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)

Soil protection and rehabilitation for food security (ProSo(i)l)

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

Deutsche Gesellschaft für Internationale Zusammenarbeit (GIZ)

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:

Cajanus cajan, commonly known as pigeon pea, is a perennial shrub legume that thrives in nutrient-deficient soils and exhibits resilience to water scarcity. Cultivating pigeon pea contributes to the rejuvenation of impoverished soils through fixing atmospheric nitrogen and its leaf litter, while concurrently yielding food, fodder, and fuelwood.

2.2 Detailed description of the Technology

Description:

Cajanus cajan, commonly known as pigeon pea, is a perennial shrub legume that thrives in nutrient-deficient soils and exhibits resilience to water scarcity. Pigeon pea can be grown on depleted or infertile soils, both on gently sloping plots and in non-flooded lowlands. Sowing takes place at the onset of the rainy season. If the farmer's priority is to restore soil fertility, the recommended plant spacing is 50 cm within and between rows, with two seeds per seed hole, totalling 20 kg of seed per hectare. If the adopter wishes to harvest the maximum number of seeds for consumption, it is recommended to increase the spacing between rows to 1m, resulting in a seed quantity of 10 kg/ha. In both cases, it is advisable to sow the plants in staggered rows and conduct weeding around the seedlings at the initial stages of cultivation.
At the start of the second rainy season, the plants are pruned to a height of 40 cm, and the prunings are spread on the ground or partly used for animal feed. The wood collected can also be used as firewood. If the biomass is well developed, every other row can be cut to increase seed production. From the third year onwards, it is generally possible to thin the mini-forest further and reintroduce low-demand crops such as cassava.

One of the advantages of this technology is the restoration of soil fertility. Being a legume, pigeon pea fixes nitrogen from the atmosphere. Furthermore, through the extensive burrowing of taproots, essential mineral elements are retrieved from deep within the soil and brought back to the surface in the form of abundant litter. This process promotes the revival of biological activity in the soil. Pigeon pea cover also curbs surface erosion. With this technology, it is possible to produce edible seeds, animal fodder and firewood.

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

Indicate year of implementation:

2020

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
• create beneficial economic impact

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

Land use mixed within the same land unit:

No

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)

Land use mixed within the same land unit:

No

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

• rotational systems (crop rotation, fallows, shifting cultivation)
• improved ground/ vegetation cover
• integrated soil fertility management

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

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):

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

	Activity	Timing (season)
1.	Weeding of the field	September-October
2.	Soil plowing (plow + harrow)	November-December
3.	Seeding	December-January

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	Weeding of the field	man-days	10.0	7500.0	75000.0	100.0
Labour	Seeding	man-days	20.0	7500.0	150000.0	100.0
Equipment	Soil plowing (plow + harrow)	animal traction	6.0	25000.0	150000.0	100.0
Equipment	Machete	Number	4.0	15000.0	60000.0	100.0
Plant material	Pigeon pea seeds	kg	20.0	4000.0	80000.0
Total costs for establishment of the Technology					515000.0
Total costs for establishment of the Technology in USD					119.77

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

GIZ ProSol Madagascar

4.5 Maintenance/ recurrent activities

	Activity	Timing/ frequency
1.	Trimming/cutting	Once a year in December or January

Comments:

Weeding is optional when pigeon pea is grown for soil restoration purposes.

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	Trimming/cutting	man-days	4.0	7500.0	30000.0	100.0
Total costs for maintenance of the Technology					30000.0
Total costs for maintenance of the Technology in USD					6.98

4.7 Most important factors affecting the costs

Describe the most determinate factors affecting the costs:

Labour for implementation

5.1 Climate

5.2 Topography

Indicate if the Technology is specifically applied in:

• not relevant

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:

This region boasts a diverse array of plant and animal species, with some being native. However, this biodiversity is relatively moderate when compared to other parts of the island. 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

Biodiversity: vegetation, animals

Specify assessment of on-site impacts (measurements):

These are estimates provided by the farmers.

6.2 Off-site impacts the Technology has shown

Specify assessment of off-site impacts (measurements):

These are estimates provided 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)

Gradual climate change

Gradual climate change

	Season	increase or decrease	How does the Technology cope with it?
annual temperature		increase	not well
annual rainfall		decrease	moderately

Climate-related extremes (disasters)

Meteorological disasters

	How does the Technology cope with it?
tropical storm	moderately

Biological disasters

	How does the Technology cope with it?
insect/ worm infestation	not 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)?

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

Strengths/ advantages/ opportunities in the land user’s view
The soil is regenerated and partially protected against surface water and wind erosion. Crop production increases after the pigeon pea crop has been removed from the plot.
Additional income generated by seed sales. Part of the production is also food and firewood for farmers.

Strengths/ advantages/ opportunities in the compiler’s or other key resource person’s view
With respect to soil restoration, no treatment is necessary and the amount of work required is minimal.
Once implemented, there is no need to work on the plot for 2 to 3 years, except to harvest peas and wood.

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?
Certain individuals remain unconvinced about the advantages of technology, leading to a sense of discouragement.	Increased practice and awareness

Weaknesses/ disadvantages/ risks in the compiler’s or other key resource person’s view	How can they be overcome?
Pigeon pea cultivation is fairly vulnerable to insects, which cause damage on the pods.	Apply efficient treatments (which is time consuming, expensive and deterimental to the environment if they are pesticides). Ensure there is a fair distance between the pigeon pea cultivation areas and avoid the legume cropping areas.
At present, there are no significant commercial avenues for this crop. Consequently, farmers predominantly cultivate pigeon peas for self-consumption, restricting their ability to engage in large-scale cultivation.	Focus on promoting and marketing this species to transform it into a potential source of supplementary income.

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, 2020, Poster "Pois d’Angole"

Available from where? Costs?

GIZ ProSol Madagascar

Title, author, year, ISBN:

GIZ ProSol Benin, 2018, "Manuel de l’agriculteur"

Available from where? Costs?

GIZ ProSol Benin

Title, author, year, ISBN:

GRET, 2015, "Pratiques agroécologiques et agroforestières en zone tropicale humide", Fiche N°7 Jachère améliorée

Available from where? Costs?

https://gret.org/publication/pratiques-agroecologiques-et-agroforestieres-en-zone-tropicale-humide/