Hedgerow technology
Type: Technologies
Creation: 2015-08-11 06:46 Updated: 2019-06-04 10:44
Compilers: Shreedip Sigdel
Reviewers: David Streiff, Alexandra Gavilano
Country/ region/ locations where the Technology has been applied and which are covered by this assessment
- Country: Nepal
- Further specification of location (e.g. municipality, town, etc.), if relevant: Gorkha, Tanhun, Chitwan, Makwanpur, Nawalparasi, Dhading district
Description of the SLM Technology
Short description of the Technology
A technology that uses hedgerows to help establish terraces on sloping land; farmers learn improved methods to manage a cultivation practice that stabilizes the soil, enhances food production, and adds to on-farm cash income.
Detailed description of the Technology
Hedgerow technology provides options and opportunities for farmers working on sloping land. These hedgerows are a soil conservation measure but they also help to generate additional biomass and fodder and/or income for marginal farmers; in addition, they offer the added benefit of helping to balance the ecosystem and to address climate change by encouraging biodiversity. This improved version of a local technology makes maximum use of indigenous knowledge and adds to it by making available the latest scientific knowledge.
Purpose of the Technology: Farmers have traditionally selected plants for hedgerow cultivation based on practical considerations such as the availability of seeds and seedlings, how well seeds germinate, how well the plants grow and how well they can be coppiced, their branching habit, the amount of biomass they can produce, and how much cash the crop can generate. They made these choices without the benefit of any external input or scientific knowledge, relying solely on what they have been able to observe locally over the years. The participatory technology development process aims to help farmers by providing them with scientific input to augment their traditional knowledge on the selection, plan, and design of hedgerows. Over a very short time, the farmers learn to make good use of the new information and start enjoying the benefits that the improved agriculture yields in terms of social, economic, and environmental benefits.
Establishment / maintenance activities and inputs: The following steps outline how hedgerows can be established on sloping land:
• A participatory designing and planning process is used to choose which sloping lands will be cultivated and to select which hedgerow species are to be planted. Trained manpower is recruited with the help of farmers and other related stakeholders.
• The necessary materials such as A-frames, seeds, and seedlings are prepared.
• The technology is implemented in the field by trained manpower.
• The hedgerow seedlings are regularly maintained.
• The land users participate in periodic monitoring and evaluation of the technology. They report on progress and provide feedback.
Photos of the Technology
- 📷 Gyanbandhu Sharma
- 📷 Gyanbandhu Sharma