Category: Intervention

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Farmer Managed Natural Regeneration

Similar names: treecovery, natural regeneration, tree-based regeneration, Kisiki Hai

Natural regeneration is a biological process that can be assisted and managed by farmers and landowners to increase the recovery of native ecosystems and their functions. Usually practised on wooded agricultural land, Farmer Managed Natural Regeneration (FMNR) is an approach that aims to increase the number of trees by protecting, managing and pruning existing tree and shrub stumps and roots to create the optimal conditions for them to flourish and germinate seeds again. 

An advantage of FMNR is the freedom that farmers have in implementing and adapting this technique to their specific landscape. Farmers can make decisions based on their knowledge and experience and choose which tree species they want to target, for example, fruit trees. Farmers can also select which species they want to save or remove during the pruning process, as well as when and what preferred tree density they want.

Learn the four steps of FMNR in the below instruction video:

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Tree planting

Similar names: reforestation, afforestation, planting saplings, planting seedlings

Tree planting is a technique whereby tree seedlings are transplanted for a variety of different purposes (such as forestry, land reclamation or landscape restoration). One can refer to the tree planting technique with the name of afforestation or reforestation. Afforestation indicates that the area being planted has not been recently forested. Reforestation means the area being planted was forested in the recent past. In the field of landscape restoration, tree planting is a means to tackle soil erosion thereby reducing the risk of floods and landslides. Tree leaves protect against rainfall: by intercepting raindrops, tree leaves slow down their fall and reduce their erosion power. Tree roots, on the other hand, serve as an anchor for soil, especially on sloping terrains. Planting trees also contributes to the prevention of soil erosion by improving water infiltration in the ground, so that water runoff will be reduced. Lastly, trees play an important role in restoring degraded lands, because they prepare the soil for future crops by providing it with organic matter through dead leaves and by creating good conditions through the roots.

Tree planting initiatives provide several economic benefits, such as income from wood, fuel, and non-timber forest products, as well as cost savings and job creation. Social benefits include clearer tenure security, community engagement, and a sense of shared responsibility for the environment. These initiatives also serve as educational platforms, raising environmental awareness among community members, especially youth. Additionally, they improve air quality and help preserve traditional knowledge related to native tree species and their uses.

NOTE: If the main desired outcome is to restore a forest, tree planting should only be implemented where the adoption of cheaper and more time-efficient interventions such as Assisted Natural Regeneration (ANR) or Farmer Managed Natural Regeneration (FMNR) are not possible. 

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Tilling

Similair names: ploughing

Tilling is one of the most important and widely used agricultural techniques in the world. It dates back to ancient times. Tilling involves physically manipulating the soil to achieve optimal conditions for seed sowing and crop planting. Different tools and techniques for tilling agricultural land exist. Put simply, tilling consists of breaking, cutting, or turning over the first layer of soil (usually between 15 and 25 cm) before planting crops. This helps to achieve a range of potential benefits such as increased aeration of the soil, increased water infiltration capacity, improved nutrient availability, burying of leftovers of previous crops, and weed control. These effects provide good conditions for plant growth and root establishment. Although tilling aims to improve soil structure for planting crops, excessive tilling can have the opposite effect and create a detrimental impact on the soil by leading to a depletion of soil microorganisms and fertility. By loosening the soil, tilling also increases the vulnerability of land and soil to erosion.

Tilling offers several ecological and socioeconomic benefits. Ecologically, it improves soil aeration and drainage by breaking up compacted soil, facilitating better root growth and nutrient uptake, and aids in weed control by disrupting weed roots, reducing competition for resources. Socioeconomically, tilling enhances soil structure, creating a favourable seedbed for planting, which can boost crop yields and contribute to food security. It also accelerates nutrient cycling by decomposing organic matter and releasing nutrients back into the soil, reducing the need for chemical fertilizers. However, excessive tilling can lead to soil degradation and nutrient loss.

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Water Spreading Bunds

Similar names: diversion embankments, diversion bunds, low lying crescent embankments, spate irrigation (general term).

Water spreading bunds is a technique in the category of floodwater farming (also called spate irrigation) which consists of the use of earthen bunds, usually applied where trapezoidal (regular) bunds are not suitable. Regular bunds may not be suited for area where runoff rates are high and they would be damaged, or where the crops may suffer from flooding.

The goal of the water spreading bunds is, as the name suggests, to spread water and not to confine it, like trapezoidal bunds do. They are intended to spread floodwater that has been either diverted from a watercourse or has reached the floodplain. The technique of water spreading bunds is very site-specific, as it can only be used on lands close to a watercourse, usually on alluvial fans or floodplains, and is characterized by almost flat slopes (up to 1%). Water spreading bunds are usually applied on even lands with deep and fertile soil, with a precipitation rate within 150-300 mm. Therefore, hyper-arid or arid areas where floodwater farming is often the only possibility to achieve fodder or crop production.

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Gully Rehabilitation Stem Cuttings

Similar names: Gully Plugging with Stem Cuttings, Check Dams from Stem Cuttings, Brushwood Check Dams, Live Check Dams

Gully Rehabilitation Stem Cuttings is an intervention that “plugs” particularly active gullies and streams by building Check Dams made of Stem Cuttings to control erosion and runoff. These living barriers are efficient in slowing down runoff water and stopping sediment buildup in the gullies. Field research has proven that they work well in soils of sandy/loamy texture, where the performances of these dams are greater than ones made of stone dams due to rooted poles and the stabilised root system of the living barrier.

Stem Cuttings involve taking sections of woody stems from suitable plants and inserting them into the soil in a gully or erosion-prone area. These stems will develop roots and grow into new plants, helping to stabilize the soil and prevent further erosion. Stem Cuttings are cost-effective and environmentally friendly, promoting natural vegetation growth, and enhancing biodiversity, and ecosystem health. They also provide erosion control once established, preventing further degradation of the gully.

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Swales

A swale is an intervention designed to retain water run-off on a slope. It is a long, small ditch on the contour lines, i.e. at the same elevation. Several swales can be constructed next to each other to increase their effect. Swales have a small berm on the downslope side, which often contains vegetation and acts as a retaining wall.

Swales are cost-effective and relatively easy to implement, preventing soil erosion, nutrient run-off, and flooding. They capture water which runs down the hill and let it infiltrate into the soil. Growing vegetation on the berm will strengthen the berm and the soil and will hold water and nutrients better. Trees, in particular, work well for strengthening berms and are watered by the water held by the swales. If possible, it is also an option to add stones to a berm to make it even stronger. In the Perma Atlas Initiative, swales have been a great success in preventing flooding. Swales are similar to Contour Bunds and Fanya Chini and they can be used on a small or large scale. The greatest reduction observed when swales are introduced are in water runoff, soil loss, phosphorus runoff and nitrate-nitrogen runoff.

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Gabions

Similar names: Riprap, Gabion Baskets

Gabions are metal baskets filled with stones. Gabions act as retaining walls and will mitigate the effects of heavy rainfall, which is accelerating due to climate change. They can be placed in streams and gullies to slow the flow of water and prevent flooding. If the water is not slowed down, the topsoil is washed away and erosion worsens. With the topsoil gone, there are no nutrients left, making the soil unsuitable for vegetation and water absorption. Gabions will hold this and prevent erosion and further degradation. Moreover, the Gabion allows water to pass through while trapping soil particles. Where possible, the community should be involved as Gabions play a role in protecting their communities and land. Gabions can also be used for coastal protection and slope stability. Sometimes they are also used for aesthetic purposes.

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Fencing

Fencing around eroded soils, rills and gullies is a cheap and low-maintenance form of sediment catchment, soil and water runoff prevention on gentle, moderate and steep slopes. Three types of fencing are detailed in this intervention about their prevention of different types of soil erosion at varying topographies.

  1. Silt Fences → Softer intervention for sediment catchment, preventing runoff and wind displacement on rills, arid fields or gentle hillsides. 
  2. Woven Fences → Harder intervention for slope stabilisation and sediment build-up in gullies and rocky mountainous landscapes.
  3. Biotrampas → Harder intervention for rock catchment, landslides and slope stabilisation in gullies and heavily eroded, steep mountainous landscapes.
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Kitchen Gardens

Similar names: Community Gardens, Permagardens, Permaculture Gardens, Vegetable Gardens, Urban Gardens

Kitchen Gardens consist of pieces of land close to households in which plants such as vegetables, herbs and fruits for use in the kitchen are cultivated. These gardens can include space for livestock, (fruit & nut) trees and hedges cultivated for fodder. Kitchen Gardens have long been practised to provide subsistence and a variety of food for small households, whilst also providing an additional source of income when surpluses are generated and sold at the market. With a few adjustments, this practice can be adapted to most kinds of ecosystems, and even in highly urbanised areas, with the aid of pots and containers. This intervention is most suitable for flat or gently sloped terrains (0-5%), however, to obtain a lower slope in hillside conditions, it can be combined with Eyebrow Terraces. Gardens can also be created in schools and other public facilities, involving the entire community.

Kitchen Gardens offer socio-economic benefits by diversifying income streams, reducing food expenses, and empowering women and youth through their involvement in establishment and maintenance. They enhance food security by providing diverse, nutritious crops locally and serve as social hubs for education on food production and healthy soils, positively impacting mental health. Ecologically, they promote biodiversity, improve soil health through organic practices, and conserve water resources through efficient irrigation systems. In summary, Kitchen Gardens contribute to increased household income, reduced food expenses, improved dietary diversity, and enhanced ecological sustainability, making them valuable assets for communities.

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Alley Cropping

Similar names: Alley Farming, Nalaad, Intercropping, Farming with Shade Trees

Alley Cropping is a farming method whereby trees and shrubs are planted in rows, and crops are grown in the spaces between these rows. This technique helps reduce soil erosion by slowing down water runoff and increasing water absorption capacity of the soil. The trees protect crops from strong winds, provide habitats for wildlife, and attract pollinators such as bees. Planting different species of trees or shrubs can bring additional benefits as they may be harvested to provide fodder for animals, food, firewood, or materials for mulching.

Farmers can start Alley Cropping on a small scale by planting hedgerows around their fields or farms. On larger farms, the distance between the rows can be increased to enable the use of machinery. Common crops used for Alley Cropping include corn, soybeans, wheat, and potatoes. Often, these crops are combined with trees that produce valuable products like hardwood timber or nuts. This technique is flexible and can be adapted to meet the specific needs of any farm, making it a practical way to improve productivity and sustainability.

NOTE: This method works particularly well in humid and semi-humid regions, but has also been successful in dry areas when undertaken with careful planning. In drier regions, it is important to ensure that hedgerows do not compete with crops for soil moisture.