Category: Intervention

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Composting

Similar names: Organic Amendments

Composting is an effective method of organic waste management, involving the controlled aerobic decomposition of organic matter, such as plant and animal waste. This process results in Compost, a stable, humus-like material that can be directly applied to soil. The primary goal of Composting is to reduce the amount of organic waste sent to landfills while providing economic, environmental, and social benefits. When used in soil, Compost enriches it, reducing the need for chemical fertilizers and lowering potential methane emissions from landfills.

The Composting process (Source)

Due to its recycling nature, Composting is a cost-effective tool for managing organic waste, utilizing leftover materials from land-based processes. It offers a range of co-benefits that enhance land and soil regeneration practices. Agronomically, Composting supports crop yields, improves soil moisture content and workability, enhances crop nutritional quality, and suppresses weeds, pests, and diseases. Additionally, Composting provides broader environmental benefits by supplying essential nutrients (such as mineralized nitrogen, phosphorus, and potassium), reducing soil erosion, sequestering carbon, and improving soil biological properties and biodiversity.

Furthermore, Compost can be used as a mulching material in landscaping, garden management, and the restoration of abandoned quarries, among other applications.

Agricultural benefits of Composting (Source)

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Assisted Natural Regeneration

Similar names: Pruning, Kisiki Hai, Managed Regrowth

Assisted Natural Regeneration (ANR) is a simple, low-cost forest restoration method that can effectively convert deforested and degraded lands into productive forests and rangelands. The method uses a blend of active planting and passive restoration techniques, which help vegetation to naturally recover by eliminating barriers and threats to their growth. ANR is similar to Farmer-Managed Natural Regeneration (FMNR), with the difference that ANR applies to degraded forest lands and rangelands while FMNR is usually practised on croplands. Overall, ANR mimics the natural systems and habitats by supporting the land processes through ANR. 

ANR is a flexible restoration approach and could be adapted to various contexts and objectives. A set of ecosystem restoration techniques are being facilitated, to eliminate obstacles to plant growth and survival. Those could vary depending on a range of factors, such as location, land type, restoration goal, etc. Hence, local community engagement is crucial for successfully implementing and managing ANR. Their knowledge of the land and ancestral traditions offers the best indication of what techniques and practices would be most beneficial. The most common ANR techniques are visualized in the figure below.

(source)

In comparison to other regeneration techniques such as tree-planting campaigns, ANR has comparatively low implementation and maintenance costs. The method could be applied on a local and larger scale level, with some areas and contexts being more favorable than others when it comes to implementation (see Requirements). However, where implemented, ANR can create jobs and bring income to local communities, as the implementations would require establishment and maintenance.

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Terracing

Terracing is a method of farming and soil conservation on hills and sloped lands. It was traditionally used by the Incas and is widely practised around the world today. It involves the building of platforms and forming step-like structures along a slope. The main goal of bench terraces is to periodically interrupt the slope of the terrain with flat sections; this helps to decrease the speed of water runoff,  significantly reducing soil erosion and surface runoff. By slowing down water speed, this intervention stops the washing away of topsoil containing important nutrients and promotes better water infiltration and soil moisture. The flat benches of the terraces create more effective and productive areas to farm on steep terrain.

There are two main types of terracing techniques: graded terracing and level terracing. With graded terracing, the slope can vary along the length of the terrace to direct water in the desired direction; this is especially useful for less permeable land. With level terracing, the terraces follow a contour line and do not vary in slope along this line, this ensures that water is more evenly distributed along the terrace. Stone or wooden walls are often used to hold terraces in place, although a simple earth wall without supporting material can be used with slopes and terraces on the smaller side. This intervention is similar to Fanya Juu and Fanya Chini which are specific types of terraces.

Terracing offers several ecological and socioeconomic benefits. Ecologically, it prevents soil erosion by slowing water flow, allowing it to infiltrate the soil and retain valuable topsoil, which is essential for agriculture. Terracing also manages water more effectively by evenly distributing it across levels, conserving water, reducing irrigation needs, and promoting nutrient cycling. It creates diverse habitats for various plant and animal species, enhancing biodiversity. Additionally, terracing stabilises slopes, reducing the risk of landslides by minimizing soil pressure and movement, especially in regions with wet seasons. Socioeconomically, terracing increases land productivity on slopes, allowing for larger crop beds and easier use of machinery, thus boosting agricultural efficiency.

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Fanya Chini

Similar names: Retention trenches, infiltration trenches

The name Fanya chini means “throw it downwards” in Kiswahili. It consists of trenches and earthen ridges facing downslope. This intervention aims to reduce soil erosion by breaking down long slopes into smaller sections. Thus, the speed of runoff will decrease, and water can infiltrate into the soil between the bunds. This will result in a reduction of nutrient leaching and increased water availability for crops. Fanya chini is common in areas with 300-600 mm of annual rainfall on 1-25% slopes. It is suitable for all types of relatively permeable soils (e.g. alluvial, red, laterite, brown, and shallow and medium black soil). Still, it doesn’t work very well with clayey soils or vertisols as these are not permeable.

One of the main benefits of Fanya chini is that it limits soil erosion from water runoff, and simultaneously improves water retention in the soil and increases water availability for crops. Furthermore, an increase in yield is observed, as well as improved soil fertility.

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Fanya Juu

Similar names: Terracing, Retention Trenches, Infiltration Trenches

The Fanya Juu technique is an agricultural practice that involves creating ridges along the contour lines of sloping land. The name Fanya Juu means “throw it upwards” in Kiswahili and is very similar to Fanya Chini as it consists of terrace bunds and ditches along the contour. This technique rapidly spread during the 1970s and 1980s and it is well known throughout Eastern Africa. The goal of Fanja Juu contour bunds is different depending on the environmental conditions of the areas within which they are applied. Their aim in semi-arid areas is to harvest and conserve rainfall, whereas, in sub-humid zones, contour bunds are constructed to discharge excess runoff. However, their main purpose is to prevent water and soil loss and to make conditions more suitable for plants to grow. 

Fanya Juu is suitable for slopes of 5-20%, similar to the ones that characterise Fanya Chini interventions. The species most often used in drier zones are Pennisetum Purpureum (Napier grass or Uganda grass) and Panicum Coloratum (also known in southern Africa as “white buffalograss”) and the harvest can be used as fodder for livestock. Fruit trees (e.g. citrus or bananas) can be planted either immediately above the embankment or below the ditch, where runoff tends to concentrate.

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Zai Pits

Similar names: Chololo pits (Tanzania), Zaï pits (Burkina Faso), tassa (Niger), agun pits (Sudan), kofyarpits (Nigeria), yamka (Kyrgyzstan), planting pits.

Zai Pits are small basins in which the seeds of annual or perennial crops are planted. The pits are then filled with Mulch, manure, compost or good soils to increase soil fertility and the capacity of the soils to retain water. Zai Pits can be beneficial for soil conditions and they are a very successful method which can allow for the growth of vegetation in dry areas. They are also very efficient in protecting seeds and soil organic matter from being washed away from water runoff. One of the major advantages of Zai Pits is that it increases water filtration, through the collection and concentration of water for the plants due to increasing termite activity. Moreover, Zai Pits can collect more than 25% or more of run-off water. This decreases water run-offs and evaporation. When looking at the bigger picture, Zai Pits can improve soil fertility and agricultural productivity of several crops and can increase production by up to 500% if well executed.

Zai Pits are an efficient method to increase yield productivity due to more water and nutrients available. This intervention is most suitable for flat or gently sloped terrains (0-5%) with a precipitation range of 350-600 mm/y.  Zai Pits can also work with other techniques such as stone contours and hand-dug trenches.

Watch this video for a clear explanation of how Zai Pits function and the benefits they offer.

This instruction video guides you through the step-by-step process of implementing Zai Pits in the field.

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Semi-Circular Bunds

Similar names: Demi-Lunes, Banquettes, Boomerangs, Water Bunds, Earth Bunds, Earthworks, Micro Basins, Half-Moons, Earth Smiles

The technique of creating Semi-Circular Bunds belongs to the overall category of water harvesting interventions and consists of half-moon-shaped basins dug in earth. The main goal of water harvesting, as the name suggests, is to collect water, and to make moisture available for vegetation for a longer time. This type of micro-catchment water harvesting technique is suitable for slopes up to 15%, however Bunds made of earth are seldom used in areas with slopes greater than 5% with a precipitation rate higher than 300 mm/y. At lesser slopes, Semi-Circular Bunds are also used in areas with higher rain falls.

Semi-Circular Bunds are a low cost intervention, where the time requirements of bund construction are very low as they can be implemented very fast, especially when the raw materials (plant residues) are available. The intervention also allows for the cultivation of plants and species that would not grow in previously dry conditions. Overall, the direct benefits of Semi-Circular Bunds can be realised in the short term and often after one year of implementation.

Watch this bunds instruction video for step-by-step guidance on how to implement them effectively.

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Eyebrow Terraces

Similar names: Banquettes, Boomerangs, Terraces, Stone Bunds, Eyebrow Systems, Eyebrow Basins.

Eyebrow Terraces are a form of microcatchment water harvesting system. They are handmade micro basins, in the shape of an eyebrow, and are often made from soil and stones. Their main goal is to facilitate vegetation growth on steep slopes by collecting runoff water from a small catchment area and having it infiltrate the soil. This way, it is stored in the root zone and will be available for crops. They are usually situated on hillsides and can be used on up to 50% of slopes. The steeper the slope, the more the bunds have to be reinforced with stones. Eyebrow Terraces work well in areas characterised by 200-600 mm of annual rainfall. Reinforcing Eyebrow Terraces with stones on steep slopes makes them more resistant to the increased water speed caused by the slope. Instead, they can be some metres apart. After completion, the pit uphill from the eyebrow may fill with sediments and soil, thereby giving rise to terraces.

Some of the main advantages of Eyebrow Terraces are that they reduce the risk of flooding, while simultaneously increasing the on-site conversion of water through the facilitation of filtration. Furthermore, the intervention improves the yields in the area, by increasing the soil organic content, as sediments are trapped in the terraces.

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Exclosures & Enclosures

Enclosures are fencing structures that restrict animal and human access to land with the goal of supporting the regeneration or protection of said land. Enclosures also refer to the practice of fencing-off an area in order to protect it from human use and animal intrusion. The main goal of Enclosures through fencing is to allow natural regeneration and rehabilitation of degraded lands within the enclosed space. This intervention fosters natural regeneration and helps to restore organic matter and a healthy soil structure. Enclosures can also be used to change the cover of the land to allow time for new land coverage (vegetation) to be established. Enclosures can be applied in a variety of different landscapes and environmental conditions. This technique is a relatively cheap intervention if the materials are available on site but can be somewhat more expensive where materials need to be acquired or where more sophisticated Enclosures are built. Fencing could be done for a permanent or temporary use, and this is defined by the goal of the project. 

Some of the major features of Exclosures and Enclosures are the economic benefits linked to the environmental benefits coming as a result of their implementation. Firstly, the increased vegetation that comes as a result of fencing increases vegetation which in return enhances water-retention capacity of soil. This helps to both replenish the nutrients in the soil and to restore the ability of the soil to retain water.  Furthermore, the enhanced water retention capacity of the soil reduces the exposure to flood damage. When it comes to agriculture, Enclosures and Exclosures improve long-term returns from crop production and pastureland, as the long-term productivity of the land is improved by improved and regenerated soils. This helps to increase crop yields quality. Exclosures and Enclosures can increase security of land tenure and make property rights clearer due to clear demarcations of the boundaries of your land. This can, in turn result in a higher willingness to invest in the land. Finally, Enclosures and Exclosures provide an opportunity for complimentary economic activities to be realised, such as harvesting grass (‘cut and carry’), extraction of wood, or growing of fruits and vegetables. Growing additional crops can also increase and diversify income streams and contribute to enhanced food security.

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Grazing Management

Sustainable Grazing Management is about managing pasture and livestock in a way that prioritizes the long-term capability of a landscape. Its goal is to maintain healthy and productive pasturelands and provide economic benefits, and can be applied to range, pasture, and grasslands in all types of topographies and climates. The way grasslands are managed both directly and indirectly impacts the ecological health of the surrounding ecosystem, including the local water and mineral cycles as well as biological succession, in turn also creating socioeconomic effects for farmers and herders.

As opposed to more traditional and unsustainable practices such as extensive or continuous grazing where livestock graze on one large, open pastureland, there are several methods of more sustainable Grazing Management. Two examples of this are Rotational Grazing Management and Integrated crop-livestock grazing.