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Two approaches which I have not seen referred to in the discussion so far, although I admit to not having read every word of every contribution. 1 Vetiver grass. Compared to building contour bunds and the like much cheaper, needs very little maintenance and once established none at all, produces termite resistant thatching or mulch material and is said to repel various insects. Vetiver oil also has some market value I believe. By slowing down run off more water penetrates the soil profile and is available for use, also conserves the soil. Disadvantages, it needs the planting material to be multiplied up and needs to be planted correctly spaced 2 Use of leguminous cover crops. Provide soil and moisture conservation, suppress weeds, moderate temperatures of the soil from extremes and, depending upon which ones you use, can provide animal fodder either by cut and cart or direct grazing. Being live they are green and unlike dry mulch not a fire hazard. Being leguminous they do not consume nutrients provided for the crop. Some are insect and or nematode repellent. Disadvantages, need the right planting material, need the soil to be prepared before planting and, if the wrong ones are used, may be difficult to eradicate. Both these are simple and robust technologies which farmers readily adopt once they appreciate the costs and benefits. Approaches worth promotion through the works of DfID? Thanks James Biscoe 8/5/04 0830hrs
Please visit dfid-agriculture-consultation.nri.org.