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)

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

1.5 Reference to Questionnaire(s) on SLM Approaches (documented using WOCAT)

2.1 Short description of the Technology

Definition of the Technology:

The learning site incorporates several key elements of the technology including a solar-powered water lifting system, three reservoirs and an adopted irrigation system. It features demonstration plots for various initiatives, such as tree planting (walnut, almond, pomegranate and mulberry , the cultivation of fodder (alfalfal Mazari palm) and and medicinal plants (e,g, cumin), and a nursery (walnut) established through the community’s own contributions.

2.2 Detailed description of the Technology

Description:

The site was rich in flora and fauna, but human and animal interference has led to significant degradation. Many indigenous plants have been uprooted, and wildlife has migrated due to the loss of habitat. In response, the community has begun to manage and restore the land through practices like rotational grazing and quarantine measures to combat illegal logging. The degradation of natural resources, particularly forests and rangelands, has significantly impacted local communities in Khost. Many residents rely on these resources for fuel, heating, and grazing livestock. However, challenges such as overgrazing, the uprooting of bushes and shrubs, and deforestation for fuel have led to considerable environmental degradation. The lack of proper management of these natural resources has resulted in consistent flooding, which erodes and pollutes agricultural lands. Additionally, local communities often do not recognize the value of these resources, leading to unsustainable land-use practices. Poverty, ongoing conflicts, political instability, and unemployment have driven residents to cut down trees for sale in local markets to support their livelihoods.
To address these challenges, we conducted a participatory assessment involving local communities and stakeholders, aiming to establish a learning site for sustainable land and forest management practices. Our assessment revealed that many local residents were unaware of sustainable practices or the ecological significance of these resources, contributing to ongoing environmental degradation.
After assessing the natural resources and community needs, we established a learning site for sustainable forest and rangeland management. Feasibility studies helped us identify available water sources, assess community interest, and select suitable land next to forests and rangelands. The site selected is easily accessible, located about 10 kilometers from the main road.
In the initial phase, we installed 26 solar panels on three metal stands, each with a capacity of 400 watts, positioned 200 meters from the water source. At the water source, we installed a 2-inch submersible pump to lift water to the learning site, which encompasses approximately 20 hectares of land across three small hills, each situated 300 meters apart.
We constructed three reservoirs, each with a capacity of 192 cubic meters. The first reservoir is located 300 meters from the water source and is fed by the solar system. A pipe network system utilizing 2-inch pipes connects the water source to the first reservoir and the other two reservoirs. This system allows the reservoirs to supply water to lower fields or demonstration plots via gravity.
In the demonstration plots, a network of pipes was installed every 50 meters, with taps placed accordingly. We established a 20-hectare learning site focused on sustainable forest and rangeland management practices, featuring demonstration plots for reforestation, fodder and medicinal plant production, reseeding, and a forest nursery. The dimensions of these plots include 10 hectares for reforestation, 2 hectares for fodder production, 0.5 hectares for medicinal plants, and 0.1 hectares for the walnut nursery. A total of 3,000 forest species were planted in the reforestation plot, along with alfalfa and Mazari palm in the fodder plots, and black cumin in the medicinal plot.
These plots are irrigated using flexible 1-inch pipes connected to the taps installed every 50 meters. Given Khost Province's favorable weather conditions, the plants require irrigation primarily from April to August; outside of this interval, the irrigation system provides sufficient water to sustain the site. And the site were fenced with barbed wire for protection.
The technology is applied to communal land adjacent to forests and rangelands. It serves as an educational center for the local community, focusing on sustainable landscape restoration and management. A savings box was created, and a Forest and Rangeland Management Association was established. Social funds were set up, along with fencing and hiring guards for the maintenance of the technology.
Key infrastructure was established, including a solar-powered lifting system, constructed reservoirs, and a piping network for irrigation. Various forest species were planted in reforestation plots, while local seeds were planted in fodder and medicinal plots. Additionally, walnut seeds were sown in a nursery for diverse restoration practices. These efforts have revitalized the land. Barbed wire fencing was installed for protection, and the site is now fully operational as a learning site.
The introduction of this technology brought about positive changes in the local community. They have successfully quarantined forest and rangeland, implemented rotational grazing, and collected local seeds and cuttings to plant on degraded lands and riverbanks. Community-based nurseries were also established to transplant seedlings into degraded forest areas, helping to revitalize natural resources.
The local community is optimistic about the technology, particularly the reservoir construction and solar-powered lifting systems that ensure water availability, as well as the restoration techniques employed. However, they expressed concerns about interference from neighbors, livestock grazing, floods that can clog pumps, and damage from hail and windstorms to solar panels.

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:

2023

2.7 Introduction of the Technology

Specify how the Technology was introduced:

• through projects/ external interventions

Comments (type of project, etc.):

FAO- GEF-07 Combating land degradation and biodiversity loss by promoting sustainable rangeland management and biodiversity conservation in Afghanistan (GEF7)

3.1 Main purpose(s) of the Technology

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

• serves as educational centre for the local community on sustainable landscape restoration and management

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):

• Silvo-pastoralism

Comments:

Due to poor management, the land has been overgrazed. To address this, we established a learning site focused on restoration through various interventions: reforestation, fodder and medicinal plant demonstration plots, and a 50-square-meter nursery for sapling production. The site is protected by fencing to prevent herders from grazing, allowing them to collect fodder instead. Some fodder is left in the field to produce seeds for natural regeneration.
Forest and Rangeland Management Association focuses on:
Local seed collection: Gathering native seeds to enhance biodiversity and ensure ecosystem resilience.
Ecotourism development: Encouraging visitors to explore the sites, fostering appreciation for local flora and fauna while supporting conservation efforts.
Regeneration of native species: Implementing strategies to restore and regenerate various native plant species, which play crucial roles in maintaining ecological balance.
Fodder production for silage: Cultivating high-quality fodder crops that contribute to livestock nutrition and support sustainable agriculture.
Sapling production through nurseries: Establishing nurseries dedicated to growing saplings of native forest species as well as fruit and nut trees, which can be used for reforestation, habitat restoration efforts and generating income.

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)

Comments:

The area is a dry mountainous terrain with natural vegetation including wild olive, mazari palm, hopbush, and grasses. It supports nomadic and semi-nomadic pastoralism, primarily grazing goats, sheep, and cows.

3.4 Water supply

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

• mixed rainfed-irrigated

Comments:

Near the learning site, a gully and springs provide a year-round water source. We have installed a solar-powered lifting system and constructed three reservoirs to distribute water across 20 hectares, including the planted areas and demonstration plots. A network of pipes and taps with flexible hoses ensures efficient water distribution. This water source is exclusively for this site and does not affect neighboring villages or farmers.

3.5 SLM group to which the Technology belongs

• forest plantation management
• improved ground/ vegetation cover
• irrigation management (incl. water supply, drainage)

3.6 SLM measures comprising the Technology

Comments:

The whole area 20 hectares have been fenced with barbed wire, under the structure measures, reservoirs have been constructed and dug pits for plants.

3.7 Main types of land degradation addressed by the Technology

Comments:

The local community relies on natural resources for their livelihoods, leading to deforestation, overgrazing, and the uprooting of shrubs and bushes for fuel. Severe runoff, droughts, and climate change have further contributed to environmental degradation.

3.8 Prevention, reduction, or restoration of land degradation

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

• restore/ rehabilitate severely degraded land
• adapt to land degradation

Comments:

An educational center (learning site) has been established on degraded land to enhance the capacity of the local community and other stakeholders about best practices for landscape restoration.

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

Specify currency used for cost calculations:

• USD

4.3 Establishment activities

	Activity	Timing (season)
1.	Conduction of survey, feasibility study, and site selection	1st month
2.	Finding of water source	2nd month
3.	Installation of solar power lifting system	4rd month
4.	Construction of reservoirs	5th month
5.	Installation of irrigation piping system	12th-1st month of the year
6.	Saplings delivered by supplier to the site from contracted nurseries	1st-2th month
7.	Planting of saplings	2-3rdmonth
8.	Preparation of two demonstration plots for fodder and medicinal plants	3rd month
9.	Planting of seeds for fodder and medicinal plants	3rd month
10.	Installation of barbed wire fencing for 20 hectares	7-9th month
11.	Ensurance of operation and maintenance of all systems	24th month

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	Installation of solar system and pipe installation	Person/day	100.0	6.0	600.0
Labour	Digging pits, plantation and irrigation of Plants	Person/day	453.0	6.0	2718.0	100.0
Labour	Excavation of foundation	Person/day	80.0	5.0	400.0
Labour	Preparing demonstration plots for fodder and medicinal plants	Square meter	25000.0	0.13	3250.0	100.0
Labour	Stone Masonry	Person/day	136.0	6.0	816.0
Labour	Plastering	Person/day	72.0	5.0	360.0
Labour	Plain cement concrete	Person/day	57.0	5.0	285.0
Labour	Plain cement concrete PCC M20	Person/day	390.0	5.0	1950.0
Equipment	Entrance Gate	Number	1.0	200.0	200.0
Equipment	Solar panel 400W	Sheet	26.0	140.0	3640.0
Equipment	Rotating PV panel mount	Number	3.0	350.0	1050.0
Equipment	Submersible pump 2 inch (10PH-7500W)	Number	1.0	300.0	300.0
Equipment	DC-AC current inverter 7.5-11kw	Number	1.0	200.0	200.0
Equipment	Distribution board	Number	1.0	75.0	75.0
Equipment	Sign board	Number	3.0	3.0	9.0
Equipment	Sign board	Number	1.0	150.0	150.0
Plant material	Walnut	Sapling	2000.0	0.56	1120.0
Plant material	Almond	Sapling	500.0	0.67	335.0
Plant material	Mulberry	Sapling	100.0	0.44	44.0
Plant material	Pomegranate	Sapling	500.0	0.51	255.0
Plant material	Alfalfa seed	Kg	50.0	2.72	136.0
Plant material	Black Cumin seed	Kg	15.0	6.72	100.8
Construction material	Tap	Number	30.0	3.0	90.0
Construction material	Flexon 1 inch rubberized pipes	Meter	1250.0	2.0	2500.0
Construction material	DC current wire	Meter	100.0	2.0	200.0
Construction material	AC current wire	Meter	150.0	2.0	300.0
Construction material	Polyethylene pipe 1.5 inch	Meter	2000.0	2.0	4000.0
Construction material	Polyethylene pipe 2 inch	Meter	780.0	3.0	2340.0
Construction material	Polyethylene pipe 3 inch	Meter	300.0	5.0	1500.0
Other	Delivery to the site	Lump sum	1.0	300.0	300.0
Other	Galvanized iron pipe 2 inch for pillar	Meter	125.0	5.0	625.0
Other	Galvanized iron pipe 1.5 inch for bracing	Number	470.0	10.5	4935.0
Other	Fence	Meter	15.0	25.0	375.0
Other	Double strand galvanized barbed wire for fencing	Meter	4200.0	0.25	1050.0
Total costs for establishment of the Technology					36208.8
Total costs for establishment of the Technology in USD					36208.8

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

FAO

Comments:

The land users contributed primarily by digging pits for planting, preparing demonstration plots, and maintaining the system. Additionally, they hired guards to protect the area from disturbances. All other costs associated with the project were covered by the FAO.

4.5 Maintenance/ recurrent activities

	Activity	Timing/ frequency
1.	Removal of sediment from reservoirs	Spring/annually
2.	Safeguarding the site such as solar system, and on-site interventions	All seasons/regular
3.	Repairing solar system & water pump and pipes	Regularly
4.	Demonstration plots maintenance (pest-diseases control, mulching, weeding and Irrigation	Spring & Automn/annually
5.	Replacing dead and dried plants	Feb/two times (1st & 2nd year)
6.	Repairing fencing	Year around

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	Labour for cleaning the reservoir from sediment annually	Person/day	15.0	5.0	75.0	100.0
Labour	Hiring guards for safeguarding the site	Person/day	12.0	100.0	1200.0	100.0
Labour	Fixing pump when needed	Lump sum	1.0	50.0	50.0	100.0
Labour	Repairing pipes	Lump Sum	1.0	100.0	100.0	100.0
Labour	Repairing solar panel when required	Lump sum	1.0	1000.0	1000.0	100.0
Labour	Weed control	Person/day	10.0	5.0	50.0	100.0
Labour	Integrated Pest Management	Lump sum	1.0	5.0	5.0	100.0
Labour	Irrigation	Person/day	8.0	50.0	400.0	100.0
Plant material	Saplings	Number	1500.0	0.56	840.0	100.0
Plant material	Local Seed	Kg	15.0	26.0	390.0	100.0
Construction material	Barbed wire	meter	3000.0	0.14	420.0	100.0
Other	Replacing dead and dried plants	Lump sum	1.0	300.0	300.0
Total costs for maintenance of the Technology					4830.0
Total costs for maintenance of the Technology in USD					4830.0

4.7 Most important factors affecting the costs

Describe the most determinate factors affecting the costs:

Construction materials cost

5.1 Climate

5.2 Topography

Indicate if the Technology is specifically applied in:

• convex situations

Comments and further specifications on topography:

The site is situated near a forest and rangeland, with a gentle slope of approximately 45 degrees and an elevation of 1,279.49 meters above sea level. Surrounding mountains are covered with wild olive forests.

5.3 Soils

5.4 Water availability and quality

Is water salinity a problem?

No

Is flooding of the area occurring?

Yes

Regularity:

episodically

Comments and further specifications on water quality and quantity:

The water quality meets site requirements; however, seasonal fluctuations occur due to droughts. Floods in the lower gully, carry debris and sediments that can impact the source.

5.5 Biodiversity

Comments and further specifications on biodiversity:

The site was rich in flora and fauna, but human and animal interference has led to significant degradation. Many indigenous plants have been uprooted, and wildlife has migrated due to the loss of habitat. In response, the community has begun to manage and restore the land through practices like rotational grazing and quarantine measures to combat illegal logging.

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:

• communal/ village

Land use rights:

• communal (organized)

Water use rights:

• communal (organized)

Are land use rights based on a traditional legal system?

Yes

Specify:

Land use rights in traditional legal systems are generally straightforward, with each family in a village having equal access to natural resources.

Comments:

Overall, this traditional approach emphasizes community and family roles in resource management, balancing individual rights with communal responsibilities

5.9 Access to services and infrastructure

Comments:

Due to three to four decades of political conflict, people lack access to essential services and infrastructure. This situation has been largely overlooked, with insufficient attention given to providing these services. Additionally, there has been a lack of budget allocation and support from the government and NGOs. As a result, communities continue to suffer from inadequate resources and infrastructure development.

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

Water cycle/ runoff

Soil

Biodiversity: vegetation, animals

Climate and disaster risk reduction

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		decrease	not well at all
annual rainfall		increase	not well at all
seasonal rainfall	summer	increase	not well at all

Climate-related extremes (disasters)

Meteorological disasters

	How does the Technology cope with it?
local snowstorm	not well at all

Climatological disasters

	How does the Technology cope with it?
heatwave	not well at all
drought	not well at all

Hydrological disasters

	How does the Technology cope with it?
flash flood	not well at all

Comments:

Before the implementation of the project land users faced severe challenges, including drought, high temperatures, water scarcity for irrigation, reduced yields, and a lack of winter feed alternatives for livestock.
Following the introduction of sustainable rangeland management and biodiversity conservation, local communities adopted rotational grazing practices and protected forests from cutting, which had previously been their main source of income. As a result, vegetation cover improved, carbon stocks increased, and rainwater began to seep into the ground, recharging the water table, springs, canals, and Karezes. These efforts reulted in a more resilient and productive environment.

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

• 1-10%

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

• 0-10%

Comments:

The adoption of the technology in the specified area has primarily been spontaneous, significantly influenced by the support provided by the project. While a small percentage of land users may have received material incentives, the majority embraced the technology due to its demonstrated benefits and the project's educational efforts. This support helped to build trust and confidence among the land users, enabling them to implement the technology effectively in their practices. Overall, this highlights the importance of community engagement and capacity building in fostering sustainable land management practices.

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
It is crucial for local communities to learn sustainable land and forest restoration techniques. These methods are not only accessible but also involve minimal operational costs. By empowering land users with this knowledge.
We can adopt sustainable land and forest management practices to revitalize our degraded land. This learning process is straightforward and easily applicable.
We have great opportunities and abundant resources to utilize. This area serves as a hub for scaling sustainable practices, allowing us to learn, observe, and implement solutions that will benefit future generations.
We can efficiently use surface water for irrigation instead of groundwater, helping to restore degraded land through these initiatives.
Reduce greenhouse gas emissions through effective carbon sequestration.
Learn regeneration techniques, rainwater harvesting, and grazing management methods like rotational grazing. Focus on producing fodder and medicinal plants, while understanding indigenous plants and shrubs for the future.

Strengths/ advantages/ opportunities in the compiler’s or other key resource person’s view
This site is highly accessible, surrounded by dense forests and extensive rangelands that can be utilized sustainably.
Local community members, university students, and stakeholders can easily visit this site.
This site is an excellent destination for tourists to visit, enjoy, and learn about the importance of natural resources and their management techniques.
The local community can easily adopt these simple techniques to learn sustainable land and forest restoration practices.
The local community has hired guards to maintain the site effectively. They are gaining knowledge and enhancing their capacity for future interventions, contributing positively to development initiatives.

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?
Insufficient maintenance and repair services for the technology.	Establishing strong linkages with service providers and maintenance support. This also facilitates nationwide technology transfer, enabling broader adoption and implementation of sustainable practices.
There is a lack of qualified professionals on-site to teach visitors the technical aspects of the technology. This gap hinders effective learning and limits the ability of visitors to fully understand and engage with the technology.	Hire on-farm officers to oversee and manage the learning site and provide information to visitors.
A check dam is required in the gully to store water for sustainability, especially during drought seasons when water availability decreases.	Construct a check dam in the lower section of the gully to store water for sustainability, allowing visitors to learn about water harvesting techniques.
There are currently no available resources for replacing the dead plants.	Establish nurseries for forest species to produce saplings that can replace dead and dried plants in the future.

Weaknesses/ disadvantages/ risks in the compiler’s or other key resource person’s view	How can they be overcome?
There are concerns about windstorms and hail potentially damaging the solar panels.	The local community should establish a social fund to cover repairs for any damage to solar panels caused by windstorms or hail, as well as to fund the installation of fencing around the solar panel stands.
Concerns have arisen regarding land disputes as the local community acts on land distribution amidst a growing population.	All villagers should receive a formal guaranteed letter, signed by the district governor, ensuring that no future actions will be taken to redistribute this site among the villagers.
There is a lack of essential water structures, such as percolation tanks and detention ponds, for effective rainwater harvesting.	Construct percolation tanks and detention ponds to harvest rainwater, which can be used to water livestock. Additionally, this initiative will provide an opportunity to learn and implement dryland farming techniques.
Too much water is wasted through flexible pipe basin irrigation methods. Additionally, required live hedges for fencing and windbreaks.	Install a drip irrigation system with an efficient piping layout and plant pine, poplar, and other trees alongside barbed wire to create a windbreak and a natural barrier for site protection. This will also provide an opportunity to learn various agricultural techniques.

7.1 Methods/ sources of information

7.2 References to available publications

Title, author, year, ISBN:

N/A

7.3 Links to relevant online information

Title/ description:

N/A

7.4 General comments

The questionnaire is well-structured, but some sections, particularly 6.2 and 6.3, need simplification. Additionally, the database should provide outputs during data processing, highlighting both best practices and common mistakes related to the technology. This will help us generate a comprehensive report that showcases effective practices and identifies areas for improvement.