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)

Community-based sustainable land and forest management in Afghanistan

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

FAO Afghanistan (FAO Afghanistan) - Afghanistan

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

Comments:

The technology is sustainable and easily replicable by local communities.

2.1 Short description of the Technology

Definition of the Technology:

Artificial reseeding is a key method for restoring degraded rangelands. It involves reintroducing native, palatable fodder species to improve vegetation cover, soil health, and biodiversity. This process boosts forage for grazing animals, stabilizes soil, and helps combat desertification, enhancing ecosystem health and productivity.

2.2 Detailed description of the Technology

Description:

The Food and Agriculture Organization (FAO) project of “Community-based sustainable land and forest management in Afghanistan” aimed to conserve vegetation cover and ecosystems through introducing community-based sustainable land and forest management (SLM/SFM) practices in rangeland and forest areas within five targeted provinces, including Bamyan, that benefited rural communities that rely on these ecosystems for their livelihood. The project introduced an integrated, community-based approach of SLM/SFM in Afghanistan for promoting biodiversity conservation, climate change mitigation, and rangeland productivity.

To enhance rangeland productivity in Bamyan province, artificial reseeding of native, locally adapted, and drought-resistant fodder species plays a vital role in restoring health and productivity of the degraded rangeland ecosystem, improving soil quality, and increasing fodder availability for livestock, which contributed to local livelihoods and environmental resilience.

Communities carefully identify highly vulnerable and degraded rangelands for reseeding initiatives. These include previously rain-fed wheat fields cultivated for human consumption, overgrazed sites, and areas with restricted grazing to support vegetation recovery before reseeding. Attention is also given to areas prone to snow avalanches and flash floods causing landslides and soil erosion, which impact downstream residential areas, irrigation systems, trails, roads, and farmlands. These zones are prioritized and mutually agreed upon for reseeding and restoration efforts.

This reseeding local fodder species technology involves several key activities.

1.Identification of locally adapted drought-resistant and palatable fodder species by livestock owners and land users.
2.Identification of highly producing areas of selected fodder species to collect quality seeds.
3.Defer grazing and delay fodder harvest for the purpose of seed maturity in the targeted area.
4.Awareness raising about the maturity stages of different fodder species seeds: Through project intervention and awareness campaigns, rural residents have gained a better understanding of the seed ripening, collecting, and cultivation stages.
5.Collecting, drying, and storing seed: The fodder species’ seeds are collected manually by hand. These fodder species produce longer main stems with inflorescence and spikelets on the top at an average person's breast height. Collected seed is brought to the storing facility and laid out under sunlight for drying. Once seed reaches a certain moisture content, it's stored in a cool and dry place until the day of reseeding under the direct supervision of the rangeland management association (RMA).
6.Season of reseeding local fodder seed: Reseeding activities typically begin in the autumn season, just before the first snowfall. Seeds remain in the soil throughout the winter, allowing them to overcome dormancy and germinate in the spring of the following year. Local fodder species used for reseeding include various Fennel species and other plants traditionally relied upon for winter fodder. These include: Umbelliferae ferulus (Gheghu), Winklera silaifolia (Pali), Prangos sp. (Kami), Ferula sp. (Badran), Rheum spp. (Chukri), Koeleria cristata (Khola), a shrub locally known as Qarghna.
7.Method of Reseeding: The inter and intra-row space between seeding pits (max. 2-3 seeds in one pit) depends on the slope of the terrain, canopy of the fodder, and extent of vegetation cover. If the % slope of the terrain is increasing and canopy of planted species is small, then the space between two rows and two plants decreases and vice versa. Normally, the space between two rows is 1-1.5 m and two plants are about 40-60 cms apart. On the day of reseeding, some land users dig small pits using a hoe and shovel approximately five centimeters deep, followed by another person who puts seeds in the pit and covers the seed with soil using his own boot. The distance between pits is estimated through a person's step. One person reseeds 3.5 kgs of seed per working day. Roughly, a total of 15 kgs of fodder seed is needed for 1 ha of rangeland. It's worth mentioning that the quantity of seed per ha depends on the space between rows and plants and the size of the fodder seed itself.

The seeds are collected using the cash-for-work model. This served (i) to provide income support to poor, vulnerable men and women through short-term employment and (ii) to rehabilitate public assets (rangelands) that are vital for sustaining the livelihoods of livestock rearing. Both men and women-headed vulnerable households benefited from the cash-for-work program of seed collection. More importantly, these fodder species’ seeds are fresh, locally adapted, nutritious for livestock (help fatten livestock), available locally, and inexpensive compared to other types of fodder seed. The germination percentage of the seed and growth of the fodder is significantly high in the reseeded area.

Traditionally, rural communities knew that fodder crops grew from seeds; however, the main stems with inflorescences and spikelets were harvested before maturity and used as fuelwood for heating and cooking. Through awareness-raising campaigns and training workshops within the project, farmers were encouraged to leave the main stems intact for seed maturation, allowing for natural seed dispersal and seed collection for reseeding. The success of natural reseeding is limited compared to artificial reseeding due to several factors. In natural reseeding, seeds are often exposed and not covered by soil, making them vulnerable to environmental conditions. Moisture availability may also be insufficient for germination, and existing vegetation can compete with new growth. In contrast, artificial reseeding ensures that seeds are properly covered, protected, and placed in areas with optimal moisture, which increases the likelihood of successful germination and establishment. Recently, the demand for the local fodder seed has dramatically increased because many non-profit organizations and private businesses are purchasing these seeds. It created a new source of income for the rural communities.

Finally, the technology combines both traditional knowledge and scientific understanding, contributing to more effective restoration of the degraded rangeland ecosystem, improving soil health, and increasing fodder availability, which contributed to livelihood resilience and improvement.

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:

2021

2.7 Introduction of the Technology

Specify how the Technology was introduced:

• through projects/ external interventions

Comments (type of project, etc.):

The Food and Agriculture Organization's (FAO) project of “Community-based sustainable land and forest management in Afghanistan” is an environmental project funded by Global Environmental Facility (GEF) which focused on reducing land degradation, enhance biodiversity and climate change mitigation.

3.1 Main purpose(s) of the Technology

• improve production
• reduce, prevent, restore land degradation
• conserve ecosystem
• preserve/ improve biodiversity
• adapt to climate change/ extremes and its impacts

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

Land use mixed within the same land unit:

No

Comments:

It has been agreed among community members that, following the reseeding program, the area will be quarantined for at least 4-5 years. During this period, no grazing, shrub collection, or fodder harvesting will be allowed in order to enhance vegetation coverage.
The exact number of livestock in the reseeding area of the rangeland is currently unknown, as no formal count has been conducted. The numbers provided reflect an estimated count of livestock in the target districts of Yakawlang 1 and Punjab. The data was sourced from the Department of Livestock and Animal Health of the Provincial Directorate of Agriculture, Livestock, and Irrigation of Bamyan.

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:

Yes

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

• Agro-pastoralism (incl. integrated crop-livestock)

3.4 Water supply

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

• rainfed

Comments:

The rangeland is rainfed and experiences heavy snowfall during the winter season.

3.5 SLM group to which the Technology belongs

• area closure (stop use, support restoration)
• pastoralism and grazing land management
• improved ground/ vegetation cover

• rangeland restoration

3.6 SLM measures comprising the Technology

Comments:

The land is closed/rested for both natural and artificial vegetation to recover.

3.7 Main types of land degradation addressed by the Technology

Comments:

Reseeding of various fodder crops help control soil degradation by restoring plant cover, which stabilizes the soil and reduces erosion. Soil cover reduces loss of fertile soil and can increase soil organic matter that then can lead to improved fertility.

3.8 Prevention, reduction, or restoration of land degradation

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

• prevent land degradation
• restore/ rehabilitate severely degraded land

Comments:

Reseeding technology helps restore degraded land by introducing vegetation that stabilizes soil, improves water retention, and prevents erosion. Once the land is restored, reseeding continues to prevent further degradation by maintaining protective vegetation that sustains soil health and reduces environmental pressures.

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):

AFN

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

69.0

4.3 Establishment activities

	Activity	Timing (season)
1.	Identification of locally adapted drought-resistant and palatable fodder species by livestock owners and land users.	April and May
2.	Identification of highly producing areas of selected fodder species for seed collection.	June and July
3.	Defer grazing and delay fodder harvest for the purpose of seed maturity in the targeted area.	June, July, August and September
4.	Awareness raising about the maturity stages of different fodder species seeds:	August and September
5.	Collecting, drying, and storing seed	September
6.	Sites identification for reseeding	September
7.	Mobilization of community members for reseeding campaign	September and October
8.	Reseeding: Transporting seed and agricultural tools to the area, preparation of field, digging planting pits, reseeding and covering the seed.	October and November
9.	Control grazing in the next growing season	April, May, June, July (following year)

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	Collecting of local fodder seed (Kami, Ghegho, Chukri, Khola, Badra, Qarghana)	person-days	5.0	350.0	1750.0
Labour	Drying and storing of local fodder seed	person-days	3.0	350.0	1050.0
Labour	Reseeding of local fodder seed in rangeland	person-days	8.0	350.0	2800.0	100.0
Equipment	Pit digging equipment i.e., shovel, hoe, pick mattock	no.	5.0	250.0	1250.0	100.0
Equipment	Plastic bags for collecting seed (reusable)	pieces	3.0	20.0	60.0	100.0
Total costs for establishment of the Technology					6910.0
Total costs for establishment of the Technology in USD					100.14

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

The cost of collecting the plant material is paid by the project under the cash-for-work intervention (110 AFN/kg))

Comments:

In reference to the agreement with the Rangeland Management Association, reseeding is voluntarily carried out by its members. Additionally, the necessary farming equipment for digging pits is provided by the members themselves.

4.5 Maintenance/ recurrent activities

	Activity	Timing/ frequency
1.	Control grazing and fodder harvesting	12 months/ annually
2.	Restrict cutting perennial shrubs for forage, firewood and their uprooting	12 months/ annually
3.	Reseeding is done in the pits where there was no germination.	Growing season/ once a year
4.	Conduct workshops and awareness raising for herders on SLM.	Growing season/ twice a year

Comments:

After reseeding, the area is closed off for 4-5 years to prevent grazing, fodder collection, and shrub harvesting or uprooting as firewood. Once the area has recovered, it will be sustainably used by harvesting one-third as fodder after it matures and the seeds have naturally dispersed.

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	Community members, acting as rangers, patrol the area to control grazing, fodder collection, and shrub harvesting	person-day	240.0	200.0	48000.0	100.0
Labour	Reseeding of pits where there was no germination.	person-day	2.0	350.0	700.0	100.0
Labour	Conduct awareness raising for herders on SLM.	no.	3.0	3000.0	9000.0
Total costs for maintenance of the Technology					57700.0
Total costs for maintenance of the Technology in USD					836.23

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

Once there is no cash for work from the project, the community still collects seeds, reseed some in reseeding area and the rest is sold in the open market depending on the demand.

Comments:

Patrolling reseeded rangeland to prevent grazing, fodder harvesting, and shrub collection is a critical step in sustainable rangeland management, particularly in regions like Bamyan, Afghanistan, where rangelands are vital for pastoralist livelihoods. The community selects one or two herders to monitor and manage land use for eight months each year, until livestock return to indoor barns for the winter season. Rangers are paid annually for patrolling the entire rangeland area, rather than by hectare, which makes it challenging to calculate the cost per hectare. The land is divided into different zones, including grazing areas during specific periods, rotational grazing zones, and restricted grazing areas such as reseeded land. Rangers are trained to enforce the agreed regulations and ensure compliance effectively.

4.7 Most important factors affecting the costs

Describe the most determinate factors affecting the costs:

The most important factors affecting the costs are the seed of local fodder types and their availability during the growing season, as well as the cost of rangers patrolling the technology area.

5.1 Climate

5.2 Topography

Indicate if the Technology is specifically applied in:

• not relevant

Comments and further specifications on topography:

Bamyan, located in Afghanistan's central highlands, is characterized by a mix of high mountain ranges, valleys, and plateaus. The Hindu Kush Mountain range 4,000 meters (13,100 feet) contributes to the region's cold climate and water source. The Bamyan Valley, known for its ancient Buddha statues, supports agricultural activities. High-altitude plateaus create grazing lands for pastoralist communities. The Kunduz River and seasonal streams sustain the region's water systems.

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 characteristics of Bamyan Province, as detailed by FAO's Afghanistan Soil Information System (AfSIS) and the FAO Soil Atlas of Afghanistan, indicate that the soils are predominantly loamy to sandy with varying organic content. They are slightly alkaline, with pH levels ranging from 7 to 8 in many areas. The topsoil is characterized by low organic matter content, typical of arid and semi-arid regions, and moderate cation exchange capacity. Nitrogen levels are low, necessitating careful management to ensure sustainable agricultural productivity. Salinity levels are generally low to moderate across most parts of the region.

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:

Water salinity does not appear to be a major problem in Bamyan Province. Most water sources, including those originating from snow and glacier melt, show good quality for drinking, with low to moderate salinity levels. However, localized issues such as high total dissolved solids (TDS) or electrical conductivity (EC) have been identified in certain areas, indicating potential salinity concerns, particularly for irrigation or drinking in specific contexts.

5.5 Biodiversity

Comments and further specifications on biodiversity:

The state of biodiversity in Bamyan Province varies across its ecosystems and is influenced by factors such as altitude, land use, and conservation measures. In protected areas such as Band-e-Amir National Park and Shah Foladi, which are rich in endemic plant species, wildlife species such as snow leopards, ibex, wolves, and a variety of bird species. Outside protected zones, biodiversity is under pressure due to overgrazing, hunting, unsustainable land use, and land degradation, which reduce the habitat quality for native plants and animals. Medicinal plant species, important for local use, are declining due to unsustainable harvesting practices. Overall, biodiversity in Bamyan's protected areas is better preserved than in unprotected regions.

5.6 Characteristics of land users applying the Technology

Indicate other relevant characteristics of the land users:

The main characteristics of land users in Bamyan Province are predominantly rural, with around 90% of the population engaged in agriculture, agroforestry, and livestock farming. These communities rely heavily on the rangelands for grazing, fuelwood, and other natural resources. The province is home to agro-pastoralists, where both crop farming and animal husbandry are integral to their livelihoods.

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:

• communal/ village

Land use rights:

• communal (organized)

Water use rights:

• communal (organized)
• individual

Are land use rights based on a traditional legal system?

Yes

Specify:

Customary systems (Jirgas and Shuras)

Comments:

Land use rights in Bamyan are governed by traditional legal systems, blending customary laws, Islamic Sharia, and state regulations. Customary practices such as Jirgas and Shuras, often mediated by local elders, dominate in rural areas but frequently conflict with state laws over issues like grazing rights and communal resources. These overlapping systems lead to disputes, particularly between nomadic and settled communities, with ongoing efforts to create a unified legal framework.

5.9 Access to services and infrastructure

Comments:

Access to services and infrastructure in Bamyan Province is limited due to its remote location and mountainous terrain. Basic services such as healthcare, education, and clean water are available but often insufficient, particularly in rural areas. Infrastructure like roads and electricity is underdeveloped.

6.1 On-site impacts the Technology has shown

Socio-economic impacts

Production

Water availability and quality

Income and costs

Socio-cultural impacts

Ecological impacts

Soil

Biodiversity: vegetation, animals

Climate and disaster risk reduction

6.2 Off-site impacts the Technology has shown

Specify assessment of off-site impacts (measurements):

The off-site impacts of reseeding local fodder seeds in degraded rangelands are measured through improvements in water infiltration, reduced soil erosion, expanded vegetation cover, enhanced biodiversity, and increased carbon sequestration. Social and economic benefits, such as higher incomes from fodder sales and reduced grazing pressure on communal resources, are assessed through community surveys.

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		decrease	well
annual rainfall		increase	well

Climate-related extremes (disasters)

Climatological disasters

	How does the Technology cope with it?
drought	moderately

Hydrological disasters

	How does the Technology cope with it?
flash flood	very well
landslide	very well
avalanche	very well

Comments:

Reseeding mitigates gradual climate change by sequestering CO₂, stabilizing soil, and improving water retention, while reducing the impacts of climate-related extremes like floods, droughts, and erosion by restoring ecosystems and enhancing local climate resilience.

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:

Reseeding Bamyan rangelands requires investment in seeds, labor, and maintenance, but provides long-term benefits like better vegetation, soil stability, and carbon sequestration. It improves grazing, reduces flood and erosion risks, and helps mitigate climate impacts. The ecological and economic gains outweigh the initial costs.

6.5 Adoption of the Technology

• 11-50%

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

• 0-10%

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
Enhances the availability of high-quality forage, leading to better livestock health and productivity.
Restores degraded land which increasing grazing rangeland area.
Alternative source of income through temporary employment.
It's easy to adopt and many pastoral communities have already replicated.
It requires locally available seeds, labor, and traditional knowledge, making it cost-effective and practical for communities to implement.
Community members choose palatable, nutritious and drought resistant fodder species which enhance their livestock production.

Strengths/ advantages/ opportunities in the compiler’s or other key resource person’s view
Reseeded areas help control soil erosion and improve soil fertility through vegetation cover.
Improved biodiversity through the reintroduction of native species.
Reseeding supports carbon sequestration and contributes to climate resilience and adaptation.
The technology involved local communities which ensures better understanding, ownership, replication and sustainability of the process.
Local or indigenous species used in reseeding are well-adapted to local conditions, increasing the likelihood of successful germination and growth.
Through training and awareness raising, now community members are allowing fodder to grow until seeds are fully mature ensures effective seed production (collection) and natural dispersal, aiding in rangeland regeneration and biodiversity improvement.
Alternative income through employment in local fodder seed collection and sales.

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?
Reseeding requires an initial investment in establishing a rangeland management association, seeds and labor.	By establishing RMA and mobilizing community members to contribute and seek funding from governments, NGOs, or international organizations.
Control grazing: Livestock grazing in reseeded areas can damage young plants, reducing effectiveness.	Require an agreement with community to control grazing in the area. Also, implement rotational grazing systems and fencing to protect reseeded areas until vegetation is established.
Benefits from reseeding take time to return, potentially discouraging land users seeking quick results.	Identify alternative grazing area. Provide short-term solution of supplemental feed to address immediate needs.

Weaknesses/ disadvantages/ risks in the compiler’s or other key resource person’s view	How can they be overcome?
Implementing reseeding may limit access to grazing lands temporarily, potentially causing disputes among land users, especially in areas with shared resources.	Agreement of all land users is required.
Reseeding success is highly dependent on favorable weather conditions. Drought or erratic rainfall can lead to poor germination and growth.	Explore the potential to integrate rainwater harvesting structures in future reseeding activities

7.1 Methods/ sources of information

7.2 References to available publications

Title, author, year, ISBN:

The Status of Forage Production in Afghanistan: Forage Options for Smallholder Livestock in Water-Scarce Environments of Afghanistan. Ates, S., Hassan, S., Soofizada, Q., Biradar, C., Esmati, H., & Louhaichi, M. (2018).

Available from where? Costs?

https://research.aciar.gov.au/aik-saath/sites/_co-lab.aciar.gov.au.aik-saath/files/2020-08/ICARDA%20forage%20Afghanistan_0.pdf

Title, author, year, ISBN:

FAO brings life to degraded rangeland thanks to GEF funding. FAO, 2022

Available from where? Costs?

https://www.fao.org/afghanistan/news/detail-events/en/c/1505486/

Title, author, year, ISBN:

Community-based Sustainable Land and Forest Management in Afghanistan,

Available from where? Costs?

https://www.thegef.org/projects-operations/projects/9285

Title, author, year, ISBN:

An introductory guide to sources of traditional fodder and forage and usage, Anthony Fitzherbert, 2014

Available from where? Costs?

https://www.acbar.org/upload/1493193872857.pdf

7.3 Links to relevant online information

Title/ description:

Rangeland rehabilitation measures reduces pressure on land, boosts household income and induces peace of mind

URL:

https://www.fao.org/afghanistan/news/detail-events/fr/c/1606232/

Title/ description:

Managing rangelands: promoting sustainable practices: Reseeding: a practical and costeffective technique that enhances ecological sustainability while strengthening system resilience

URL:

https://dspacetest.mel.cgiar.org/items/a8eee495-817c-4dfb-a737-90db7eb19378

Title/ description:

Reseeding improved soil and plant characteristics of degraded alfalfa (Medicago sativa) grassland in loess hilly plateau region, China

URL:

https://pdf.sciencedirectassets.com/271742/1-s2.0-S0925857423X00032/1-s2.0-S0925857423000423/main.pdf?X-Amz-Security-Token=IQoJb3JpZ2luX2VjEH4aCXVzLWVhc3QtMSJIMEYCIQD3T2VNZYEr3aSuPiqIB%2BrFarS8RQXlWNUJd9eV1MHa2wIhAOTmszFUNpOgWgs2rvkxfFWu%2FtyDr0deq4kp4Ytkz%2F%2BCKrMFCCYQBRoMMDU5MDAzNTQ2ODY1IgwoXO8sdzB5A1xzYE0qkAW%2FZw%2F9bgO%2BKFg9iCfslLE01ANYhMnSDoaX8g7Pvy7dpTxLjw4rBvTCJsIOus%2FHHzuUWQb%2ByL4ne4mRVs4OHcZkmbbo7FxbyIzVnmCvn2QEFcneRX2VjxKsgmVjYC6QjVbAVR6EUAa0JHv6NB5n8LgI9kQCNti1OHeAjuH9hTcUnus2QMLZhDFEWxkuUmhaZE7p81ZypqZuENHYywVw5LXF1ctJOV8vKDtuxdq7zCG4OkusqlAWVW0dN%2F49OxCc4mT1ihIlFIiFZOemqYH2X2K7%2BVgPsCDQq9Ru7pXlQrG%2FrvnU71QY6vZF%2F0ZsT6jImwz36Vjy8Q%2B%2Fgba3kVcua5e8W%2FxQ5GZ0wYu3f2NT2gZf%2BEe1hUbHtDLUz6GkSVbjqmKEcqb7t3x8oC0ugPE%2BhBCwLtUHUOVohxDTiqLC%2BSvNCtB7PcYTbJ2gqAIG7J%2BnRklhh8WfQ%2Fj68Hem6lzXOhkmrvs78tQ2hpbbvkdalAaGUvmw4Y9wJgvNZZQrzchIKTXBTM2zAbbMF%2FQOWgagPhYAO7P7HMccBJ5syuYXL9HhDYhDeOuK2MwduI7IKFhDA%2BXA7NyLcu4YSiBExUVxSaCDWaSNg5FiCE3Xi7l80Y8iUuCij8sc%2Fi2Fc6OV36ZmIhkSF%2B5AtR5kHP0PMJ2NCTvI%2FNj16hGvUhtclYx3KaqmtU7yNLiSFEba7CncTs38LydQYg4ToBUxyeHFZzdvkq3RXG7BJgv4%2FkkPEpVKs2dsQ%2FJEwdDW%2F3JFxxJkDfwIPEGmdD607FBpDyw9C%2BvfMF4T6r1uVyxqjHwkeMxrH%2BDh0QMt2q2gIwbfYWeKDtA571zpg752C8851tpCCMPSeL%2BW3JdgsdjL4ng0VWLdUXd3zjC1tJW6BjqwARofYsHni1Xzn9OgNnont1g19Z0VSFHYkyaTzXs2nKfM%2FdNVkoXtu%2BX6u0gNmy0a7ed%2FqrC7p8fKqYxAT3FwOjrQBWDK%2Bm8xHfvyk%2B%2BESKBVsXMmC8KhodGoX318C7esUlWpsv953SgG%2FxWob5bsnNe0t470flsh%2F5MhbT%2BCpLRFnBtjwq5JcmDT9QqWAc%2FdxQNd8zPWUPIFh2n3Wtuhg8x9Pmuw5MXc8hiTAmjjlsV4&X-Amz-Algorithm=AWS4-HMAC-SHA256&X-Amz-Date=20241126T060240Z&X-Amz-SignedHeaders=host&X-Amz-Expires=300&X-Amz-Credential=ASIAQ3PHCVTYRWMK75KH%2F20241126%2Fus-east-1%2Fs3%2Faws4_request&X-Amz-Signature=7a5092467ceabe0252cbb05beaac0328e6ecfabcc339848f188b3a2bec804b5e&hash=7568b619a05163bde587f16f742fee7be12c85d1b227b62b701e53c7e9720c71&host=68042c943591013ac2b2430a89b270f6af2c76d8dfd086a07176afe7c76c2c61&pii=S0925857423000423&tid=spdf-fb3cf116-0053-4002-ac10-7417b6a882b9&sid=93e7b4418d

Title/ description:

Highland Rangelands of Afghanistan

URL:

https://www.google.com/url?sa=t&rct=j&q=&esrc=s&source=web&cd=&cad=rja&uact=8&ved=2ahUKEwis2PTzqfmJAxXMlP0HHeLQKG8QFnoECBsQAQ&url=https%3A%2F%2Flib.icimod.org%2Fapi%2Ffiles%2Fb329e25d-b7b2-439c-b29f-471fde5d2ead%2F2.HAR.pdf&usg=AOvVaw1PptmgEEuGRY1LyVLMO4ZR&opi=89978449

Title/ description:

Dryland agriculture and rangeland restoration priorities in Afghanistan

URL:

https://www.researchgate.net/publication/272524566_Dryland_agriculture_and_rangeland_restoration_priorities_in_Afghanistan

Title/ description:

Combating land degradation and biodiversity loss by promoting sustainable rangeland management and biodiversity conservation in Afghanistan

URL:

https://www.thegef.org/sites/default/files/web-documents/10169_MFA_Afghanistan_PIF.pdf

Title/ description:

Community-Based Ecosystem Restoration and Climate Change Adaptation in Afghanistan

URL:

https://kosmospublishers.com/community-based-ecosystem-restoration-and-climate-change-adaptation-in-afghanistan-2/

Title/ description:

Flora and Vegetation of Afghanistan

URL:

https://www.doc-developpement-durable.org/file/Culture/Fertilisation-des-Terres-et-des-Sols/cultureIntercalaire/Flora&VegetationOfAfghanistan_Siegmar&Breckle.pdf

Title/ description:

Constraints to Forage Production and Rangeland Management in Afghanistan

URL:

https://www.researchgate.net/publication/306344635_Constraints_to_Forage_Production_and_Rangeland_Management_in_Afghanistan

Title/ description:

Effect of Planting Atriplex seedlings in micro-catchments on attributes of natural vegetation in arid rangelands

URL:

https://www.sciencedirect.com/science/article/abs/pii/S0140196320301038

7.4 General comments

WOCAT is a highly regarded platform for sharing and documenting knowledge on sustainable land management (SLM). Its extensive database of practices and technologies serves as a valuable resource for practitioners worldwide. Users appreciate the detailed and well-organized questionnaires, which make it easier to document and analyze SLM practices comprehensively. However, some feedback suggests that simplifying the questionnaires could improve accessibility and save time during data entry. Additionally, enhancing the platform's search functionality and incorporating more visual tools, such as maps and graphs, could further improve the user experience and accessibility of the database. Thank you