SLM Technologies and Approaches from Afghanistan

SLM Technologies and Approaches from Afghanistan

SLM Technologies and Approaches from Afghanistan “Watershed Management has brought new hope to our lives. In the past rain for us meant disaster, but now it is a boon as there are no flash floods from the treated areas in Sourakhak watershed. Many affected families which had shifted to other areas have started returning to their homes�.

Arbob Najmuddin, Roye Sang Nehal Bagh village, Kahmard, Afghanistan Afghanistan is situated in a naturally multi-hazard prone zone. Its people face flash floods, droughts, earthquakes and avalanches on a regular basis. Climate change is predicted to exacerbate existing vulnerabilities to land degradation, floods and droughts in Afghanistan.

Since 2008, HELVETAS Swiss Intercooperation has explored sustainable ways to mitigate the risks of flash floods and drought through sustainable watershed management and by empowering the communities to play a pivotal role in disaster risk management. Based on the work initiated in 2008/9 with support from the International Swiss Re Award, HELVETAS Swiss Intercooperation implemented Integrated Watershed Management (IWM) project funded by the Swiss Agency for Development and Cooperation (SDC) with the main aim to increase the livelihood security of selected communities of Kahmard district through flash flood and drought risk mitigation.

IWM project promoted structural measures like contour tied trench, terrace, loose stone masonry and gabion check dam, half-moon pit, soil bund and water reservoir. These were combined with vegetative measures, management measures like area exclusion from grazing and shrub cutting and community bakeries for reducing shrub collection. For planning, implementation and site up keep, the communities appointed their watershed management committees and also guards. The watershed project had multiple benefits for the local communities. About 600 ha irrigated land, 320 ha orchards, 10 irrigation canals, 342 houses, 2 schools, 2 mosques, 1 km main road, 8 km river banks and about 1 km irrigation canal were protected from flash flood hazards.

HELVETAS Swiss Intercooperation invests in active knowledge, processes, methods and tools for learning, creating new knowledge, knowledge exchange and applying best practices. For sustainable land management and watershed management, it promotes and applies the globally standardized World Overview of Conservation Approaches and technologies (WOCAT) tools and methods as well as facilitates the setting up of Afghanistan Conservation Approaches Technologies and Approaches (AFCAT) network through Sustainable Land Management Project (SLMP) funded by SDC. We hope that the documented AFCAT examples will be useful for other organizations and individuals working in similar field and environment. HELVETAS Swiss Intercooperation welcomes any feedback on the documented fact sheets. We hope that these four, and others which will be shared in due course, will contribute to the knowledge on effective SLM practices (traditional and introduced) from Afghanistan and arid/semi-arid regions.

Thank you!

Mohammad Khalid Azami Deputy Country Director HELVETAS Swiss Intercooperation Afghanistan afghanistan@helvetas.org

l e ft : A n o v e r v i e w o f C o n t o u r T i e d T r e n c h a t S ou ra k h a k w a te rsh e d. A lso in the pic tu re a re a f e w t e r r a c e s ( P h o t o : S a nj e e v Bh u c h a r )

Contour Tied Trench

Afghanistan – Chuqoarak (Local name in Dari)

r ight: A c l o s e r v i e w o f 1 - y e a r o l d t r e n c h e s w ith soil bu n ds a t S ou ra k h a k w atersh ed (P h oto: S a n je e v Bh uc h a r)

Trenches with soil bunds constructed in a tied manner along contour lines to trap surface runoff and sediments from degraded uplands Contour Tied Trenches (CTT) were constructed to trap and retain surface runoff and sediments with the main objective of reducing flash flood risks from the Sourakhak watershed which was badly degraded due to overgrazing, excessive cutting of shrubs for fuel wood, rainfed cropping and recurring droughts. The technology was combined with other structural measures like soil bunds, check dams, water ponds, and plantation of fruit, non-fruit trees, fodder crops like alfalfa, Asafoetida and Cumin as cash crops. The watershed is also protected from grazing and shrub cutting by the participating communities. Community bakeries were constructed in the valleys and bio-briquette technology promoted for reducing shrub consumption/cutting.

Feasibility studies were conducted and workers from three Community Development Councils (CDCs) of Roy-e Sang (Kahmard) implemented the construction works based on the technical proposals. The workers were organised by the Sourakhak watershed management committee and they got a daily wage of USD 5 for their labour inputs. About 670 families (276 person days/ha) participated in the construction of CTTs and other technologies.

One supervisor appointed by the communities and a watershed worker from HELVETAS Swiss Intercooperation side, both paid by the project, monitored the watershed works with technical advice from the project staff. The work was carried out in phases and in 4 years (starting 2009) about 65,000 trenches were constructed.

About 216 trenches were constructed per hectare and the construction cost was about 1450 USD/ha, which included 1380 USD for labour and 70 USD for tools.

The International Swiss Re Award (2009), the Swiss Agency for Development and Cooperation (SDC), HELVETAS Swiss Intercooperation and the participating families financially contributed to the watershed management works.

Sourakhak watershed has a semi-arid and temperate climate. The area receives up to maximum 400 mm rainfall annually in a normal year and snow during winter.

About 80% of the rain falls from March to June, with most rain falling in the months of April and May. The watershed is located at an elevation ranging from 20003000 m (amsl) and the soil is sandy-loam to clay type. The land users who applied the CTTs are mostly smallholders (with less than 1 ha irrigated land) and they reside in the valley bottoms. The upland areas, where the CTT have been constructed, belong to the state but the local communities have land and water use rights.

From a climate change perspective, CTTs will not be much affected by temperature changes or drought. Some trenches could break if there is an extreme rainfall event.

SLM Technology: Contour Tied Trench, Afghanistan 

L o ca ti o n: K a h m a r d d i s t r i c t, B a my a n p r o v i n c e C oo r di n a t es: 3 5 . 3 4 8 2 4 8 0 N ; 6 7 . 6 3 9 6 0 9 0 E T e c h no l o g y a r e a : A p p r o x . 3 k m 2 C o n s er v a t io n m ea s u r e ( s ) : S t r u c t u r a l m e a s u r e L a nd u se t y pe: I n i t ia l l y : G r a z i n g / s h r u b l a n d Stage of inter ventio n: R e h a b i l i t at i o n O rigin: E x t e r n a l l y i n t r o d u c e d i n 2 0 0 9 C l im a t e : S e m i - a r i d a n d t e m p e r a t e WO CAT da t a ba se r e fe r e n c e : R e l a t e d a ppr o ac h : C o m m u n i t y b a s e d watershed management C om pi l ed by : A l i A h m a d “ S e d i q i ” , A s h r a f H omayoun, Azami Mohammad Khalid. Bhuc h a r S a n j e e v , S th a p i t K e s h a r , t og e t h e r w i t h land users Date: 1 2 . 1 2 . 2 0 1 2 C om m en t s: C T T s s h o u l d b e c o m b i n e d w i t h vegetative and management measures. Proper alignment of the CTTs is also nec essary f or s t a b i l i t y a n d ef f ec t i v e n e s s an d t h e i r s i z e and spac ing should be dec ided on the basis of hydro-met para meters. Some times, people h a v e f e a r tha t th e y w ill lose la n d du e to tre n c h e s. In suc h a situa tion othe r te c h n olog ies lik e terrac in g ca n be a lso con sidered f or flash flood reduc tion.

IWM project/ HELVETAS Swiss Intercooperation/SDC (2013)

1

Classification Land use problems in the uplands: Depleted soil, poor vegetative cover and deep gullies which trigger severe flash floods.

L and u se

C l im a t e

D egr a da t i o n

Extensive grazing land in the past

Semi Arid Temperate

Erosion by water

Stage of inter ventio n

C o n s er v a t io n m ea s u r e

Biological degradation

Structural: Contour continuous trenches()

O rigin

Prevention Mitigation/reduc tion Rehabilitation

L e v e l o f t e c h n i ca l k n ow l e dge r e qu i r e d fo r c o n s tr u c t i n g C T T s L a n d u s e r ’ s i n i t i a t iv e : Experi ments/researc h: Externally introduc ed: In 2009

n st r u c t edL o w : Medium: SLM specialists High: Land users

M a i n c a u ses o f l a n d degr a da t i on : O v e r g r a z i n g , e x c e s s iv e s h r u b c u t t in g , ra i n f e d a g r ic u l t u r e w i th o u t s o i l a n d w a t e r c o n s e r v a t i on m e a s u r e s a n d r e c u r r i n g d r o u g h ts . A l s o , la c k o f o r g a n i z a ti o n a l st r u c t u r e s a n d i n s t i t u t i o n a l m e c ha n i s m s f o r m a n a g i n g t h e u p l a nd s . L ac k o f k n o w l e d g e o n s u s t a i n a b l e l a nd m a n a g e m e n t ( S L M ) t e c h n o l o g ie s a n d a p p r o a c h e s .

M a i n t e c h n ic a l fu n c t i o n s : - T r a p / r e t a i n r u n o f f a n d s e d im e n t s - I n c r e a s e i n f i l t r a ti o n - Reduc e flash flood risks - Reduc e slope length

S e c o n dar y t e c h n i c a l fu n c t io n s : - Inc rease soil moisture c ontent - I n c r e a s e g r ou n d w a t e r r ec h a r ge - I n c r e a s e l a n d c o v e r ( v e g e t a ti o n )

Environment Natural environment of the watershed sites where CTTs were constructed A v er a g e a n n u a l r a i n fa l l ( m m )

A l t i t u d e ( a .m . s . l . )

> 4000 3000- 4000 2000- 3000 1500- 2000 1000- 1500 750- 1000 500- 750 250- 500 < 250

So i l d ept h (cm )

0- 2 0 20- 50 50- 80 80- 120 < 120

L a n d f o r m w h er e C T T w e r e a p p l i e d

S l o p e (% ) w h er e C T T s w e r e a p p l i e d

> 4000 3000- 4000 2500- 3000 2000- 2500 1500- 2000 1000- 1500 500- 1000 100- 500 < 100

very steep (> 60) s t ee p ( 30- 60) h illy ( 16- 30) ro l l i n g ( 8 - 1 6 ) m o d e ra t e ( 5 - 8 ) gentle (2-5) fl a t ( 0- 2)

Gr ow i n g sea so n ( s) : 1 s e a s o n (1 c r o p ; M a r c h t o J u l y )

S o i l w a t er s t o r a g e c a p ac i t y : M e d i u m ( u p t o 1 5 d a y s )

I n t h e v a l l e y s, h o w e v e r, 2 c r o p s a r e p o s s i b l e ( M a r c h to July a nd August to Oc tober)

Wa t er qua l i t y : N o t g o o d b u t a n im a l s c o n s u m e

S o i l t e xt u r e: D i f f e r s , m o s t l y s a n d y -l o a m y ; c l a y

A v a il a b i l i t y o f s u r f a c e w a t er : D u r i n g r a i n y s e a s o n Bi o di v er si t y : I n i t i a l ly l o w b u t g ra d u a l l y i m p r o v i n g a s t h e watersheds are protec ted from grazing and shrub c uttin g. Ka h ma rd w a s on c e fa mou s for rich biodiv ersity.

S o i l fe r t i l i t y : L o w t o M e d i u m T o p s o i l o r g an i c m a t t er : L o w S o i l dr a i n a g e / i n fi l t r a t io n : M e d i u m t o G o o d

C TT t o l e r a n t o f c l im a t ic e xt r e m e s : T e m p e r a t u r e i n c r e a s e o r d e c r e a s e , v a r i a t i o n s i n r a i n f a l l / s n o w , d r o u g h t C TT s e n s i t i v e t o c l im a t ic e xt r e m e s : H i g h i n t e n s i t y r a i n f a l l c o u l d c a u s e b r e a k a g e s o f s o m e C T T s , e s p e c i a l l y t h e s o i l b u n d s I f s e n s i t i v e , w h a t m o d i f i c a t i o n s w er e m a d e / a r e p o s s i b l e : S t a b i l i z e C T T s w i t h v e g e t a t i v e a n d m a n a g e m e n t m e a s u r e s . T r e n c h s i z e s h o u l d be based on hydro- meteor ologi c al parameters c onsidering pos sibility of an extreme event occurring.

Human environment of the land users applying CTTs Estim ated gr azing land p er h o u seh ol d ( h a ) ) < 0. 5 0 . 5 -1 1-2 2-5 5- 1 5 15- 50 50- 100 100- 500

2

L and u ser : M o s t l y s m a l l s c a l e an d i n g r o u p P o pul a t i o n densi t y : A b o u t

I m p o r t a nc e o f o f f - f a r m i n c o m e f o r l a n d u s e r s : 1 0 - 5 0 %

30/k m 2

A n n u a l po pu l a t i o n grow t h ( n a t io n a l ) : 2- 3 % L a n d o w n er sh i p ( u p l a n d g r a z i n g l a n d s ): M o s t ly s t a t e L a n d / w a t er u s e r i g h t s : C o m m o n ( o r g a n i z e d ) Relative level of w ealth: P o o r ( 5 0 %) , A v e r a g e ( 4 0 %) ; Ric h (10%)

SLM Technology: Contour Tied Trench, Afghanistan ď Ž

A c c e s s t o s e r v i c e a n d i n fr a s tr u c t u r e : L o w : T e c h n i c a l A s s i s t a n c e , M a r k e t , F i n a nc ia l s er v i c e , E m p l o y m e n t ; M ode ra te : H e a lth , Edu c a tion , Ene rg y , D rink in g w a te r an d sanitation M ar k e t o r i e n ta t i o n : M i x e d ( s u b s i s t e n c e a n d c o m m e r c i a l ) .

Mainly sheep and goats. People prepare items fro m sheep wool like carpets (namads) A v er a ge l i v est o c k per h o u seh o l d : ( E s t i m a t e d ) 5- 9 s h e e p , 3- 5 g o a t s , 1 d o n k e y . A b o u t 5 0 % H H s h a v e c o w s .

IWM project / HELVETAS Swiss Intercooperation/SDC (2013)

T e c h n ic a l dr aw i n g : T e c h n i c a l s p e c i f i c a t i o n s o f C o n t o u r T i e d T r e n c h w it h s o i l bunds c onstruc ted at Sourakhak wat e rs h e d . F r u i t a n d n o n - f r u i t t r e e s h a v e b e e n p l a n t e d a t a f e w s e l e c t e d si t e s i n the watershed as vegetative measures.

Th e pla n t su rv iva l per c en t w a s a bou t 10 % due to drought, rodent pro blem and poor adaptation of the tree saplin g s brou g h t f rom a dif f e re n t na tu ra l environment. The sites are protec ted from grazing and shrub c utting leading to better land c over.

Trenc h size: 5 m (L), 1 m at t op and 0.4 m at botto m (W ), 0.7 m (D ) D ista n c e be tw e e n tre nc h in a row = 0.3- 0.7 m and s pac ing between c ontours = 4- 8 m d epending on th e slope (steeper slopes have less distanc e) Soil bund size: 5.5 m (L), 0.7 m /0.4 m (W ), 0.5 m (H ) Th e tren c h es h a v e th e c a pac ity to store about 1 59,2 50 c u.m of water.

Ka h ma rd rec eiv es u p to 35 0 m m ra in fall per year. Considering c atc hment a rea of 3 k m2 th e tren c h es c an h old a ll t h e w a t e r i f t h e r e w a s 5 0 m m r a i n f a ll a t a ti m e , w h ic h i s r a r e .

(D ra w in g: Ah ma d Ali Sediqi, H ELV ETAS S w i s s I n t e r c o o p e r a t i o n , A f g h an is t a n )

Implementation activities, inputs and costs Establishment activities

Establishment inputs and costs per ha

1. Site selec tion

I nput s

2 . P r e p a r a t i o n o f c o n t o u r l i n e s w i th A - f r a m e 3. Exc avation of trenc hes

L a b o u r ( 27 6 p e r s o n d a y s )

4. Com pac tion of soil bunds

C o sts (U S$)

% m et by land user

13 8 0

10 %

70

90 %

1 4 50

1 3 .8%

Materials - A- f r a m e s , s h o v e l , p ic k a x e Agric ultural - Not applic able T O TA L

Maintenance/recurrent activities

%

Maintenance/recurrent inputs and costs per ha per year I nput s

1. Repairing of trenc hes/soil bunds T h i s i s t h e m i n i m u m r e q u i r e m e n t . If t h e r e a r e v e r y h e av y r a in s and more damages, the maintenanc e c osts will be muc h higher.

Labour (1 person day)

C o sts (U S$)

% m et by land user 5

10 0%

Equipment - S h o v e l s , P ic k a x e

No extra c ost

Materials Agric ultural - not applic able T O TA L

5

1 0 0%

Remarks: Most of the expenditure during the establishment phase is for labour. The tools required for the construction of CTTs were provided by the workers.

SLM Technology: Contour Tied Trench, Afghanistan ď Ž

IWM project/ HELVETAS Swiss Intercooperation/SDC (2013)

3

Assessment Impacts of the Technology P r o d uc t i o n a n d s o c i o - e c o n o m i c b e n e f i t s Contributes to Inc reased fodder produc tion due to m o r e s o i l m o i s t u r e . M o r e C h a n g a l a k s p ec i e s w h ic h a r e + + a g ood a n i m a l f e e d w h e n d r y . I t c ol l ec t s i n t h e t r e nc h es.

S o c io - c u l t ur a l b e n e f i t s Inc reased knowledge on c onservation technologies + +

impr oved livelihoods of partic ipating households due to reduc ed flash flood risks E c o l o g ic a l be n e fi t s I n c r e a s e d h a rv e s t i n g o f s u rf a c e r u n o f f a n d r e d uc e d s o i l + + loss Inc reased soil moisture + +

P r o d uc t i o n a n d s o c i o - e c o n o m i c d i s a d v a n t a g e s

-

Loss of productive land due to land digging

S o c io - c u l t ur a l d i s a d v a n t a g e s None

+ +

+ +

E c o l o g ic a l di s a dv a n t a g e s D istu rba n c e of soil du rin g excav a tion w ork s

-

In c re a se d pla n t div e rsity ow n ing to more soil m oistu re

Rec harge of springs

O f f-si t e b e n e fi t s Reduc ed downstream floo ding and siltation. + +

+ +

Redu c ed da ma ge to pro perty (p u blic an d priv a te)

+

I n c r e a s e d r ec h a r g e of s p r i n g s

O f f-si t e di sa dv a n t a ge s Sedimentation due to soil disturbance during excavation -

C o n tr i b u t i o n t o h um a n w e l l - b e i n g / l i v e l i h o o d s F l a s h f l ood r i s k s r e d u c e d . A b ou t 670 f a m i l i e s b e n e f i t e d f r om c as h a n d e ac h f a m i l y e a r n e d a t l eas t 400 U S D d u r i n g t h e p r oj e c t + + c y cl e . Th i s i n c om e h e l p e d i n m ee t i n g s om e b a s i c n e e d s l i k e f ood , e d u c a t i on e x p e n s e s , m e d i c i ne s a n d cl ot h e s . M a n y a g r i cu l t u r e l a n d , h o u s e s , m a r k e t s , r o ad , m o s q u e , s c h o o l , c li n i c , d i s t r ic t o f f ic e a r e n o w p r o t e c t e d f r o m f l a s h f l o o d s r i s k s .

Benefits/costs according to land user

B e n e fi t s c om par e d w i t h c o s t s

sho r t-term :

Esta bl i shm ent

Positive

Very positive

M a i n t e n a nc e / r ec ur r e n t

Very positive

Very positive

T h e be n e f i t s d u e t o re d u c e d f la s h f lo o d r i s k s a r e mu c h mo re t h a n t h e e s t a b li s h m e n t c o s t s .

l o ng-term :

Acceptance/adoption: The technology is applied in other districts, for instance, in Saighan (Bamyan province) and Ruy-e Doab (Samangan province) by HELVETAS Swiss Intercooperation. (I)NGOs like the Agha Khan Foundation and Catholic Relief Services (CRS) are also including CTTs in their technology systems for reducing flash flood and snow avalanche risks. There has been no spontaneous adoption of CTTs by the land users and the main reasons could be high investment cost and fear of loss of land.

Concluding statements Strengths a n d  h ow t o su st a in /i m pr o v e

Weaknesses a n d  h ow t o o v er com e

Reduce flash floods risks  M a in t e n a n c e a n d a p p l i c a t i o n o f v e g e ta t i v e m e a s u r e s a l o n g w i t h t h e tr e n c h e s . F o r I n s t a n c e p l a n ti n g of pe re n n ia l f ora g e spe c ie s on th e bu n ds lik e A lfa lf a, A g ropy ron an d S a in f oin ..

Soil dis tu r bed d u rin g di ggin g a n d fin e c la y depo sits in th e tren c h es w h ic h redu c es in filtra tion  Apply c on serv a ti on tren c h es. P la n ti n g on th e eith er en d s of th e tren c h a n d s o i l w o r k i n g t o b r e a k t h e c l a y la y er i n g .

C T T s c o n s i d e r e d b e t t e r t h a n s t ag g e r e d c o n t o u r t r e n c h i f th e p ur p o s e i s t o c o n t r o l f l a s h f l o o d s a s i t c a n t ra p m o r e r u n o f f a n d ha v e l e s s c h a nc e s o f d a m a g e s  M a in t e n a n c e a n d c o r r e c t i m p l e m e n t a tion is nec essary

E s t a b l i s h m e n t c o s t s a r e h i g h  I n i ti a l e x t e r n a l s u p p o r t n e c es s a r y .

L i n k i n g r e l i e f t o s u s t a i n a b l e la nd m a n a g e m e n t c o u l d b e a n o p t io n .

H elps in sp ring rec ha rge  C T T s s h o u l d b e m a i n t a i n e d a n d c o m b i n e d w i t h v e g e t a t i o n m e a s u r e s f o r b e t t e r i n f i l t ra t i o n .

L oss of la n d f or pr o du c tion du e t o tren c h in g  In tegra te pla n tin g of trees a nd g ra sse s.

H e l p s i n t h e e s t a b l i s h m e n t of v eg e t a t i on d u e t o m or e s oi l m oi s t u r e Tr e n c h e s b r e a k C TTs m u s t b e of r i g h t s i z e a l on g t h e c on t our  C o m b i n e w i t h c o n s e r v a t i o n p r a c t i c e s l i k e m u lc h i n g lin e s. W ork e rs mu st be tra in e d be f ore imple me n ta tion w ork a nd th ere mu st be proper su perv isio n . Th e siz e of a tren c h a n d spacin g b e t w e e n t r e n c h e s s h o u l d b e b a se d o n h y d r o - m e t p a r a m e t e r s . A l s o , a v oid ste e p sa n dy (blu e ) a n d sha llow roc k y soil be ds P oten tia l tec h n ol ogy f or re du c in g fla sh flood ri sk s  M o r e t r a i n in g a n d a w a r e n e s s a b o u t t h e l i m i t a ti o n s o f t h i s t ec h n o l o g y - w h e r e t o apply and where not to apply Key reference(s): WOCAT on-line database on SLM Technologies (www.wocat.net) Contact person: Mohammad Khalid Azami, Deputy Country Director, HELVETAS Swiss Intercooperation, Afghanistan (khalid.azami@helvetas.org) 4

SLM Technology: Contour Tied Trench, Afghanistan 

IWM project / HELVETAS Swiss Intercooperation/SDC (2013)

l e ft : K a n d a c o n s t r u c t i o n i n p r o g r e s s i n S o ur a khak watershed (Photo from H ELVETAS Swiss I n t e rcooper a t i o n a r c h i v e )

Ka n d a

Afghanistan – Kanda (Local name in Dari and Pushto)

r ight: A v i e w o f t h e Ka n d a / u n d e r g r o u n d t a n k , c on v e y a nc e c h an n e l, se dime n t pit (be in g c l e a n e d ) an d t h e r o c k y c a tc h m e n t ( P h o t o f r o m H E L V E T A S S w i s s I n t e rc o o p e r a t i o n a r c h i v e )

A traditional underground water tank carved out of rocks to collect rainfall and snow water and reduce evaporation losses Kanda is an indigenous technology for collecting rain and snow melt. The technology comprises an underground tank carved out of rock (limestone), channels to convey the runoff into the underground tank or Kanda and a rocky catchment from where runoff is collected. Kanda technology is applied in Afghanistan in many places, particularly in areas which experience scarcity of water for human beings, livestock and irrigation. Due to high evaporation rates and low precipitation, harvesting runoff in open tanks is not an efficient way of water harvesting.

HELVETAS Swiss Intercooperation is implementing community based watershed management projects in Kahmard district of Bamyan province (Afghanistan) since 2008 with financial support from the International SwissRe Award for sustainable watershed management (2009) and the Swiss Agency for Development and Cooperation (SDC). One of the activities for sustainable watershed management is plantation of fruit and non-fruit trees in the selected watersheds (upland areas) which were used for grazing and extraction of vegetation for domestic use. Due to water scarcity in the upland areas, irrigation of the planted saplings becomes very difficult and water has to be transported on donkeys from far locations. To overcome this constraint, Kanda was identified as the most potent technology for harvesting runoff and snow melt.

For constructing Kandas, Kanda makers from Dara-e Suf district in Samangan province had to be employed as there are no experts in Kahmard. Based on feasibility studies, eight Kandas have been constructed including 4 Kandas in Sourakhak watershed and 4 in Baqa Kushta watershed. The size of each Kanda is 6 m length, 6 m in width and 3 m in height. To convey the runoff into the tank, 10-20 m long graded channels were carved out of the rocks. The establishment cost of one Kanda was approximately US$ 7163. Kanda making requires special skills, especially when it is carved out of rocks. A Kanda maker has sound understanding of the area’s geology, and this wisdom is gained through learning by doing and inherited from the ancestors. In Kahmard, 2-3 experts worked for 4-5 months for one Kanda.

In 2012, due to sufficient rains, 2 Kandas which did not have leakage problems in Sourakhak watershed got full with runoff water, which was then used for irrigating 6500 saplings seven times during the year. Kahmard district has a semi-arid climate. Some years are dry with rainfall of about 190 mm. Considering this context, it becomes very necessary to tap rainwater, especially in the rainfed uplands, and to use it for irrigating saplings or for livestock.

SLM Technology: Kanda, Afghanistan 

IWM project/HELVETAS Swiss Intercooperation/SDC (2013)

L o ca ti o n: K a h m a r d d i s t r i c t , B a my a n P r o v i n c e T e c h no l o g y a r e a : A b o u t 0 . 5 h e c t a r e / K a n d a C o n s er v a t io n m ea s u r e ( s ) : S t r u c t u r a l m e a s u r e (pond) L a nd u se t y pe: E x t e n s i v e G r a z in g L a n d Stage of inter ventio n: R e h a b i l i t at i o n o f d e graded land O rigin: T r a d i t i o n a l ( > 5 0 y e a r s ) C l im a t e : S e m i - a r i d a n d t e m p e r a t e WO CAT da t a ba se r e fe r e n c e : R e l a t e d a ppr o ac h : C o m m u n i t y w a t e r s h e d m a n agement C om pi l ed by : S a n j e e v B h u c h a r C o n tr i b u t o r s : A z a m i K h a l i d M o h a m m a d , A f shar H omayon, “Sediqi” Ali A hmad, Sthapit Kesh a r, Sou ra k h a k W a tersh ed Co m mittee mem bers R ev i si o n da t e : 2 4 / 0 3 / 2 0 1 3 E di t or ’s c om m e n t s: Ka n d a t e c h n o l o g y i s a p p l i e d i n u p l a n d a r e a s. T h e s e u p la n d a r e a s a r e u s e d e xt e n s i v e l y f or g ra z i n g, s hru b c u t t i n g a n d s o m e t i m e s r a i n f e d a g r ic u l tu r e ( w h e a t a n d ba rle y ). P e ople do n ot liv e in the u pla n d a re a s bu t in th e v a lley bottoms w h ere th ere is ac c ess t o w a t e r , f l a t f e r t i l e la n d s a n d ba s i c s e r v ic e s .

T h e u p l a n d s a r e m a j o r s o u r c e of s e d i m e n t s i n the valleys and flash floods due to extreme degradation.

1

Classification Land use problems: Degraded upland watersheds resulting in severe flash floods; scarcity of water in the uplands which makes plantation activities difficult and also affects productivity of the livestock.

L and u se

C l im a t e

D egr a da t i o n

Extensive grazing land

Semi-arid and temperate

Erosion by water: Loss of top soil, gully erosion

Stage o f inter v entio n (i n t e r m s o f l a n d degradation) Prevention Mitigation/reduc tion Rehabilitation

C o n s er v a t io n m ea s u r e ( s )

Biological degradation:

Structural measure: Underground water tank

O ri gi n o f K a nda t ec hno l o gy L a n d u s e r ’ s i n i t i a t iv e : > 5 0 y e a r s Experi ments/researc h: Externally introduc ed: In 2009 Other’s (spec ify):

L e v e l o f t e c h n i ca l k n ow l e dge r e qu i r e d fo r c o n s tr u c t i n g K a n d a Low: Medium: High: Land users and SLM experts

M a i n c a u ses o f l a n d degr a da t i on : E x c e s s i v e g r a z i n g , s h r u b c u t ti n g f o r f u e l w o o d , r a i n f e d a g r i c u l t u r e , r e c u r r i n g d r o u g h t s a n d la c k o f u p land management measures by the c ommunities and government authorities.

M a i n t e c h n ic a l fu n c t i o n s : - W a t e r h a r v e s t i n g / in c r e a s e w a t e r s u p p l y - Reduc es evaporation and seepage losses

I n di r e c t t e c h n ic a l fu n c t i o n s : - Helps in re-greening - R e d u c es s u r f a c e r u n o f f

Environment Natural Environment (relates to the catchment/site where the presented Kanda technology has been applied) A v er a g e a n n u a l r a i n fa l l ( m m )

> 4000 3000- 4000 2000- 3000 1500- 2000 1000- 1500 750- 1000 500- 750 250- 500 < 250

So i l d ept h (cm )

0- 2 0 20- 50 50- 80 80- 120 < 120

A l t i tude (m a .s .l . )

L a n d f o r m w h er e K a n d a w a s c o ns t r u c t e d S l o p e (% ) o f K a n d a s i t e

> 4000 3000- 4000 2500- 3000 2000- 2500 1500- 2000 1000- 1500 500- 1000 100- 500 < 100

very steep (> 60) s t ee p ( 30- 60) h illy ( 16- 30) ro l l i n g ( 8 - 1 6 ) m o d e ra t e ( 5 - 8 ) gentle (2-5) fl a t ( 0- 2)

Gr ow i n g sea so n ( u pl a n d ) : 1 s e a s o n ( M a r c h t o J u l y )

S o i l w a t er s t o r a g e c a p ac i t y : L o w ( r o c k y c a t c h m e n t )

So i l t e xt u r e: M o s t l y r o c k y

Gr o und wa t er t a bl e: N o i n f o r m a t i o n

S o i l fe r t i l i t y : L o w

A v a il a b i l i t y o f s u r f a c e w a t er : L o w ( d u r i n g r a i n y s e a s o n )

T o p s o i l o r g an i c m a t t er : L o w

Wa t er qua l i t y : P o o r , u s e d f o r a g r i c u l t u r e a n d l i v e s t o c k

S o i l dr a i n a g e / i n fi l t r a t io n : P o o r

Bi o di v er si t y i n t he gr a zi ng l a nds: L o w

T o l er a n t o f c l im a t i c e x t r em e s : T e m p e r a t u r e i n c r e a s e ; s e a s o n a l r a i n f a l l i n c r e a s e a n d d e c r e a s e ; h e a v y r a i n f a l l e v e n t s ; w i n d s t o r m s ; drought, floods S e n s i t i v e t o c l im a t ic e x t r em e s : N o t k n o w n I f s e n s i t i v e , w h a t m o d i f i c a t i o n s w er e m a d e / a r e p o s s i b l e : I n s t a l l g o o d q u a l i t y w a t e r c o n v e y a n c e s y s t e m ; D e t e r m i n e K a n d a s i z e b a s e d o n p r e c i p i t a t i o n a n d c a tc h m e n t a r ea ; R e d u c e c ha n c e s o f t a nk l ea k ag e s b y s e a l i n g t h e c r a c k s i f a n y.

Human environment of land users who applied the Kanda technology Gr a zi ng l a nd per ho useho ld (ha)

< 0. 5 0 . 5 -1 1-2 2-5 5- 1 5 15- 50 50- 100 100- 500 500- 1000

2

L a n d u ser (w h o a p p l i e d K a n d a ): G r o u p s , s m a l l s c a l e

I m p o r t a nc e o f o f f - f a r m i n c o m e f o r l a n d u s e r s : 1 0 - 5 0 %

P o pul a t i o n densi t y ( d i s t r i c t ): 3 0 p e r s o n s / k m 2

A c c e s s t o s e r v i c e a n d i n fr a s tr u c t u r e i n K a h m a r d d i s tr ic t: M o d e r a t e : H ea l t h , E d u c a tio n , T e c h n ic a l A s s i s t a n c e, M a r k e t, E n e r g y , R o a d a n d T r a n s p o r t , D r i n k i n g W a te r a n d S an ita tion . L ow : O f f -fa rm e mpl oy me n t a n d f in a nc ia l se rv ic e s (f orma l)

A n n u a l po pu l a t i o n grow t h ( N a tio n a l ) : 2- 3 % L a n d o w n er s h i p ( K a n d a s i t e ) : S t a t e L a n d / w a t er u s e r i g h t s i n w a t er sh e d s : C o m m u n a l (organized) R el a t i v e l ev el o f w ea l t h o f l a nd user s w ho a ppl i ed the K a nda t ec hno l o gy: P o o r ( 5 0 % ) , M o d e r a t e ( 4 0 % ) , R i c h (1 0 % )

M ar k e t o r i e n ta t i o n w i t h r e g ar d t o l i v e s t o c k a n d a g r i c ul tur e : M i x e d ( S u b s i s t e n c e, C o m m e r c i a l )

SLM Technology: Kanda, Afghanistan 

IWM Project/HELVETAS Swiss Intercooperation/SDC - (2013)

T e c h n ic a l dr aw i n g Technical drawing of a Kanda constructed at Baqa Kushta watershed in Kahmard district (Bamyan province).

Size of one Kanda tank: Length: 6 m Width: 6 m Height: 3 m 108 cu. m water can be stored in one Kanda.

(Drawing by Eng. Abdulrehman Rahmani, HELVETAS Swiss Intercooperation, Afghanistan)

Underground Kanda

(tank) where runoff is stored

Implementation activities, inputs and costs Establishment activities

Establishment inputs and costs per Kanda

1. Prefeasibility study

I nput s

2. Tec h n ic al su rv ey 3. Tec h n ic al proposa l prepa ra tion

Labour (116 m 3)

4. Sign of Code of Conduc t

C o sts (U S$)

% m et by land user

56 40

15 %

45 8

0%

10 65

8.1%

7 1 63

1 3 .1%

Equipment

5. Signing of four party c ontrac t

Chisel, wheel barrow, hammer, rope, bucket, hanger

6. Exc a v a tion of Ka n da 7. Preparation of projec t c ompleti on report

Materials - C emen t, sa n d, g rav el, podlo p ow der, s t e e l b a r s , w a t e r, w a t e r p r o o f p l a s t e r , s t e e l f i l t e r , f i l l e r, p l a i n c o n c r e t e Agric ultural (Not applic able) T O TA L

Maintenance/recurrent activities

Maintenance/recurrent inputs and costs per Kanda per year I nput s

1 . C l e a n i n g o f th e c a n a l s a n d Ka n d a

Labour (2 person days)

C o sts (U S$)

% m et by land user 10

1 0 0%

Equipment

Th e i n p u t s a n d c os t s f or m a i n t e n a n c e w i l l v a ry, d e pe n din g on th e a n n ua l se dime n t produ c tion ra te s.

- No new equipments

%

Materials - Not applic able

%

Agric ultural - Not applic able T O TA L

% 10

1 0 0%

Remarks: Most of the establishment cost is for skilled labour. 1 USD = 50 Afghani (local currency) Daily wager of workers: Semi-skilled: US$ 5/day) and skilled/mason: US$ 10/day

SLM Technology: Kanda, Afghanistan ď Ž

IWM project/HELVETAS Swiss Intercooperation/SDC (2013)

3

Assessment Impacts of the Technology P r o d uc t i o n a n d s o c i o - e c o n o m i c b e n e f i t s In c rea sed irrig a tion w a ter av a ilability + +

+ + +

P r o d uc t i o n a n d s o c i o - e c o n o m i c d i s a d v a n t a g e s Increased expense for construction _

R e d u c e d r i s k o f p l a n t a t i o n f a i l u re

D e c r e a s e d w o r k l o a d f o r f e t c h ing w a t e r

S o c io - c u l t ur a l b e n e f i t s I n c r e a s e d c o n s e r v a t i o n k n o w l e dg e + +

S o c io - c u l t ur a l d i s a d v a n t a g e s

E c o l o g ic a l be n e fi t s I n c r e a s e d h a rv e s t i n g o f s u rf a c e r u n o f f ++

E c o l o g ic a l di s a dv a n t a g e s I n c r e a s e d s e d i m e n t s d u e t o e x c a v a t i o n o f r oc k s -

+

+

I n c r e a s e d a e s t h e t ic v a l u e d u e t o g r e e n e r w a t e r s h e d s

Reduc ed surfac e runoff due to water harvesting

O f f-si t e b e n e fi t s O f f-si t e di sa dv a n t a ge s C o n t r i b u t e s t o f l a s h f l o o d r i s k re d u c t i o n b y s u p p o r t i n g + re-greening efforts C o n tr i b u t i o n t o h um a n w e l l - b e i n g / l i v e l i h o o d s I n c r e a s e d av a i l a b i l i t y o f w a t e r fo r s m a l l - s c a l e i r r i g a t i o n f o r t r e e s a p l i n g s a n d l iv e s t o c k a n d i nc r e a s e d s u c c e s s o f a ff o r e s t a t i o n + + i n d r y l a n d a r e a s w h ic h i n th e l on g e r t e r m w i l l l e a d t o i n c r e a s e d i n c o m e , f u e l w o o d a n d t i m b e r fo r t h e l a n d u s e r s a n d g r e e n e r watersheds

Benefits/costs according to land user

B e n e fi t s c om par e d w i t h c o s t s

sho r t-term :

l o ng-term :

Esta bl i shm ent

Positive

Very positive

M a i n t e n a nc e / r ec ur r e n t

Very positive

Very positive

Acceptance/adoption: It is an indigenous technology applied in many other districts of Afghanistan, for example, in Dara-e Suf and Ruy-i Doab districts of Samangan province by several families either collectively or privately without external support.

The in Dara-e Suf are not constructed inside rocks but in soil.

Concluding statements Strengths a n d  h ow t o su st a in /i m pr o v e

Weaknesses a n d  h ow t o o v er com e

An indigenous multipurpose technology  K a n d a s i z e c a n b e i m p r o v e d i f t h e c a tc h m e n t a r e a a nd p r e c i p i t a t i o n a m o u n t a r e c o n s i d e r e d . T h i s a l s o d e p e n d s o n a v a i la b i l i t y o f l o n g - t e r m r a i n f a l l d a ta .

E s t a b l i s h m e n t c o s t i s h i g h if t h e c a tc h m e n t i s r o c k y  N e e d s e xt e r n a l su pport du rin g th e e sta blishme n t ph a se .

Re qu ire s min i mu m ma in t e n a n c e w h e n c on stru c te d pro pe rly  K a n - L a c k o f K a n d a ma k e r s i n s o m e d i s t r i c t s l i k e K a h m a r d  G e t K a n d a d a , c o n v e y a nc e c a n al s , s e d i m e n t p i t s a n d c a tc h m e n t a r e a s s h o ul d m a k e r s f r o m o t h e r d i s t r i c t s a n d b u i l d s k i l l s o f i n t e r e s t e d l o c a l p e o be c le a n e d. If a n y le a ka g e s occ ur in th e ta n k, th e y sh ou ld be ple. sealed.

T h e t e c h n o l o g y s u p p o r t s p l a n t a t i o n a c t iv i t i e s i n s i t e s w h ic h a r e f a r from peren n ia l w a ter sou rc es  Th e c ollec ted wa ter sh ou ld be u s e d e f f ic i e n t l y d u r i n g i r r i g a t i o n b y c o m b i n i n g w i t h c o n s e r v a t io n m e a s u re s l i k e m u l c h i n g, d ri p or p i t c h e r i rri ga t i on

D u e to a la c k of geologic a l a n d h ydr o- mete or ol ogic a l in for ma ti on , it is n ot p os sible t o pr e pa r e pre c is e a n d c ost-e f f e c tiv e Ka n da pr o p osa ls  M a k e b e s t u s e o f t ra d i t i o n a l w i s d o m , i n s t a l l h y d r o - m e t s t a t i o n s if possible and make adjustments based on regular monitoring.

A s th e Ka n da c a tch me n t is roc ky , inf iltra tion losse s a re min imiz e d a n d m o s t o f t h e s u r f ac e r u n o ff is h a r v e s t e d  T h e c ha n n e l m us t b e c on s t ru c t e d p rop e rl y s o t h a t a l l ru n of f i s t ra p p e d a n d c on v e ye d to th e Ka n da .

If th e Ka n da a n d se di me n t tra p t a n k s a re n ot c le a n e d re g u la r ly a n d th e Ka n da ope n i n g is n ot c ov e r e d, s e di me n ta ti on c a n be a pro ble m l e a din g to re du c e d Ka n da c a pa c ity a n d a lso a n i ma ls c ou l d f a ll in  Clea n in g a n d ma in ten a n c e w ork s mu st be c a rrie d ou t by th e loc a l peo ple ev ery yea r befo re s prin g r a in s. Th e o pen in gs mu st be c ov e red.

D u e to a v a ila bility of w a ter, th er e c a n be gra zin g pres su re n ea r t h e Ka n da  W a t e r s h e d c o m m i t t e e m e m b e r s a n d g u a r d s s h o u l d e n s u r e t h a t t h e s i t e i s p r o t e c t e d f r o m o v e r g r a z i n g. C o n s t r u c t K a n d a s ou t side th e selec ted wa tersh ed for liv estoc k pu rposes.

Key reference(s): www.wocat.net (Online Technology Database) Contact person(s): Mohammad Khalid Azami, Deputy Country Director, Afghanistan (Email: khalid.azami@helvetas.org)

4

SLM Technology: Kanda, Afghanistan 

IWM Project/HELVETAS Swiss Intercooperation/SDC - (2013)

l e ft : A o v e r v i e w o f a c o m m u n i t y b a k e r y . T h e bakers showing the oven/dash used for bakin g bre a d (L oc a tion: D oro C D C , Ka h ma rd)

Community bakery

Afghanistan â&#x20AC;&#x201C; Dash Nanboe (Local name in Dari)

A sustainable option for baking bread and reducing shrub consumption Thirty six community bakeries were constructed in Kahmard from 2009-2012 for reducing shrub consumption. Rural communities normally bake bread at home using tandoors made from clay and fired by shrubs, wood and coal. Bread baking is a demanding task. Men and boys climb mountains to collect shrubs putting themselves at risk, and women spend 1-2 hours/day for preparing dough, firing oven and baking bread. Shrub cutting causes upland degradation leading to flash floods in the valleys. In Saighan, district adjoining Kahmard, a survey showed that one household uses 81 donkey load shrubs annually, and minimum 50 donkey loads are used for baking bread. Kahmard has a similar situation. To address this, HELVETAS Swiss Intercooperation is supporting an integrated watershed management in Kahmard since 2008 with support from the Swiss Re and Swiss Agency for Development and Cooperation (SDC). The approach comprises other technological and organisational measures where structural and vegetative are applied, combined with grazing and shrub cutting control. To complement re-greening efforts, energy efficient community bakeries were promoted.

The participating community development councils or CDCs allocate land for bakery. One bakery costs about US$ 4640, with 25% community contribution, during construction. It takes about 5 weeks for constructing one bakery if there are no obstacles. About US$ 7300/year is spent on operation and maintenance by the people. One baker and 1-2 assistants are employed for daily bakery operations.

The dash or oven is prepared from a mixture of clay and sheep hair and fired by coal. About 1-3 bags are required per day. If mosaic tiles are used, about 1 bag per day is used for heating. The factors influencing the success of community bakeries include access to coal, good quality and low price of coal, on time payment and proper management of bakery funds. The clients bring dough from home and pay about US$ 0.042 (2 Afghani)/bread to the baker or about US$ 6.6/month.

Households using community bakeries reported a decrease in shrub consumption by 50-80%, which contributes to greener watersheds. The other benefits include more time for women and boys and girls for other preferred activities, like attending school, literacy classes, vocational trainings, embroidery, etc. Families also save money (minimum USD 10/month) as they have to purchase less shrubs for baking purpose. In Kahmard, one donkey load shrub costs about US$ 6. Bakers, assistant bakers, masons and workers are employed and bakeries serve as a place for social networking. By contributing to greener watersheds, the bakeries help to reduce flash flood risks. In recent months, running the bakeries has become a challenge as the coal mines in Kahmard have been contracted to a Chinese firm.

As a consequence, people are not getting coal easily. Due to coal shortages, several bakeries have stopped functioning. People are looking towards the government authorities to solve this issue soonest. Many households have gone back to shrub cutting and a community asset with proven benefits for the people and environment remains underutilized.

SLM Technology: Community Bakery, Afghanistan ď Ž

r ight: A d a s h m a d e o f c la y a n d h a i r ( a b o v e ) a n d w ith mosa ic tile s (be low ). Abou t 17 -3 0 b r e a d s c a n b e b ak e d a t a t i m e in 5 - 1 0 minutes. Per day, about 600 bre ads c an be baked (Photos: Sanjeev Bhuchar)

L o ca ti o n: K a h m a r d d i s t r i c t , B a my a n P r o v i n c e T e c h no l o g y a r e a ( 1 b a k e r y ) : 1 0 4 m 2 C o n s er v a t io n m ea s u r e ( s ) : S t r u c t u r a l m e a s u r e L a n d u s e t y p e w h e r e b a k e r y w a s c o n s t r uc t e d : Settlement (rural. Common land . Sometimes private but donated for c ommunity purpose by the landowners Stage of inter ventio n: A p p l i c a b l e f o r a l l s t a g es â&#x20AC;&#x201C; prevention, mitigation and rehabilitation of degraded lands O rigin: E x t e r n a l l y i n t r o d u c e d ( i n 2 0 0 8 ) C l im a t e : S e m i - a r i d a n d t e m p e r a t e WO CAT da t a ba se r e fe r e n c e : R e l a t e d a ppr o ac h : C o m m u n i t y b a s e d w a t e r shed management C om pi l ed by : B h u c h a r S a n j e e v C o n tr i b u t o r s : A z a m i M o h a m m a d . K h a l i d , A s h raf H omayoun, Sediqi Ali Ahmad, Mohammad F a i z , S t h a p i t Ke s h a r , s o m e b a k er y c l i e n t s, bakers from Qaghor and D oro CD Cs, watershed management c ommittee m embers.

F a c t sh eet u p da t ed: 27/0 2 / 2 0 1 3 C om m en t s: C o m m u n i t y b a k e r i e s h a v e b e e n pro mote d a n d a cc epted by loc al c ommu n ities i n o t h e r d i s t r i c t s a s w e l l, f o r i n st a n c e i n R u y e D o a b , T a l a w a B a r f a k d i s t r i c t s, a n d i n S a i g h a n d i s t r ic t w i t h f in a nc i a l s u p p o r t f r o m S D C a n d L ED. In Ru y -e D oa b, due to la ck of s u n d r i e d c l a y b r i c k s, s t o n e s a re u s e d f o r b a k e r y c o n s t r u c ti o n a n d t h e r e f or e t h e e s t a b l i s h m e n t c o s t t h e r e i s s l i gh t l y h ig h e r .

IWM-SLMI Project/HELVETAS Swiss Intercooperation/SDC (2013)

1

Classification Land use problem addressed by this technology: Degradation of upland watersheds leading to severe flash floods which affect rural livelihoods, destroy private and public properties and jeopardize development efforts.

L and u se

C l im a t e

D egr a da t i o n

Rural settlement: Mostly village land

Semi arid and temperate

Biological degradation: Due to excessive shrub uprooting

Stage of inter ventio n

C o n s er v a t io n m ea s u r e ( s )

Erosion by water: As a result of land degradation

Structural measure: Community Bakery (it helps to reduce shrub consumption)

O rigin

P r e v e n t io n M i t i g a t i o n /r e d u c t io n R eha bi l i ta ti o n

L a nd u ser â&#x20AC;&#x2122;s i ni ti a ti v e: m o s a ic E xpe r im e n t s / r e s e ar c h : E x t e r n a l l y i n tr o d u c e d : 2 0 0 9

L ev el o f t ec h n i ca l k n ow l edge r equ i r ed t o i m pl em en t com m u n i t y ba k er i es L ow : M edi um : L a n d u s e r s , S L M e x p e r t s High:

M a i n c a u ses o f l a n d degr a da t i on i n t h e wa t er sh eds: S h r u b u p r o o t i n g f o r f u e l w o o d , o v e r g r a z i n g , r a i n f e d a g r ic u l t u r e , r e c u r r i n g d r o u g h t s a n d l ac k of l a n d m a n a g e m e n t m e a s u re s b y t h e p e op l e a n d t h e gov e rn m e n t .

M a i n t e c h n ic a l fu n c t i o n s : - Redu c tion of biolog ic a l deg rada tion by redu c in g bu sh extrac tion from degraded lands

I n di r e c t im pa c t s : In c re a se d inf iltra tion of w a te r in th e soil Re du c tion in soil loss a n d ru n off Reduc e flash flood risks

Environment Natural Environment of the areas where this technology is applied in the valley bottoms A v er a g e a n n u a l r a i n fa l l ( m m )

A l t i tude (m a .s .l . )

> 4000 3000- 4000 2000- 3000 1500- 2000 1000- 1500 750- 1000 500- 750 250- 500 < 250

L a n d for m

S l o p e (% )

> 4000 3000- 4000 2500- 3000 2000- 2500 1500- 2000 1000- 1500 500- 1000 100- 500 < 100

very steep (> 60) s t ee p ( 30- 60) h illy ( 16- 30) ro l l i n g ( 8 - 1 6 ) m o d e ra t e ( 5 - 8 ) gentle (2-5) fl a t ( 0- 2)

T o l er a n t o f c l im a t i c e x t r em e s : T e m p e r a t u r e i n c r e a s e / d e c r e a s e , s e a s o n a l r a i n f a l l i n c r e a s e / d e c r e a s e , w i n d s t o r m s ; d r o u g h t . I f t h e w e a t h e r g e t s t o o c o l d , m o r e c o al m a y b e r e q u i r e d f o r d a s h h e a t in g .

S e n s i t i v e t o c l im a t ic e x t r em e s : T h e r e c a n b e d a m a g e s d u e t o h e a v y r a i n f a l l b u t t h e b a k e r i e s c a n s t i l l o p e r a t e . T h e r e f o r e , i t i s n o t a ma jor issu e. Ev en with ou t c lima te extremes, th e ba k eries c a n be da ma ged du e to fla sh floods.

I f s e n s i t i v e , w h a t m o d i f i c a t i o n s w er e m a d e / a r e p o s s i b l e : B a k e r y s h o u l d n o t b e c o n s t r u c t e d n e a r t h e f l o o d w a y s .

Human environment of the land users who benefit from the community bakeries Set t l em ent l a nd per ho useho ld (ha)

< 0. 5 0 . 5 -1 1-2 2-5 5- 1 5 15- 50 50- 100 100- 500 500- 1000 1000- 10000 > 10000

2

L a n d u s e r s u s i n g t h e t e c h n o l o gy : A l l t y p e s o f l a n d h ol d e r s h a v e i m p l e m e n t e d t h i s t e c h n ol og y c ol l ec t i v e l y P o pul a t i o n densi t y ( d i s t r i c t ): A bo u t 3 0 p e r s o n s / k m 2 A n n u a l po pu l a t i o n grow t h ( n a t io n a l ) : 2- 3 % L a n d o w n er s h i p ( b a k e r y s i t e ) : C o m m o n , s o m e t i m e s private Relative level o f w ealth o f the land user s using the ba k er i es : P o o r (5 0 % ) , M e d i u m (4 0 % ) a n d R i c h (10 % )

SLM Technology: Communiy Bakery, Afghanistan ď Ž

I m p o r t a nc e o f o f f - f a r m i n c o m e f o r t h e land user s: 1 0 - 5 0 % ( e s t i m a t i o n b y l a n d users) A c c e s s t o s e r v i c e a n d i n fr a s tr u c t u r e i n t he di st r i c t :

M o d e r a t e : H e a l th , E d u c a t i o n , T e c h n ic a l serv ic e, Roa d a n d tra n sport; M ark et, Energy (Mic ro-hydel); L ow : O ff -f a rm e mploy me n t, f in an c ia l servic es (formal)

IWM-SLMI Project / HELVETAS Swiss Intercooperation/SDC (2013)

T e c h n ic a l dr aw i n g A detailed technical drawing (long section) of a community bakery in Kahmard district supported by HELVETAS Swiss Intercooperation with the dome shaped oven or dash.

Dash made of clay

or mosaic for bread baking

(Drawing by Eng. Rohullah Zahedi, HELVETAS Swiss Intercooperation, Afghanistan)

Opening for

firing the dash

(constructed outside)

Coal is fired here for heating dash

Implementation activities, inputs and costs Establishment activities 1 . P r e - f e a s i b i l i t y s t u d i e s b a s e d o n t e c h n ic a l, e nv i r o n m e n t a l , s o c i a l a n d f i n a nc ia l c r i t e r i a .

2. A lloc a tion of site f or th e bak ery 3 . P r e p a r a t i o n o f b a k e r y b u s i n e s s p l a n a n d t ec h n ic a l p r o p o s a l w i t h B i l l s of Q u a n t i t y (s i g n e d b y re s p e c t i v e CD C m e m b e rs on behalf of the participating c ommunities) 4 . C o n s t r u c t i o n o f b a k e r y b a s e d on a g r e e d t e c h n i c a l p r o p o s a l 5. Construc tion monitoring (quality and quantity wise) 6. S elec tion of bak ers by th e peopl e a n d th eir tra in in g s

Establishment inputs and costs per bakery I nput s

C o sts (U S$)

% m et by land user

Labour (86 pers on days)

42 9.50

Mason (59.4 per son days)

59 4.00

D a s h m a k e r ( lu m p s u m )

20 0.00

Equipment - S h o v e l s w i t h h a n d l e s , w h e e l ba r r o w , pic k axe

60.0 0

Materials

In Qa gh or ba k ery (Ka h ma rd), people repla c ed th e tra dition a l d a s h w i t h m o s a i c t il e s f o r r e d u c i n g c o a l c o n s u m p t i o n a n d f o r better bread quality. About US$ 25 were spent on tiles and US$ 25 for transport and tiling work.

- S a n d , S o i l , c e m e n t , g y p s u m , br i c k s , s t o n e s , g r a v e l , s t r a w , p l a s t i c , c la y , ha i r , wooden do or, timber for beams, glass, paint, gutter pipes. Ventilation pipes

33 56.0 0

T O TA L

4 6 39 .5 0

Maintenance/recurrent activities

Maintenance/recurrent inputs and costs per bakery per year I nput s

1. Ba k ery opera tion - ba k in g bread 2. D ash or oven repair (if required) 3. Mud plastering of rooftop (onc e per year before winter) 4. People also monitor the quality of bread • M osa i c c a n g e t v e ry ho t a n d b re a d c a n b ur n. B a ke rs a p p l y we t c l o th o n the m osa i c to ke e p th e te mp e ra tu re l ow s o t ha t t he b re a d d oe s no t b u r n.

• I n D o ro CD C, t he b a ke ry ha s b e e n c o n tra c te d to t he b a ke r .

H e re c e i v e s 2 Afg ha ni p e r b re a d fr om t he c l i e nt . T he b a ke r m us t g e t 6 0 0 US D (3 0 , 0 0 0 Af g ) p e r mo n t h. I f t he a mo u nt c ol l e c te d fr om t he c l i e n ts i s l e ss, t he D o ro CD Cs c ol l e c t m one y to p a y t he b a l a nc e , a nd i f i t i s mo re t ha n 30 ,00 0 A fg , t he e xc e ss i s c ol l e c te d b y the CD Cs fo r e me rg e nc y f u nd .

Baker and assistant (365 person days) R o o f p l a s t e r ( i n c lu d e s l a b o u r )

C o sts (U S$)

2 5%

% m et by land user

36 00

10 0%

40

10 0%

10

10 0%

Equipment - D ash shovel and torc h Materials - Fuel

36 5 0

10 0%

T O TA L

7 3 00

1 0 0%

Remarks: Most of the expenses for construction works is on equipment and materials like shovels, pick axe, wheel barrow, wooden doors, timber beams, window, concrete bricks, and sun dried bricks. In terms of recurrent costs, most spending is on coal and for the salary of the baker and assistant bakers.

SLM Technology: Community Bakery, Afghanistan 

IWM-SLMI Project/HELVETAS Swiss Intercooperation/SDC (2013)

3

Assessment Impacts of the Technology P r o d uc t i o n a n d s o c i o - e c o n o m i c b e n e f i t s Reduc ed workload of women, men, boys and girls + +

+ +

C a s h s a v i n g d u e t o l e s s p u r c h a se o f s h r u b s

+

L e s s c o n f l ic t s a m o n g h o u s e h o l d m e m b e r s o v e r b r e a d baking or shrub c ollec tion Improve d health of women due to less exposure to smoke and heat Inc reased opportunities for educ ation as boys spend le ss time on sh ru b c olle c tion a nd w ome n a n d g irls le ss time for c ooking I n c r e a s e d c o n s e r v a t i o n k n o w l e dg e

Empl oyment for bakers/assistants/masons

S o c io - c u l t ur a l b e n e f i t s M o r e o p p o r t u n i t y f o r s o c i a l n e tw o r k i n g +

+ + + + + +

P r o d uc t i o n a n d s o c i o - e c o n o m i c d i s a d v a n t a g e s Loss of income for some shrub collectors -

S o c io - c u l t ur a l d i s a d v a n t a g e s S o m e t i m e s f u n d s c o l l e c t e d f o r th e b a k e r y a r e m i s u s e d -

E c o l o g ic a l be n e fi t s L e s s s h r u b c u t t in g : I m p r o v e d v e g e t a t i o n c o v e r + +

E c o l o g ic a l di s a dv a n t a g e s

O f f-si t e b e n e fi t s

O f f-si t e di sa dv a n t a ge s Carbon emissions due to coal burning (but these are probably still less compared to the emissions if every household burns shrubs for baking bread)

+ + + +

Redu c ed su rf a c e ru n of f du e to veg eta tion c ov er

Re du c e d f la sh floods du e to be t te r la n d c ov e r

C o n tr i b u t i o n t o h um a n w e l l - b e i n g / l i v e l i h o o d s L e s s s h r u b c on s u m p t i on ; W om e n a r e r e l a x e d a n d h a v e g ood h e a l t h . S t u d e n t s a n d m e n s p e n d l es s t i m e c ol l e c t i n g s h r u b s ; s t u + + d e n t s a t t e n d c la s s e s r e g u l a r l y ; e m p l o y m e n t f o r b a k e r s , a s s i s t an t b a k e r s , m a s o n s a n d o t h e r lab o r e r s . S u p p o r t s g r e e n i n g o f t he w a tersh eds a n d redu c tion of f lash f lood risk s Benefits/costs according to land user

B e n e fi t s c om par e d w i t h c o s t s

sho r t-term :

l o ng-term :

Esta bl i shm ent

Positive

Very positive

M a i n t e n a nc e / r ec ur r e n t

Positive

Very positive

Acceptance/adoption: Little. In one CDC of Kahmard, people built a community bakery by themselves (spontaneous adoption)

Concluding statements Strengths a n d  h ow t o su st a in /i m pr o v e

Weaknesses a n d  h ow t o o v er com e

Reduces shrub consumption and helps in watershed re-greening leading to reduced flash flood risks  C o n t i n u o u s s u p p l y o f c o a l f o r r u n n i n g t h e b a k e r i e s . S o c i a l a u di t i n g t o e n s u r e t ha t t h e p a y m e n t to the bakers and c oal suppliers is on time.

B a k e r i e s r u n o n c o a l, a n d d u e to r e s t r i c t i o n s o n c o a l m i n i n g s o m e o f them have stopped running  Government should solve this problem.

Better liv es a n d h ea lth of w o men , men a n d c h ildren a n d c a s h s a v in g  Women have more time, they c ould be supported for c ertain p r e f e r r e d i n c o m e g e n e r a t i o n a c ti v i t i e s l i k e t a i l o r i n g , e m b r o i d e r y , v e g e t a b l e c u l t i v a t i o n, a n d a l s o li t e r a c y c o u r s e s .

C l a y o v e n r e q u i r e s f r e q u e n t m a i n t e n a n c e  A l t e r na t i v e s li k e us e o f mosaic tiles c ould be an option.

Collec tiv e a c tion a n d c o m mu n ity ow n ersh i p  C o m m u n i t y b a k e r ie s a r e s o c i a l h u b s w h e r e p e o p l e o f a l l a g e s c o m e t o g e t h e r . B a k e r i e s c o u l d b e a l s o u s e d f o r s h a r in g m e s s a g e s c o n c e r n i n g s u s t a in a b l e n a t u r a l r e s ou r c e s or W a t e r , S a n i t a t i on a n d H y g i e n e.

Min imu m 80 fa milies a re r equ i re d for ru n n in g th e ba k eries pr ofit a bly  D ev e l o p a m o d e l w h i c h c a t e rs t o 1 0 - 2 0 h o u s e h o l d s . A l s o , a c t i o n r e s e a r c h o n d i ff e r e n t s i z e s a n d f u e l c o n s u m e d ( c o a l , w o o d , g a s, e t c . )

Use of loc a lly re sou rc es  T h e re s h o u l d b e s y n e r g i e s i n t e r m s o f su bsidie s, pla n n in g , de sig n in g w ith be tw e e n diff e re n t org a n iz ation s pro motin g c om mu n ity ba keries.

As it is da rk in si de th e da sh , ba k ers h a v e to u se a torc h a n d it a l so exp ose s th e m to h ea t  D ev elop bett er ligh tin g sy ste ms. F o r in sta n c e a w in dow o pp osit e da sh f or m or e ligh t or th e da sh c ou ld h a v e a gentle slo pe.

For the c ost of 1 donkey load of shrubs, a family c an get bread

2- 3 ba g s of c oa l a re u se d pe r da y  Th e ov e n c ou ld be ma de m ore en ergy- effic ien t, for in sta n c e by imp rov in g in su la tion la ye rin g o r by u sin g m osa ic tiles.

ba k ed f or a wh ole mon th  C ost ben ef it an a ly sis of some c om mu n i t i e s ’ b a k e r i e s.

I f t h e d a s h i s m a d e o f m o s a i c , th e r e i s l e s s c o a l c o n s u m p t i o n ,

brea d qu a lity is better a n d it tak es less time to ba k e  M osa ic t e c h n o l o g y c o u l d b e i m p r o v e d t o m a k e i t m o r e e f f ic i e n t .

Ba k eries a re u se d for on ly br ea d ba k in g  O p t i o n s l i k e h e a t in g w a t e r f o r w h ic h p e o p l e c an c o l l e c t o r a h o t b a t h ( ha m a m ) c o u l d b e i n tegrated.

L oss of in c o me fo r few sh ru b c ol lec tors  P r o v i d e o p p o r t u n i t i e s f o r o f f o r o n - f a r m i n c o m e g e n e r a t io n a n d c a s h f o r w o r k

Key reference(s): (1) www.deza.admin.ch/ressources/resource_en_196067.pdf; (2) www.youtube.com/watch?v= YXU15NfOu-8 Contact person(s): Mohammad Khalid Azami, Deputy Country Director, HELVETAS Swiss Intercooperation, Afghanistan (khalid.azami@helvetas.org) 4

SLM Technology: Communiy Bakery, Afghanistan 

IWM-SLMI Project / HELVETAS Swiss Intercooperation/SDC (2013)

Community watershed management Afghanistan â&#x20AC;&#x201C; Tanzim Abreza ba sathe Qarya (Dari)

Watershed (upland) management through peopleâ&#x20AC;&#x2122;s participation In the mountainous Kahmard district of Afghanistan, the predominantly rural population sustains on limited irrigated land in the bottom of the valleys. Uncontrolled use of the limited natural resources on less fertile land in high altitude rangeland leads not only to flash floods in the valleys and decreasing soil fertility but also to reduced income of the farmers. The degradation of the watersheds responsible for the floods, which threaten houses, agricultural land and infrastructure in the villages of Kahmard district, must be reduced. The problem can only be solved in the long term by an improved management of the areas where runoff and erosion originate. This is why HELVETAS Swiss Intercooperation launched a community-based watershed management project in 2008 focusing on short- and long-term solutions.

The approach aimed to demonstrate the relevance of community-based watershed management in Afghanistan for mitigating flash flood and drought risks by enhancing local capacities to: (i) undertake restoration measures (structural, vegetative and management) in the critical watersheds to control flash floods and droughts, and protective and relief measures in the downstream areas to safeguard against floods, and (ii) apply sustainable income generating activities to improve livelihoods.

The (upland) watershed approach described here comprised activities like establishment of watershed management committees, identification of critical water courses and respective protective measures to be implemented, elaboration of revegetation and land use concepts, discussion with land users on type of interventions as well as implementation of identified interventions aiming at fodder, fuel wood and cash crop production in designated areas. Whereas the inter-linked downstream approach comprised activities for rural energy management (e.g. community bakeries, bio-briquette, passive solar house, energy plantations), protective infrastructures (e.g. flood ways and flood protection wall), nurseries establishment and vegetable gardening.

The approach had ecological, social and economic impacts: e.g. reduced flood risks and damage, rehabilitation of degraded watersheds, productive use of degraded land and cash for work schemes to improve economic situation of the communities, reduced conflict related to land and water use. An important aspect of the approach was the involvement of the local communities so that they take over the responsibility and contribute increasingly from their own resources. The community-based approach is useful also for decision-makers at national level as the Afghan government works on new policies to promote sustainable, community based rangeland and forest management legislations.

left: People f rom Roy -e S ang CD C s of Ka h m a r d d i s t r i c t c o n s t r u c t i n g s o i l b u n d s i n S ou ra k h a k w a te r sh e d, in re tu rn f o r c a sh .

Ka h m a r d v a l l e y ( d o w n s t r e a m ) i s v i s i b l e i n t h e ba c k g r ou n d (P h o t o s ou rc e : H EL V ET A S S w i ss Inte rcoopera tion) r i gh t : G r e e n e r w a t e r s h e d : A n A c a c i a t r e e g r ow in g in S ou ra k h a k w a te rs h e d (P h ot o so u rc e : H E L V E TA S S w is s In t e rc oo pe ra ti on )

L o c a ti o n: S o u r a k h a k W a t e r s h e d , K a h m a r d dis tr ic t, B a my a n pr ov i n c e Approach area: About 10 k m2 (uplands) Land use type: Grazing lan d (orig inally ) Type of Approach: Project ba se d (starte d in 2 0 0 8) Focus: Mainly conservation with other activities WOCAT database reference: Related technology (ies): Continu ou s C ontou r T r e n c h , Ka n d a , C o m m u n i t y B a k e r y Compiled by: Bhuchar Sanjeev Contributors: Azami M oha mmad Kha lid, A sh ra f H o ma y o u n , S e di qi A l i A h m a d, S th a pi t Ke s h a r , Z i a u d d i n A r b o b a n d o t h e r S o u r a k h a k w a ter sh e d ma n a ge me n t c o m m itt e e m e mb er s Date: 30/ 12/ 2012 (Editors comments): This docu me nte d fact sh e e t re f e r s t o th e a p pr oa c h su p p or te d b y H E L V E TA S S w i ss In te rc o op e ra ti on f or ma n a g in g t h e u pla n d a r e a s. F or a c t iv i tie s in th e v a lle y b ott o m s, e . g . c o m mu n ity b a k e rie s, e n e r g y pla n ta ti on s, n u r se r ie s, pr o te c tiv e in f ra s tru c t u re , h o m e ba se d g a rd e n in g , th e a pp r oa c h e s f ol lo w e d w e re d if f e r e n t. In a ll th e c a se s, ta r g e t C D C s w e re th e ma i n i mple m e n ti n g pa rt n e r s of H EL V E T A S S w is s In te rc o o pe ra ti on . P r oj e c ts r e la t e d to bi obri qu e tt e s, h o me - ba s e d g a r de n s a n d n u rs e ri e s w e re w o m e n -s pe c if ic .

SLM Approach: Community watershed management, Afghanistan ď Ž IWM Project / HELVETAS Swiss Intercooperation/SDC (2013)

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Problem, objectives and constraints Problems: Watershed degradation due to overgrazing, shrub cutting for fuel wood purpose, ploughing of pastures for rain fed wheat cultivation and recurring droughts resulting in severe flash floods and damages.

Aims/Objectives The goal of the approach was to increase the livelihood security of selected communities of Kahmard district through flash flood and drought risk mitigation.

Constraints addressed Major

Constraint

F in a n c i a l Institutional Land use rights Technical Minor

Lack of funds for rehabilitating degraded watersheds, particularly common lands Lack of local organisational and institutional mechanisms for sustainable land and water management Ambiguous land use rights and ownership with regard to common grazing lands/upland watersheds even though, formally, the land belongs to the state Low capacities of local communities to apply community based sustainable land and water concepts and methods Constraint

Policies

Lack of policies and institutional frameworks for community based natural resource management

Treatment

Funding support from Swiss Re, HELVETAS Swiss Intercooperation and Swiss Agency for Development and Cooperation (SDC) Watershed management committees and rules and regulations formed in a participatory way Clarification of land ownership and use rights through a participatory process involving respective local communities and the district government authorities Piloting and scaling-up of multi-purpose conservation measures in the upland and valley bottoms. Capacity building of local communities and project staff.

Treatment Lessons learnt shared with relevant government agencies at the district, provincial and national levels, and with SDC and SwissRe.

Participation and decision making Stakeholders / target groups

Land users: Group

Approach costs met by: International Donors (SDC, SwissRe Award) Land users TOTAL

Planners: District Government and DDA, CDCs

SLM specialists

90% 10% 100%

Annual budget for SLM component: About 30,000-40,000 USD. This is based on 5 years average. In some years, there was more expenditure and in others less. It also depends on the site selected and the technologies to be applied.

Decisions on choice of the Technology (ies): Mainly by SLM specialists in consultation with the land users.

Decisions on method of implementing the Technology (ies): Mainly by SLM specialists in consultation with the land users.

Approach designed by: The approach was designed by international and national SLM specialists and land users.

Implementing bodies: International non-governmental organisation (HELVETAS Swiss Intercooperation); international donors, namely, SwissRe Award and SDC; Kahmard district government; 3 Roy-e Sang Community Development Councils (CDCs), Sourakhak Watershed Management Committee and land users (about 670 families).

Land user involvement

Phase

Involvement

Initiation/motivation

Self-mobilisation

Planning

Interactive

Implementation

Interactive

Monitoring/evaluation Interactive

Research

No ne

Activities

Local communities submitted request to HELVETAS Swiss Intercooperation for project support aiming at reducing flash flood risks A participatory planning workshop was organised in 2008. Project proposal was prepared and awarded. Pre-feasibility and feasibility studies were conducted.

SLM options were identified. Technical and financial proposals prepared. Code of conduct with respective CDCs and a 4-party contract was signed. Watershed management committee was appointed by the 3 CDCs and through that committee, all the works were organised with technical support from the project staff.

All the stakeholders, including district government, DDA and local communities, were involved in assessing the quality of work. Surveys were conducted to assess the outcomes and lessons learned. Social audits were also organised for financial transparency.

Differences between participation of men and women: There were great differences due to cultural reasons. Mostly men participated in the planning and implementation of upland activities. However, there were projects specific for women in the valleys like projects on bio-briquettes, private nurseries, home based vegetable gardens, vegetable cash crop cultivation, etc.

Involvement of disadvantaged groups: There was no specific approach for involving the disadvantaged groups as everyone had equal opportunity.

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SLM Approach: Community Watershed Management, Afghanistan ď Ž IWM project / HELVETAS Swiss Intercooperation/SDC (2013)

H E L V E T A S S w i s s I n t e r c o o p e r a t i o n ( Ka b u l ) : C ou n tr y D ir e c to r, P r oje c t M a n a g e r (D R M ), Te c h n ic a l A dv is or (D R M ) Ka h m a r d D i s t r i c t

Ka h m a r d D D A ( f o r

H S I K a h ma r d of f ic e : D is tric t

G ov e rn me n t (f o r

pla n -

C o o rd in a t or, En g i n e e rs,

pla n n in g /4 - pa r ty

n in g / m on it ori n g / 4

A g r on o mi st s, C o m mu n i ty f a c ilita t or s, W a t e r sh e d w ork e r

c on tr a c t/ c o n f lic t

re s ol u ti on a n d m on i to rin g )

R o y - e S a n g Kh w a j a Kh o m a r c o m m u n i t y / C D C

R oy -e S a n g G a r da n a c om m u n it y / C D C

Ch a ir m a n D epu ty

D on or s: S D C a n d S w i ss Re A w a r d ( 2 0 0 9)

n itie s – re p or t t o WMC )

(D ra w in g b y S a n j e e v B h u c h a r)

R oy -e S a n g N e h a l B a g h c om m u n it y / C D C

(9 m e mb e r s; 3 me m be rs f r o m e a c h C D C ); a l l m e m be r s w e re v olu n te e r s (u n pa i d)

(3; pa i d b y c o m mu -

O rg a n isa ti on a l st ru c tu r e f o r th e w a ter sh e d ( u p la n d) ma n a ge men t c om p on e n t of th e S o u ra k h a k w a te r sh e d ma n a g e me n t a p p roa c h su p p or te d b y H EL V ET A S S w is s In te rc o o pe ra ti on

pa r ty c on tra c t / c on f lic t re s ol u ti on )

S ou ra k h a k w a te r sh e d ma n a g e me n t c o m mit te e

W a te rsh e d G u a r ds

O r ga n o gr a m

Ca sh i er M e m be rs

G r ou p le a de rs f or w a te r sh e d w o rk e r s

W a te rsh e d w o rk e r s

D istr ic t g ov e rn me n t a n d D D A w e r e in v o lv e d in pla n n i n g , c on f lic t mi tig a t io n , m on it ori n g a n d k n ow le d g e sh a rin g a c tiv it ie s. Th e y w e re s i g n a t ori e s

to t h e 4- pa rty c on t ra c t.

A b br e v ia ti on s:

C D C : C o m mu n i ty D e v e l op m e n t C ou n c il D D A : D istr ic t D ev el o p men t A s se m bly D RM : D i sa s te r R isk M iti g a ti on H S I: H E L V E TA S S w i ss In te rc o o pe ra tio n S D C : S w i ss A g e n c y f or D e v e l op m e n t a n d C oo pe ra t io n

W M C : W a te rsh e d M a n a g e me n t C o m mi tte e

Technical support Training / awareness raising: Practical trainings (mostly on the job) were organised for Watershed Management Committee members, watershed workers and group leaders. Selected project staff participated in international and national training courses organised by the International Centre for Integrated Mountain Development (ICIMOD, Nepal) and Sustainable Land Management Institute Organisation in Bamyan (Afghanistan), respectively.

Advisory service: There was no formal advisory service from the government but HELVETAS Swiss Intercooperation provided continuous technical backstopping.

Research: No, but lessons learned and good practices were evaluated, documented and shared with different stakeholders.

External material support / subsidies Contribution per area: International Swiss Re Award (2009) for sustainable watershed management, SDC, HELVETAS Swiss Intercooperation and participating communities (about 20% contribution) were the main contributors.

Labour: The project had a “Cash for Work” approach and national daily wage rates were applied. All the participating families from Roy-e Sang CDCs had the right to work in the watershed. The Sourakhak Watershed Management Committees organised watershed works while for projects in the valley bottoms, CDC members were involved. Whenever there was a need for workers, announcements were made through the mosques so that everyone received information. People worked in groups and each group had a group leader who had the overall responsibility for ensuring that the work was done properly and on time.

Inputs: All the equipments, constructing materials and planting materials were financed under the approach.

Credit: There was no provision for credit for any party.

Support to local institutions: The project built capacities of participating CDCs and the watershed management committees by providing technical, training, and financial and equipment support. By involving government authorities and District Development Assemblies in monitoring activities, their capacities were also enhanced.

SLM Approach: Community watershed management, Afghanistan  IWM Project / HELVETAS Swiss Intercooperation/SDC (2013)

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Monitoring and evaluation Monitored aspects

Methods and indicators

Bio-physical Technical

Socio-cultural Economic/production A r ea t r ea t e d No. of land users involved Management of Approach

Plant survival rates, changes in land cover (natural vegetation) and flash flood risks were observed, and application of grazing and shrub cutting rules monitored. Project staff, WMC, CDC and DDA members, and government authorities were involved in the monitoring.

The quality and quantity of SLM measures applied were monitored on a regular basis by the project staff together with the Watershed Management Committee, District Development Assembly (DDA) and designated government officials.

Reduction in food gap and migration due to cash for work schemes were measured through surveys and case studies.

Survey methods were used for measuring change in family income and migration pattern and harvest methods employed for assessing crop yields.

Areas treated/to be treated were surveyed with the help of watershed management committee members and by using Google Earth technology.

Direct and indirect project beneficiaries for each major activity were identified during pre-feasibility studies by the project staff in consultation with respective CDCs and watershed committee members.

Participatory annual reviews were conducted by the project management. Based on lessons learned, slight adjustments to the approach were made.

Changes as result of monitoring and evaluation: Some: e.g. Continuous Contour Trenches were constructed in place of staggered trenches; Mulching and pitcher irrigation methods were included for plantations; Community bakery designs were slightly modified. Plantations of tree species were reduced due to remoteness of the areas, water scarcity problem and micro climate. Watershed worker paid by HELVETAS Swiss Intercooperation was appointed for supervision and plantation caretakers were appointed who also guarded the areas.

Impacts of the Approach Improved sustainable land management: Sourakhak watershed is greener. Shrubs and other useful plant species are reestablishing. There are no more severe flash floods from Sourakhak, and the communities living downstream are protected.

Adoption by other land users/projects: Yes, a few: e.g. Doro CDC in Kahmard district, Sayed Baba, Deh Nola, Khudaded Khel, Qwarana CDCs in Saighan district and also in Ruy-e Doab implement similar approach.

Improved livelihoods / human well-being: Yes greatly. Flash flood risks were reduced. About 600 families earned cash from work which reduced food gaps and migration. Due to community bakeries, women, children and men are relaxed and there is more cash saving as people purchase less shrubs for baking bread. Many students continue their studies due to increased family income from the watershed works.

Improved situation of disadvantaged groups: Yes little, due to cash for work schemes and reduction in flash flood risks.

Poverty alleviation: Yes, little due to more cash for work opportunities and protection of private assets from floods.

Training, advisory service and research: Trainings provided to land users as well as project staff were effective.

Land/water use rights: Clear land ownership and use rights and people’s willingness to work collectively are critical factors for the smooth implementation and sustainability of watershed activities.

Long-term impact of subsidies: Providing subsidies or external support for community watershed management projects will have positive long-term impacts on local and national economy and the environment and reduce flash flood and drought risks provided too much cash injection (through cash for work) does not cause inflation.

Concluding statements Main motivation of land users to implement SLM: Reduction of flash flood risks, increased on-site and off-site production and improved well-being of rural population.

Sustainability of activities: People will sustain the activities. They will get a boost if there is policy and institutional support from the Afghan government for community based natural resource management.

Strengths and  how to sustain/improve

Flash floods risks from Sourakhak watershed reduced (no more severe flash floods and damages)  People must maintain the applied measures, keep control over grazing and shrub cutting and plant more fodder, fuel wood and cash crops.

Cash for work approach improved people’s well-being  Fodder, fruit, timber, fuel wood and cash crops (Asafoetida and Cumin) will provide sustainable economic/production benefits in the long-term and they should be further promoted.

Local organisational capacities for sustainable watershed management enhanced  Social mobilisation aspect needs to be improved. Capacities of staff and watershed management committee members also need to be enhanced for better social mobilisation.

The approach facilitates a participatory process based on principles of good governance  The entire target population and not just CDC members and selected land users should be considered during the planning phase. The government should take an active role in supporting community-based and holistic watershed management and disaster management approaches.

Weaknesses and  how to overcome

Lack of institutional support from the government, although the Kahmard district governor is very supportive of the approach  Lessons learnt must continue to be shared with the government. Register watershed committee with the Government following endorsed national guidelines for natural resource management.

Benefit-sharing mechanism is missing  A mechanism should be developed in a participatory way with all the stakeholders and by involving all the community members of Roy-e Sang CDCs. Less involvement of women  Women should be involved in the planning and implementation process in culturally sound way. Men also need to be sensitized about the role of gender in natural resource management and rural livelihoods.

Sometimes people think watershed management is about digging trenches and do not have complete idea about which technology should be applied where  People need to visualise and plan holistically. As there is now experience gained, it will be better to prepare watershed management master plans considering community development plans and participatory water and land use plans.

Key reference(s): http://www.youtube.com/watch?v= ySR-qWnZZgM Contact person(s): Mhd. Khalid Azami, Deputy Country Director, HELVETAS Swiss Intercooperation, Afghanistan (khalid.azami@helvetas.org) 4

SLM Approach: Community Watershed Management, Afghanistan  IWM project / HELVETAS Swiss Intercooperation/SDC (2013)