Project Detail

Minimising Land Degradation in the Murutoluwa and Wathtawa Area by Grameeya Sanvardhana Maha Sangamaya

The project focuses on two locations: Murutoluwa and Wathtawa in the Naula division of the Matale District, which is a steep hilly area. These areas suffer from land degradation due to inappropriate land use and high intensity rainfalls which deplete the soil of its nutrients. The target beneficiaries are 150 families from the area and the sustainability of their home gardens and other cultivated lands are to be improved by the project.

The project will use both socio-cultural and ecological methods. Training has been provided in soil conservation techniques and sustainable farming methods. In order to minimize land degradation, the project will focus on using sloping agricultural land technology (SALT), which uses live fences composed of Gliricidia trees. Once the Gliricidia fences are planted, they will act as a barrier, preventing nutrients from seeping away from the soil as well as acting as a natural fertilizer.

It is expected that as the project progresses, land degradation will be mitigated leading to more bountiful crops and therefore a better livelihood for the beneficiaries involved.

Project Snapshot

Grantee:

Grameeya Sanvardhana Maha Sangamaya

Country:

Sri lanka

Area Of Work:

Land Degradation

Operational Phase:

OP3 - Y2 (Mar 06 - Feb 07)

Grant Amount:

US$ 20,370.00

Co-Financing Cash:

US$ 462.00

Co-Financing in-Kind:

US$ 6,574.00

Project Number:

SRL/06/01

Start Date:

3/2007

End Date:

3/2008

Status:

Satisfactorily Completed

Project Characteristics and Results

Project sustainability

As the farmers received higher yield as a result of the prevention of soil erosion they have become more interested in maintaining the live fences and stone terraces. The better quality soil also reduced the amount of fertilizer they had to use and the developing compost out of organic waste has also reduced their expenses. As such, all the farmers have become keen to sustain the programme as well as branch out into organic agricultural practices.

Inovative Financial Mechanisms

Not Applicable

Significant Participation of Indigenous Peoples

Not Applicable

Linkages gef projects

Not Applicable

Planning gef grant

Not Applicable

Planning non gef grant

Not Applicable

Policy Influence

Not Applicable

Promoting Public Awareness of Global Environment

Not Applicable

Capacity - Building Component

The Community of Bibila, Melpitiya, Murutholuwa and Wewaththewa received training on organic farming, home gardening, sustainable agricultural practices, kitchen management as well as construction of stone terraces and live fences to prevent soil erosion. The staff and volunteers of the Naula Village Development Society

Replication of project activities

The initial program was carried out in the villages of Murutholuwa and Wewaththewa and subsequently it was replicated at the villages of Bibila and Melpitiya villages at the request of the locals.

Emphasis on Sustainable Livelihoods

The stone terraces and live fences have increased the harvest within the 1st year and this has encouraged all the farmers to maintain it. The training received on organic agricultural methods are also been incorporated to their farming practices as they have started creating compost with the organic waste. The farmers themselves believe that within 5 to 6 years they will be able to practice 100% organic agriculture.

Gender Focus

The women in the area were involved in the construction of the stone terraces and live fences in their family plots. They have undergone kitchen management training which has provided them with more free time. Women have been active participants of this programme since its inception.

Policy Impact

This project does not have a significant policy impact except as a ?Best Practice? at the local level.

Notable Community Participation

This project was initiated at the request of the community and as such there was active community participation. In Bibila and Melpitiya 472 families were involved in agriculture all were active participants

Project Results

? Minimizing land degradation in the upper monatane areas of Bibila, Melpitiya, Murutholuwa and Wewaththaawa villages in Naula.
? Farmers ceasing to encroach on forested areas to establish new plots for chena cultivation.
? Increasing the water retention capacity of the waterway which flow through the villages of Bibila, Melpitiya, Murutholuwa and Wewaththaawa.
? Reducing the soil erosion on the banks of the water way through the planting and maintenance of suitable types of flora.
? Increasing the water retention capacity of the waterway as well as the groundwater in the area.
? Decreasing the silting of the Nalanda, Ebowala and Bibila Danvehara tanks in the lower region.
? Increasing of the yield of harvest within the plots.
? Farmers gradually turning into organic farming.
? Creating compost out of organic waste as fertilizer.
? The soil samples tested before and after the construction of the terraces show a marked improvement of the soil.
? The water samples tested before and after the prevention of soil erosion too has improved in quality as well as increasing the water retention capacity of the area.

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