Adaptation and erosion control

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Permalink Reply by Samuel Scarpato Mejuto on October 1, 2011 at 9:22pm

Hola Inniss, gusto en saludarte. Avísame si quieres interactuar con experiancias en recuperación de suelos erosionados, hasta volverlos fértiles de nuevo. No tengo cómo trasladarme hasta Barbados, pero vivo cerca (Venezuela) y trabajo y estudio en cuestiones relacionadas. ¿qué tipo de actividad de agricultura vegetal o animal se lleva a cabo en la zona? ¿son suelos salinos? ¿hay apoyo institucional?

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Permalink Reply by bernard on May 10, 2012 at 2:39pm

hi Vernesse !!!

I think  this  study  may  help  you  to  know how  u can design  your  project  depending  on  the  context of barbados

Box 6: Participatory Watershed Management: Wasteland Development Project, Almer District, Rajasthan
For over two decades, the Pissagan block in Ajmer district, Rajasthan, faced problems of soil erosion due to flow of rainwater from the
Aaravali Ranges. The rainwater in its course deposited stones and pebbles on the land, which had become unfit for cultivation. The soil
lost moisture and the water table level fell. This had a negative effect on the lives of the people. As the land was not fit for cultivation the
villagers earned their living as daily wageworkers in Ajmer or nearby towns, and most of them lived in poverty. They had to walk up to 4 -
5 kilometres to fetch water, fodder for cattle and fuel wood. The Wasteland Development Project started in Ajmer in 1995. Its main
objectives were: (i) soil and moisture conservation measures; (ii) raising the water table level; (iii) providing fodder and fuel wood, and
(iv) improving the socio- economic conditions of the villagers. This was to be achieved by means of construction of check dams and
guard trenches to slow down and divert the water, water harvesting structures, tree planting, aforestation and horticulture. Meeting the
objectives would not have been possible without people’s participation. A sense of ownership was essential to ensure long run
sustainability. Users committees, including villagers, farmers and project staff were formed. Membership varied from village to village.
The office bearers of the users committees are elected and are changed on non –performance. Users committees were entrusted with the
following responsibilities: (i) Implementation of the project (ii) Management of the project (iii) Protecting the construction activities and
(iv) Distribution of fodder and fuel wood and wages to labourers.
Community participation was key to the success of the project. It ensured all through the implementation of the project that the people’s
enthusiasm and interest would not wane away after the initial euphoria. Most importantly, the project staff were from the beginning
distant spectators, only providing the technical inputs but leaving design, execution and management to the users committees. This
micro-level planning provided people with an opportunity to learn how to manage the scheme and gave them the confidence that they
can now do things without government support. In the seven years it lasted, the project has changed the whole block of Pissagan. Today,
Pissagan is a model for soil conservation measures. The lost flora and fauna are returning and even the villagers are reaping benefits. This
project has raised hopes that wasteland can be made fertile and bring prosperity to the area. It has checked soil erosion and has helped
retain soil moisture. Also, fodder and fuel wood are plentiful. In fact with each year production has grown and so has distribution
(adapted from RDI, 2003).

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