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:

No, the technology described here is not problematic with regard to land degradation. In fact, it promotes sustainable land management by enhancing soil health, preventing erosion, and supporting afforestation efforts. This technology contributes to the restoration and conservation of forest ecosystems.

2.1 Short description of the Technology

Definition of the Technology:

Water exploitation is a major issue in Afghanistan, and this technology helps to irrigate an afforestation/agroforestry area (demonstration plot) using surface water (rivers) and solar-powered submersible pump. The construction of reservoirs at the demo plot site ensures efficient water storage and use for irrigation purposes without relying on groundwater. A well-designed pipe irrigation scheme is implemented to distribute water evenly across the site, supporting plant irrigation and growth.

2.2 Detailed description of the Technology

Description:

Water exploitation is a critical issue in Afghanistan, and the project aims to address this challenge through innovative and sustainable technology. The technology involves the use of solar panels and submersible water pumps to efficiently lift water from a nearby river to constructed reservoirs, which is then distributed by gravity with the help of a pipe system to irrigate planted saplings in the afforested and agroforestry area. For afforestation, Pinus eldarica (Afghan pine) was planted due to its adaptability and soil stabilization properties. Additionally, citrus and persimmon trees are introduced for agroforestry, combining tree cultivation with agricultural benefits. This integrated technology promotes biodiversity, soil health, and sustainable land use, making the site a model/ demonstration site for afforestation and agroforestry practices. This is a significant advancement in the local area, utilizing clean energy to promote sustainable land & forest management and environmental restoration. The project is implemented on communal land, covering 50.25 hectares of land.
The primary purpose of this technology is to create an efficient irrigation system that extracts and transports water to support afforestation and agroforestry activities. By doing so, it aims to restore forest cover, mitigate environmental challenges such as land degradation, and promote long-term ecological and socio-economic sustainability. The technology includes key components such as solar panels, water pumps (submersible), polyvinyl chloride (PVC) pipes, water reservoirs, and saplings. Additionally, it requires labor, technical assistance, capacity-building programs, and construction materials for its establishment and maintenance.
The benefits of this technology are substantial. It has successfully irrigated previously barren land, achieving an impressive 85% survival rate for the saplings that were planted in the plot, while preventing land degradation and improving soil health. Without this technology, survival rates would drop to zero due to the arid conditions. Furthermore, the project has enhanced the capacities of local farmers/community members, enabling them to replicate and demonstrate the technology within their community. This has fostered a sense of ownership and empowerment among land users.
Land users have expressed both appreciation and concerns regarding the technology. On the positive side, they value its efficiency and reliability, as the solar panels provide a consistent water supply, especially during the hot/sunny season, leading to increased greenery and healthier trees. The cost-effectiveness of solar energy, with its low operational costs compared to traditional diesel pumps, has also been a significant advantage. Additionally, the environmentally friendly nature of the technology aligns with their desire for sustainable practices. The capacity-building programs provided by organizations like FAO have further empowered users to manage the system effectively.
However, some challenges have been noted. The initial investment costs for purchasing, installing and construction of the technology are high, making it difficult for smallholder farmers to replicate. Technical issues, such as inverter failures or battery malfunctions during extreme weather conditions (e.g., cloudy weather), can disrupt operations. Additionally, not all community members are equally informed about the technology’s benefits, highlighting the need for increased outreach and engagement efforts to ensure broader adoption and understanding.
In summary, this solar-powered irrigation technology represents a groundbreaking innovation in the area, combining clean energy with sustainable land management practices. While it has demonstrated significant environmental and agricultural benefits, addressing the challenges of initial costs, technical reliability, and community engagement will be crucial for its long-term success and scalability.

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:

2022

2.7 Introduction of the Technology

Specify how the Technology was introduced:

• through projects/ external interventions

Comments (type of project, etc.):

GEF-06 Community based Sustainable Land and Forest Management in Afghanistan

3.1 Main purpose(s) of the Technology

• improve production
• reduce, prevent, restore land degradation
• adapt to climate change/ extremes and its impacts
• 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)

Land use mixed within the same land unit:

No

Comments:

5 decades ago the area was a forest, but due to war, smuggling and drought the area become barren land.

3.4 Water supply

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

• mixed rainfed-irrigated

Comments:

The saplings planted in the area have been supplementary irrigated. Prior to the implementation of this technology, the land was barren, and seasonal rains led to soil erosion.

3.5 SLM group to which the Technology belongs

• forest plantation management
• improved ground/ vegetation cover
• energy efficiency technologies

3.6 SLM measures comprising the Technology

Comments:

The project has successfully implemented afforestation by planting forest trees and promoting agroforestry through the cultivation of fruit trees. To improve irrigation management, the project installed a 1-inch underground pipeline system with connected taps, enabling the attachment of flexible hoses. This efficient setup ensures optimal watering of saplings while significantly reducing water waste. By implementing this approach, the project has enhanced vegetative cover and successfully planted approximately 32,000 saplings. Additionally, the project constructed 14 rotating mounting structures for solar panels, installed 134 solar panels, established pipe schemes for manual irrigation of saplings, and constructed 6 water reservoirs with different capacities. The integration of trees at optimal spacing, combined with regular cultural practices, has further supported the project's goals.

3.7 Main types of land degradation addressed by the Technology

Comments:

The planting pits are specially designed for planting of saplings. Additionally, farmers construct small barriers near plants (eye-brows and trenches), known as micro-catchments, to collect and retain water. It is important to note that these micro-catchments are distinct structures, separate from pits and reservoirs, and are specifically built to support water retention for plants. The enhanced vegetation cover and the establishment of micro-catchments for water collection significantly reduce soil erosion. Soil improvement and enrichment, as well as habitat enhancement, are supported through these practices. Additionally, they contribute to groundwater recharge and help control runoff.

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:

The human-induced causes of land degradation include deforestation, overgrazing of livestock, and unsustainable agricultural practices. In response, following the implementation of a specific technology, local communities established regulations rooted in their customs and traditions to protect the site, which is quarantined for five years. These regulations prohibit herders from grazing animals, cutting trees, engaging in unsustainable agricultural practices, and uprooting bushes for fuelwood. Additionally, the community has constructed rainwater harvesting structures, such as eyebrows and trenches, across the site to address natural causes of land degradation through runoff by enhancing water infiltration. As a result, the site is now effectively protected from both human-induced and natural land degradation.

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.	Awareness and mobilization of the community	Aug-2021
2.	Survey and site selection followed by feasibility study	Sep to Oct-2021
3.	Stakeholder consultation	Aug-2021 till Sep-2022
4.	Preparation of technical design, drawings, and Bill of Quantities (BoQ).	Nov to Dec-2021
5.	Initiation of procurement process for required tools and equipment	Jan to Feb-2022
6.	Excavation and construction of water reservoirs, setting up pipe system and installation of solar panels for irrigation.	Mar to Sep-2022
7.	Capacity building of the target communities	Aug- 2021 till date
8.	Practical interventions: production or purchase of saplings, digging planting pits, transplatation and irrigation of saplings and establishment of micro-catchments	Feb to Mar-2023

Comments:

The awareness-raising session on Sustainable Land Management (SLM) and Sustainable Forest Management (SFM) was successfully held to improve understanding of land and forest management practices and conservation efforts. Community members were actively mobilized to support the project, aiding in the completion of construction and installation work.

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	Unskilled labor for planting of saplings	Man/day	450.0	5.0	2250.0	100.0
Labour	Skilled labor for installation of irrigation system and constuction of reservoirs	Man/day	50.0	10.0	500.0
Equipment	Water Pump 2 inch - 10HP/7500w	Number	4.0	450.0	1800.0
Equipment	Solar Panel minimum size 400W and 270W	Number	132.0	82.0	10824.0
Equipment	DC to AC Inverter 7.5-11KW	Number	4.0	450.0	1800.0
Equipment	Polyethylene Pipes 2 Inch and 1.5 Inch with all elbows, joints, connectors and valves after 30 meter for both sides to connect pipes.	Meter	4300.0	2.75	11825.0
Equipment	Rotating PV panels mounting structure (manual)	Number	28.0	270.0	7560.0
Equipment	DC and AC current wire	Meter	1800.0	2.5	4500.0
Equipment	Distribution board	Number	2.0	70.0	140.0
Equipment	Flexon 1 inch rubberize pipes	Meter	5500.0	1.4	7700.0
Plant material	Saplings procured & transported	Sapling	32000.0	0.775	24800.0
Plant material	Planting tools	lump sum	1.0	500.0	500.0	100.0
Fertilizers and biocides	Organic fertilizers for transplanted saplings added through community	Kg	16000.0	0.1	1600.0	100.0
Construction material	Ssix (6) reservoirs constructed by a construction company (cement, stone, sand excavation and etc..	lump sum	1.0	35000.0	35000.0
Other	Patrolling, irrigating and quarantine of the site	lump sum	1.0	1000.0	1000.0	100.0
Total costs for establishment of the Technology					111799.0
Total costs for establishment of the Technology in USD					111799.0

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

The remining cost were covered by the project.

Comments:

The first two 2-inch submersible pumps draw water from the river to supply the first reservoir. From there, two additional 2-inch submersible pumps transfer water from the first reservoir to the central reservoir. The water then flows to the other four reservoirs through gravity.

4.5 Maintenance/ recurrent activities

	Activity	Timing/ frequency
1.	Cleaning of sedimentation of reservoirs	Spring/annually
2.	Patrolling	All seasons/regular
3.	Repairing solar system & water pump (submersible)	Ad hoc /Annually
4.	Plot maintenance (Pest-diseases control, mulching, weeding,).	Spring & Automn/annually
5.	Replacement of failed saplings	Feb/two times (1st & 2nd year)
6.	Repairing micro-catchments	Spring/annually

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	Labor for cleaning of sedimentation of reservoirs	Man/day	60.0	5.0	300.0	100.0
Labour	Labor for patrolling	Man/day	360.0	5.0	1800.0	100.0
Labour	Labor for repairing micro-catchments	Man/day	20.0	5.0	100.0	100.0
Labour	Manage the solar system operations	Man/day	360.0	2.77	997.2	100.0
Labour	Labor for weeding and mulching	Man/day	30.0	5.0	150.0	100.0
Equipment	Pump submersible, PVC pipe, fittings	lumpsum	3.0	500.0	1500.0	100.0
Equipment	Shovels	lumpsum	1.0	140.0	140.0	100.0
Plant material	saplings	Sapling	2000.0	0.6	1200.0	100.0
Fertilizers and biocides	Organic fertilizers (cows dungs)	Kg	16000.0	0.1	1600.0	100.0
Total costs for maintenance of the Technology					7787.2
Total costs for maintenance of the Technology in USD					7787.2

Comments:

The community has hired an individual to manage the solar system operations. This person is responsible for both operating the solar system for lifting water and overseeing the distribution of water for irrigation purposes among community members.

4.7 Most important factors affecting the costs

Describe the most determinate factors affecting the costs:

All equipement is imported and of high cost.
Natural hazards, floods and windstorms will increase the costs of repairs and replacement

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?

Yes

Regularity:

frequently

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:

• communal/ village
• individual, titled

Land use rights:

• communal (organized)
• individual

Water use rights:

• communal (organized)
• individual

Are land use rights based on a traditional legal system?

Yes

Specify:

In Afghanistan, the traditional land use system involves the equitable distribution of deserts and barren land among the local residents. The decisions made by the elders are respected and adhered to by all members of the community.

5.9 Access to services and infrastructure

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		increase	moderately
annual rainfall		increase	moderately
seasonal rainfall	spring	increase	moderately

Climate-related extremes (disasters)

Meteorological disasters

	How does the Technology cope with it?
local windstorm	moderately

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 community economic condition is not good. So, without receiving incentives they are not able to adopt such technology easily.

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
Improved water availability with minimized fuel cost and decreased pollution as well as minimum operational cost
Opportunities/ potential for upscaling of the technology
Use of clean energy to contribute to mitigate climate change
Reduce greenhouse emission through carbon sequestration

Strengths/ advantages/ opportunities in the compiler’s or other key resource person’s view
The technology is very efficient and can be adopted by land users. Also it helps in promoting clean energy and hence reducing greenhouse emission also through carbon sequestration. It contributes to adaptation tp climate change.
The area has been successfully afforested, restoring its natural beauty and original landscape.
The vegetation cover on the previously degraded land has been significantly enhanced.
This technology with its approach for implementation represents an effective solution for the restoration of degraded soils.

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?
Inadequate maintenance and repair services of the technology	Linkage to the service provider and maintenance services. National wide technology transfer
Solar water lifting relies on fully sunny days for operation, which can sometimes be a limitation, especially when weather conditions are cloudy or during periods of low sunlight. This can result in insufficient water being lifted to meet the irrigation needs of the site.	Backup charging system/battery system

Weaknesses/ disadvantages/ risks in the compiler’s or other key resource person’s view	How can they be overcome?
Solar water lifting depends on sunny days for operation, which can sometimes fall short of meeting irrigation needs during cloudy periods.	Combining solar power with backup energy (like batteries or grid connection)

7.1 Methods/ sources of information