Project Detail

Minimizing Land Degradation in the Naula, Mathale by Naula Grameeya Sanwardhana Maha Sangamaya.

Minimizing Land Degradation in the Naula, Mathale for the activities planting of trees, soil testing, construction of stone hedges and live fences.

Project Snapshot

Grantee:

Naula Grameeya Sanwardhana Maha Sangamaya

Country:

Sri lanka

Area Of Work:

Land Degradation

Operational Phase:

OP4 - Y1 (Jul 07-Jun08)

Grant Amount:

US$ 20,000.00

Co-Financing Cash:

US$ 11,942.00

Co-Financing in-Kind:

US$ 13,333.20

Project Number:

SRL/SGP/OP4Year1/CORE/08/09

Start Date:

8/2008

End Date:

5/2010

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.

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 programme 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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