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)

Scaling-up SLM practices by smallholder farmers (IFAD)

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

Royal University of Agriculture (RUA) - Cambodia

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

1.4 Declaration on sustainability of the described Technology

Is the Technology described here problematic with regard to land degradation, so that it cannot be declared a sustainable land management technology?

No

2.1 Short description of the Technology

Definition of the Technology:

The rotational intercropping of vegetables between mango trees is a form of agroforestry. The technique aims to bear yield and income to the farmers when the trees do not bear fruit at young stage. Further purposes are the permanent soil cover which impede weed growth, reduces evaporation and soil erosion, and finally, in combination with drip irrigation it supports the adaptation to climate change.

2.2 Detailed description of the Technology

Description:

Agroforestry is the practice of cultivating cash crops and/or the rearing of livestock on a plot of land together with growing trees such as fruit trees, coco trees, bamboo or other trees so as to improve agricultural output and gain other benefits (MoE et al., 2016). Agroforestry plays a vital role in providing ecological and economic benefits which include the harvest of timber and cash crops, improved soil fertility, reduced chemical fertilizer and pesticide input, reduced cost, better adaptation to climate change (MoE et al., 2016), as well as a reduced risk of crop failure (FA and DANIDA, 2005).

Mr. Hour is one of the farmers who shifted from monoculture to agroforestry. He is living with his family at Saob Krom Village, Saob Commune, Preaek Prasab District, Kratié Province (the northeastern province of Cambodia). On a hillside plot of 2100 square meters he has 135 mango trees planted in 9 rows with a space of 4 meters between each row and each tree. A number of different cash crops are intercropped in rotation between the rows of the mango trees which include amongst others: cucumbers, morning glory, cabbages and lettuce. The mango trees are cultivated after the land has been plowed and allowed to dry for 15 days. A dimension 0.5 meter of four-size hole with 0.5 meter deep is dug for each tree into which a 2 to 3kg mixture of cow manure, husk rice and bran that has been allowed to mature for 15 days is added. The farmer makes use of a drip irrigation system which extends to each tree and runs along the rows of the cash crops. The vegetable rows are prepared according to the season, as in the dry season ridge of the rows are 10 cm and in the rainy season they are 20 cm so as to prevent the vegetables being damaged by excessive amounts of water. Moreover, this technique does not cost much and generates income when the long-term crop is not yet ready to bear fruit. Additionally there are no negative impacts on the environment because the farmer applies liquid compost and bio-extract pesticide that he has produced on his own. The liquid compost is made up of a mixture of fish residue, bran and palm sugar mixed with water, which is then allowed to mature for around 15 days before it can be used. Meanwhile, the bio-pesticide is extracted from strong-smelling and bitter trees such as strychnine plants, yellow cheesewood, neem, boraphed and galangal. The materials are chopped into small pieces and mixed with palm sugar and water, which is then allowed to settle for at least 15 days before it is ready to be applied. In order to spray the crops, a liter of the liquid pesticide should be mixed with 25 liters of water.

All in all, this form of agroforestry brings a wide range of benefits. With this system, the farmer is able to generate an income from the different cash crops which can be harvested in both dry and rainy seasons especially in the first three years of the mango tree’s life when they are still unproductive. It therefore helps to reduce the financial burden of running the whole farm. This technique also helps to regulate the local micro-climate with the shade provided by the mango trees, reduces evaporation and soil erosion, as well as adapts to drought conditions that have been brought on by climate change. Moreover, this practice avoids leaving a space between the trees that would otherwise enable the growth of unwanted weeds, which could also become a habitat for insects and the outbreak of diseases that lead to economic loss.

At first sight it may be a disadvantage that at the beginning the farmer has to raise a lot of money in order to install the drip irrigation system for example. However, once installed the system can last for many years which reduces labor costs related to irrigation. Regarding the cash crops the farmer also faces the challenge of unstable market prices. But if the prices are good and stable, the farmer is able to generate substantial income to improve the family’s livelihood. Therefore, the institutions in charge need to take into account the market forces, too.

2.3 Photos of the Technology

2.4 Videos 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

Indicate year of implementation:

2015

2.7 Introduction of the Technology

Specify how the Technology was introduced:

• through projects/ external interventions

Comments (type of project, etc.):

Technical Assistance from Agriculture Services Programme for Innovation, Resilience and Extension (ASPIRE)

3.1 Main purpose(s) of the Technology

• improve production
• create beneficial economic impact

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

Land use mixed within the same land unit:

Yes

Specify mixed land use (crops/ grazing/ trees):

• Agroforestry

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:

Before it was degraded forest land with low fertility.

3.4 Water supply

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

• mixed rainfed-irrigated

Comments:

Using water from Sre Ngeat dam near the farm.

3.5 SLM group to which the Technology belongs

• rotational systems (crop rotation, fallows, shifting cultivation)
• improved ground/ vegetation cover
• irrigation management (incl. water supply, drainage)

3.6 SLM measures comprising the Technology

3.7 Main types of land degradation addressed by the Technology

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:

Against seasonal water he can cultivate crops that help prevent excessive surface run off.
Before it was severely degraded forest land.

4.1 Technical drawing of the Technology

4.2 General information regarding the calculation of inputs and costs

Specify how costs and inputs were calculated:

• per Technology area

other/ national currency (specify):

Riel

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

4000.0

4.3 Establishment activities

	Activity	Timing (season)
1.	Plow and dry the land	April
2.	Mango nursery	April
3.	Dig holes, prepare pipe system	April
4.	Prepare biotic pesticide and fertilizer	April
5.	Mango plantation	April
6.	Prepare soil and ridge of the rows for vegetable	April

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	Plowing and raking	person-day	3.0	20000.0	60000.0	100.0
Labour	Digging the holes	person-day	5.4	20000.0	108000.0	100.0
Equipment	Drip irrigation system	Set	1.0	800000.0	800000.0	100.0
Equipment	Filter	piece	1.0	120000.0	120000.0	100.0
Equipment	Spade	piece	2.0	15000.0	30000.0	100.0
Equipment	Two-wheel tractor	piece	1.0	4800000.0	4800000.0	100.0
Plant material	Mango trees	trees	135.0	5000.0	675000.0	100.0
Fertilizers and biocides	Fish fertilizer	Liter	200.0	300.0	60000.0	100.0
Construction material	Net	Piece	18.0	15000.0	270000.0	100.0
Construction material	Bamboo trellising	Total	1.0	100000.0	100000.0	100.0
Total costs for establishment of the Technology					7023000.0
Total costs for establishment of the Technology in USD					1755.75

Comments:

Regarding the cost item “Digging the holes”, the farmer indicated cost of 800 Riel for one hole (800*135 holes = 108000). In the table these costs are indicated in person-days.

4.5 Maintenance/ recurrent activities

	Activity	Timing/ frequency
1.	Vegetable nursery	April
2.	Vegetable transplanting	April
3.	Do the trellising	April
4.	Weeding	First 10 days
5.	Spray biotic pesticide	When pest existing
6.	Changing pipes	When broken

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	Prepare soil and ridge of the rows for vegetable	person-day	3.0	20000.0	60000.0	100.0
Labour	Vegetable transplanting	person-day	2.0	20000.0	40000.0	100.0
Labour	Weeding	person-day	9.0	20000.0	180000.0	100.0
Labour	Spray biotic pesticide	person-day	1.0	20000.0	20000.0	100.0
Equipment	Pipe	Piece	3.0	100000.0	300000.0	100.0
Plant material	Cucumber seed	pack	4.0	10000.0	40000.0	100.0
Plant material	Long bean	pack	1.0	3500.0	3500.0	100.0
Fertilizers and biocides	Bio-pesticide	liter	20.0	2000.0	40000.0	100.0
Other	Changing pipes	person-day	1.0	20000.0	20000.0	100.0
Total costs for maintenance of the Technology					703500.0
Total costs for maintenance of the Technology in USD					175.88

If land user bore less than 100% of costs, indicate who covered the remaining costs:

N/A

Comments:

Maintenance activities for the vegetable costs are calculated only for 3 months, as it depends the on crop's life cycle.

4.7 Most important factors affecting the costs

Describe the most determinate factors affecting the costs:

The costs for the pipe system are high.

5.1 Climate

5.2 Topography

Indicate if the Technology is specifically applied in:

• not relevant

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.

The soil contains a lot of gravel and sand.

5.4 Water availability and quality

Is water salinity a problem?

No

Is flooding of the area occurring?

No

Comments and further specifications on water quality and quantity:

Receive water from the nearby natural stream.

5.5 Biodiversity

5.6 Characteristics of land users applying the Technology

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:

• individual, titled

• Clear degraded forest

Land use rights:

• individual

Water use rights:

• individual

5.9 Access to services and infrastructure

6.1 On-site impacts the Technology has shown

Socio-economic impacts

Production

Income and costs

Socio-cultural impacts

Ecological impacts

Soil

Biodiversity: vegetation, animals

6.2 Off-site impacts the Technology has shown

Specify assessment of off-site impacts (measurements):

There are no noticeable off-site impacts.

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
seasonal temperature	wet/ rainy season	increase	well
seasonal temperature	dry season	increase	well
annual rainfall		decrease	moderately
seasonal rainfall	wet/ rainy season	increase	well
other gradual climate change	The rain is changed because it doesn't rain until July.

Climate-related extremes (disasters)

Meteorological disasters

	How does the Technology cope with it?
local rainstorm	moderately

Climatological disasters

	How does the Technology cope with it?
heatwave	not well
cold wave	well
extreme winter conditions	moderately

Biological disasters

	How does the Technology cope with it?
epidemic diseases	well
insect/ worm infestation	well

Other climate-related consequences

Other climate-related consequences

	How does the Technology cope with it?
There is no problems because it has water sources and irrigation systems.

Comments:

There is no problems because it has water sources and irrigation systems.

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

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

• 91-100%

Comments:

Because not much maintenance labour is required.

6.6 Adaptation

Has the Technology been modified recently to adapt to changing conditions?

No

6.7 Strengths/ advantages/ opportunities of the Technology

Strengths/ advantages/ opportunities in the land user’s view
Less labor is required due to the use of the drip irrigation system.
Various products which makes it easier to respond to the demands of the market.
Efficient use of land which does not allow grass growing.

Strengths/ advantages/ opportunities in the compiler’s or other key resource person’s view
Less labor is required because the drip irrigation system is used to water the crops and to apply fertilizer.
An environmentally friendly technology without any use of machines and in consequence fuel for irrigation by using ram pump.
A good soil management technique that enables interactive benefits among crops and trees.
Improves the soil's fertility as various cover crops are rotated.

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?
Lack of financial capital.	Access funds from micro finance firms at low interest rate, or supports from project and the state.
Unstable market price.	Forming farmer groups and seek for support from NGOs and/or institutions in charge.
Cover a large expense at the beginning in order to install the drip irrigation system.	Susidies from projects, relevant NGOs and government.

Weaknesses/ disadvantages/ risks in the compiler’s or other key resource person’s view	How can they be overcome?
When mango trees growth up and branches spread out, he could not plant anymore these kinds of vegetable (cucumber, morning glory, etc), as they need light.	Plant other crops that do not need much light and are resistant to shade.

7.1 Methods/ sources of information

7.2 References to available publications

Title, author, year, ISBN:

Yang S. and Pean S. (2012) Organic fertilizer: Technology principle and farmer experiences. Cambodian Center for Study and Development in Agriculture: Phnom Penh. (In Khmer)

Available from where? Costs?

CEDAC and price is about 10000riel

Title, author, year, ISBN:

FA and DANIDA (2005). Guidelines for Site Selection and Tree Planting in Cambodia. Forestry Administration. Retrieved on May 15 2017 from

Available from where? Costs?

http://treeseedfa.org/guidelines_site_eng.htm

Title, author, year, ISBN:

MoE, Adaptation Fund and UNEP (2016). Agroforestry System: “Enhancing Climate Change Resilience of Rural Communities Living in Protected Areas in Cambodia”. Ministry of Environment.