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)

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

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:

Fascines are check dams made of vegetative material installed in gullies to reduce erosion.

2.2 Detailed description of the Technology

Description:

Grass strips formed from Barachiaria sp. are spaced at regular intervals along contour lines. This system is applied on gently to moderately sloping land (tanety) and is not suitable for steeply sloping plots. It can be used by all farmers, especially those with cattle, as it provides good quality forage. To ensure successful implementation, plots must be protected from livestock.
Ploughing is typically carried out in the dry season or at the onset of the rainy season. Land is either ploughed approximately across the slope, or by following contours where these have been marked out. In the latter case, contour lines should be surveyed at intervals of around 20 metres (or less), using stakes as landmarks during ploughing. Where grass strips have been established, ploughing is carried out parallel with these.
Brachiaria splits are planted in staggered lines along the contours. Alternatively seeds are used. This step is carried out at the start of the rainy season (December). The strips need to be protected against livestock throughout. These strips are left in place during the dry season, without burning or weeding. Over time, the plots evolve naturally into terraces.
This technology protects the soil against erosion by reducing runoff and increasing infiltration. It also helps maintain soil fertility, resulting in higher crop yields. Brachiaria provides excellent fodder for cattle and the strips become biodiverse. These plants are also relatively resilient to fire, maintaining their greenery even in the dry season. They can be a source of high-quality green matter for the manufacture of compost (especially “basket compost”). From a practical standpoint, they have a high cost/benefit ratio, requiring minimal maintenance. After the initial year, no resowing is necessary; the grass strips can endure for several years. Despite their merits, these strips have not been widely adopted, possibly due to limited awareness or a lack of Brachiaria cuttings among some farmers.

2.3 Photos of the Technology

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

Country:

Madagascar

Region/ State/ Province:

Boeny

Further specification of location:

Ambalakida, Marovoay Banlieue, Tsaramandroso, Manerinerina

Specify the spread of the Technology:

• applied at specific points/ concentrated on a small area

Is/are the technology site(s) located in a permanently protected area?

No

Map

×

2.6 Date of implementation

Indicate year of implementation:

2021

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.):

GIZ ProSoil Madagascar

3.1 Main purpose(s) of the Technology

• improve production
• reduce, prevent, restore land degradation
• protect a watershed/ downstream areas – in combination with other Technologies
• reduce risk of disasters

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

Land use mixed within the same land unit:

No

Cropland

• Annual cropping
• Perennial (non-woody) cropping

Annual cropping - Specify crops:

• cereals - maize
• legumes and pulses - beans
• legumes and pulses - peas
• oilseed crops - groundnuts
• root/tuber crops - cassava

• Cowpea, Mucuna

Perennial (non-woody) cropping - Specify crops:

• fodder crops - grasses

• Brachiaria, Vetiver

Number of growing seasons per year:

• 1

Is intercropping practiced?

Yes

If yes, specify which crops are intercropped:

Maize and peanuts
Maize and cowpeas

Is crop rotation practiced?

Yes

If yes, specify:

For Year N: combination of cereals and legumes or oilseeds. For Year N+1: maize. Year n+2: mucuna, and so on.

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

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

• No (Continue with question 3.4)

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

• improved ground/ vegetation cover
• cross-slope measure

3.6 SLM measures comprising the Technology

vegetative measures

• V2: Grasses and perennial herbaceous plants

structural measures

• S2: Bunds, banks
• S11: Others

3.7 Main types of land degradation addressed by the Technology

soil erosion by water

• Wt: loss of topsoil/ surface erosion
• Wg: gully erosion/ gullying

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

4.1 Technical drawing of the Technology

Technical specifications (related to technical drawing):

Stakes should be driven 2/3 of the way into the ground and 1/3 above the surface. They are spaced 50 cm apart and intertwined with branches and plant debris. The height of the fascine should not exceed the depth of the gully.

Author:

GIZ ProSoil Madagascar, GSDM

Date:

05/19/2022

Technical specifications (related to technical drawing):

Where two fascines are installed in succession, the vertical interval between them should be 50 to 70 cm, depending on the inclination of the slope, and they should be installed from upstream to downstream.

Author:

GIZ ProSoil Madagascar, GSDM

Date:

05/19/2022

4.2 General information regarding the calculation of inputs and costs

Specify how costs and inputs were calculated:

• per Technology unit

other/ national currency (specify):

ariary

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

4300.0

4.3 Establishment activities

4.4 Costs and inputs needed for establishment

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

man-days

Comments:

The costs mentioned are related to the installation of a fascine 5 m long and 25 cm high.

4.5 Maintenance/ recurrent activities

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

Comments:

Surveillance and maintenance are performed entirely by the farmers.

4.7 Most important factors affecting the costs

Describe the most determinate factors affecting the costs:

Labor for installation and maintenance

5.1 Climate

5.2 Topography

Indicate if the Technology is specifically applied in:

• concave situations

5.3 Soils

5.4 Water availability and quality

Is water salinity a problem?

No

Is flooding of the area occurring?

No

5.5 Biodiversity

Comments and further specifications on biodiversity:

The region boasts a wide array of plant and animal species, some of which are native to the region. Using fascines fosters the development of pedofauna, due to the accumulation of plant debris, which provides a food source for this fauna. In terms of habitats, approximately 20% of the region comprises suitable environments for supporting this biodiversity, including forests, water bodies, mangroves, and more, although this percentage remains relatively low.

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, not titled
• individual, titled

Land use rights:

• individual

Water use rights:

• open access (unorganized)

Are land use rights based on a traditional legal system?

Yes

Specify:

The lands are owned by those taking care of them.

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

Water cycle/ runoff

Soil

Climate and disaster risk reduction

Specify assessment of on-site impacts (measurements):

These are estimates provided by the users interviewed.

6.2 Off-site impacts the Technology has shown

Specify assessment of off-site impacts (measurements):

These are estimates by the farmers.

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

Climate-related extremes (disasters)

Meteorological disasters

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

6.6 Adaptation

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

No

6.7 Strengths/ advantages/ opportunities of the Technology

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

7.1 Methods/ sources of information

7.2 References to available publications

Title, author, year, ISBN:

Région Boeny, 2016, "Schéma Régional d’Aménagement du Territoire de la Région Boeny"

Available from where? Costs?

Boeny Region Hotel

Title, author, year, ISBN:

GIZ ProSol Madagascar, 2022, "Livret des Paysans Relais"

Available from where? Costs?

GIZ ProSol Madagascar

Title, author, year, ISBN:

GIZ ProSol Madagascar, 2022, Poster "Fascines et cordon de paille"

Available from where? Costs?

GIZ ProSol Madagascar

Title, author, year, ISBN:

Raharinaivo S., 2008, "Les techniques de correction des ravines et de stabilisations des Lavaka" tirés des acquis du PLAE Marovoay

Available from where? Costs?

https://wocatpedia.net/images/d/d9/Solofo_Raharinaivo_%282008%29_-_Les_techniques_de_Correction_des_ravines_et_de_Stabilisation_des_Lavaka_.pdf

7.3 Links to relevant online information

Title/ description:

Les Fascines (Fiche technique, Hydraulique douce)

URL:

https://marne.chambre-agriculture.fr/fileadmin/user_upload/National/FAL_commun/publications/Grand-Est/51-Fiche-hydraulique-douce-fascine.pdf