Sustainable Land Management TOS es icleclimAViater! Cy rosie =e Perey Dd reneey Parkland cere | a Sa freer Information Cards William Critchley, Sabina Di Prima, Wendelien Tuyp © VU University Amsterdam, 2012No. 02 FANYA JUU TERRACES Summary Fanya juu (‘throw the soil up” in Kiswahili) terraces are the most popular and successful cross-slope barrier measures used in Kenya’s small-scale farming sector. Contour earth bunds are constructed by throwing soil upwards from trenches immediately below them. This design leads to the gradual formation of terraces with a level or slightly forward-sloping bed (diagram over page). This is a very versatile technology - ideally suited to smallholder farms, especially in sub-humid areas where land is sloping and erosion a threat. Fodder grasses may be planted on the bunds and cut for livestock. In dry areas, water harvesting from roads into the trenches allows production of bananas and fruits (No 04). This is a proven and effective technology in the highlands of East Africa and beyond. Principal Purposes Terraces prevent soil (and water) loss, leading to improved fertility when combined with manure/ fertilizer - thus providing increased and more stable crop yields. Cultivation is made easier (by machine, draft animals or hand) after the terrace beds become more level. Fanya juu conserve rainfall within the field in marginal areas; in humid zones they are designed to discharge excess water. Effectiveness and Upscaling Security of land tenure is a prerequisite for investment in terracing. Maintenance is extremely important: it is essential to keep the terraces built up to the correct height because if terraces overtop with runoff there can be a “domino effect” of collapsing bunds. Spread of knowledge between farmers stimulates interest. Availability of hand tools may be a limiting factor in poor areas.Technical Speci ‘ions Fanya juu terraces are well-documented in terms of technical specifications; key aspects include: + Spacing between structures (eg 12 metres apart on a 15% slope). Height of the bunds (40-50 cm) and depth of the trench (60 cm). The grade of the bunds (on the contour or slightly sloping). The need in certain situations for a cut-off drain above the field for protection from external runoff. Planting grasses on the bunds (eg napier or “elephant” grass - Pennisetum purpureum) to stabilise structures, and provide fodder; in drier areas, makarikari grass (Panicum coloratum) is preferred. Levelling of fanya juu terraces after several seasons (Hudson, 1987) Implementation Requirements/ Suitability Fanya juu terraces typically require between 90 and 150 person-days per hectare of hand labour to construct, dependent on slope. It is common practice in Machakos and Kitui Districts of Eastern Kenya, for work groups (of women) called mwethya to work on each others’ farms. Simple surveying equipment is needed to lay-out the contour (or slight gradient) for structures: “line-levels” (spirit-levels on a string between poles) are effective and their use is easily learnt. Sources/ Further Details Critchley W (2010) More People, More Trees. PA Publications Hudson N (1987) Soil and Water Conservation in Semi-Arid Areas. Soils Bulletin no 57, FAO, Rome Thomas D (1997) Soil and Water Conservation Manual for Kenya. Ministry of Agriculture, Government of Kenya WOCAT (2007) Where the Land is Greener. CDE, FAO, UNEPFunded by: JLIFAD Enabling poor rural people to overcome poverty died, @rrewsaare VU ex. Supported by: a ® = ® rere WOE AT