature		increase	well

Climate-related extremes (disasters)

Meteorological disasters

	How does the Technology cope with it?
local rainstorm	well
local windstorm	well

Climatological disasters

	How does the Technology cope with it?
drought	well

Hydrological disasters

	How does the Technology cope with it?
general (river) flood	not known

Other climate-related consequences

Other climate-related consequences

	How does the Technology cope with it?
reduced growing period	well

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)?

Comments:

In the short term, shifting of sand dunes to farms has been ceased. In the long term, the pasture vegetation has grown on barkhans and is already able to recover. When properly used, the vegetation can serve for many years.

6.5 Adoption of the Technology

• > 50%

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

10 households covering 100 percent of stated area

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

• 0-10%

Comments:

10 land user families have adopted the Technology with external material support

Comments on acceptance with external material support: Not only 10 families in the immediate vicinity of the area threatened by sand dunes have benefited from the measures implemented, but also the farms located in 200-300 m from the site, as well as the hospital with its outbuildings

There is a little trend towards spontaneous adoption of the Technology

Comments on adoption trend: Implementation of the technology is expensive; therefore people jointly apply it in desperate cases, for example, to protect their own houses in the outskirts of settlements, schools, hospitals, roads between settlements

6.7 Strengths/ advantages/ opportunities of the Technology

Strengths/ advantages/ opportunities in the land user’s view
Barkhan sands do not come close to the houses and backyards How can they be sustained / enhanced? We protect our territory. If we would receive assistance from the state, we could extend the territory, because it has a positive effect not only on our house, but on the whole village
Today, the road that runs along the site from the village to our houses is not covered with sand How can they be sustained / enhanced? At the moment, the young families took plots for home construction along the plantations, where the road passes, since this area is safe from the sand. They limit the grazing of animals themselves
We graze 3 to 5 sheep at the site for our own needs; they are taken from the pastures located deep in the desert How can they be sustained / enhanced? I do my best to prevent sheep from hindering the self-restoration of vegetation, and think of opportunities to expand my territory

Strengths/ advantages/ opportunities in the compiler’s or other key resource person’s view
Using this technology on exposed sand dunes in the immediate vicinity of the household creates sites usable as pastures How can they be sustained / enhanced? Incredible as it may seem, but if the sites located on the sand dunes near the households would be handed over to the farmers for their personal use, they would learn the above described technology by themselves, but for this we need a law on pastures, that would specify the approach to degraded pastures
In 2-3 years, the vegetation planted on the sand dunes could be used for harvesting the seeds How can they be sustained / enhanced? It will also enable farmers to harvest the seeds on their plots and sell them to interested organizations. But we should remember that the seeds are often eaten by animals and this complicates their harvesting
The sand dunes are moving at a speed of 5-6 m per year. Stabilizing and planting eliminate the transfer and movement of sand and the threat of covering houses and other facilities with sand How can they be sustained / enhanced? The farmers should be motivated not by prohibiting grazing on this site, but by its proper use (one can keep few sheep for personal needs, but grazing should follow all agreed rules). The farmers will get a double benefit: they will graze animals to supplement their diet and prevent the threat of covering the household with sand
The wind speed is reduced by 20-25% in the areas protected by the vegetation planted on the dunes. Reduced transport of dust in the air improves the living conditions in the houses and has a positive impact on people's health How can they be sustained / enhanced? To expand and strengthen these positions it should be demonstrated to other farmers how this technology creates a comfortable environment. The people will understand that a neighbor's living conditions are better, and that the neighbor not only ensures the safety of his house against the sand, but also uses pastures and receives income

6.8 Weaknesses/ disadvantages/ risks of the Technology and ways of overcoming them

Weaknesses/ disadvantages/ risks in the land user’s view	How can they be overcome?
The technology is expensive	The state provides funds to cover the costs of materials for the land user
If the land user stabilizes the sand near his house, but the neighbors (neighbors can be different) allow their cattle to graze on this territory (land is owned by the state), then the farmer has no mechanisms to protect the territory from the animals coming from outside	Transfer the land to private hands (the right of ownership or lease). Then the land users will take advantage of applying this technology on a large scale, because a small pasture area near the household is only convenient for keeping a few animals (weak and sick) for their personal use

Weaknesses/ disadvantages/ risks in the compiler’s or other key resource person’s view	How can they be overcome?
The technology of stabilizing sand with mechanical sand dune fixation means made of plant material and with planting shrubs on them is costly	The state finances such a technology when constructing the roads, railways and gas pipelines in the desert. Currently, the Uchadzhi village is being improved in Karakum desert, where the government finances this technology. Similar programs should be developed in the future for all villages in the desert. This provides the village with a reduction in fixed costs to clear the roads, farm buildings, schools and medical facilities of sand
There is no law on pastures	A draft law is under consideration by the Cabinet of Ministers

7.1 Methods/ sources of information

7.2 References to available publications

Title, author, year, ISBN:

B.K. Mamedov, A. Arnageldyev et al. Participation of local communities in combating land degradation in the Karakum Desert. Ashgabat, Ylym, 2006, p.98

Available from where? Costs?

National Institute of Deserts, Flora and Fauna of the Ministry of Nature, Library of the Academy of Sciences of Turkmenistan