i

REPUBLIC OF RWANDA

MINISTRY OF EDUCATION

FACULTY OF AGRICULTURE AND RURAL DEVELOPMENT

DEPARTMENT OF CROP SCIENCES

OPTION OF CROP PRODUCTION

LEVEL V

Prepared by:

Fi

dele BIGANIRO

INTERNSHIP REPORT ON LAND HUSBANDRY AND HILL SIDE IRRIGATION WORKS CARRIED OUT BY SPIU

LWH/RSSP IN RULINDO DISTRICT - MUYANZA SITE.

ii

Supervisor: Ing. Angelique MUKAMUGENGA

Done at Muyanza, April 12th 2014

i

DEDICATION

To almighty God;

To my beloved Family;

To my brothers and sisters;

To all my classmates and spiritual advisers;

To all my lecturers;

And finally but not least my field

supervisors.

ii

ACKNOWLEDGEMENTS

I am thankful to the Almighty God for his abundant blessings and

protection during my Internship. I feel highly indebted to the

Ministry of education through UR-CAVM, for improvising excellent

environment to pursue our studies.

My thanks extend to Dr. Laetitia NYINAWAMWIZA Principal of UR-

CAVM and the entire administrative staff who provided all

necessary facilities to conduct our Internship.

I take this opportunity to express my great sense of gratitude to

my field supervisor ENG.ANGELIQUE and her entire team of the

watershed area, for an incredible support and guidance during

this internship.

I am grateful to Dr. Francoise MWABONIMANA, acting Dean of

Faculty of Agriculture and rural development (FARD) for providing

all adequate logistics in order for us to accomplish this work.

My deep sense of gratitude goes to Mr. Aloys FASHAHO, head of the

Department of Crop sciences and specifically my supervisor in a

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memoir preparation for his valuable guidance and unceasing

advices and support to work to our best. I am thankful to all

academic staff of crop sciences department for providing

necessary knowledge and skills.

I address my sincerely recognition to kindly my parents, my

brothers and sisters, relatives, friends, class mates for their

advices, commitments, collaborations, trust worthy and their

uncountable efforts, they made during my life and my studies.

I thank gratefully the staff of LWH Muyanza site coordination

especially field supervisors, the way they accepted to offer

their insufficient time to explain to me all activities carried

out in their program.

Fidele BIGANIRO

ABSTRACT

The economic activities of Rwanda, is the agriculture, while its

soil is degraded and washed by water erosion where the soil start

to be infertile and decline. The internship took one month from

12thMarch to 12thApril; it was conducted on sites of SPIU LWH/RSSP

Rulindo coordination. The global objective of this internship was

to know how to protect our soil and fight against water erosion

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for improving the soil properties and increasing the soil

fertility in order to rise up the agricultural production.

Different methods and approaches have been used during this one

month internship period; Slope classification for determining the

needed technologies according to the slope; water management with

creating water ways, cut-off-drains, making graded

terraces ,construction of irrigation ditches and implementing

land husbandry and hill side irrigation technologies and further

extension activities such as group make ups, crop husbandry,

compost making.

According to the observation and practical activities at the end

of this internship, we have seen that bench terraces play a great

role in soil conservation especially for fighting against erosion

because bench terraces reduce totally water erosion; these

implemented technologies improved a big range of hilly mountains

in Rulindo watershed area.

Agriculture sector is subjected to devastating problems of soil

degradation due to massive population growth, mismanagement of

natural resources and lack of awareness and capacity to adopt

conservation and production measures.

Soil conservation controls practices are of a great necessity

because erosion problems and their outcomes have been a threat to

farmers of Rulindo district.

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RESUME

Activité économique au Rwanda est l’agriculture alors que leur

sol est dégradé par l’érosion de l’eau où le sol a été infertile

et décline. Cette stage a duré un mois depuis le 12Mars jusqu’en

12 Avrir 2014 était réalisé dans le projet de SPIU LWH/RSSP,

coordination de Rulindo, site de Muyanza.

L’objectif global était de protéger le sol et la lutte- contre

l’érosion envie d’améliorer ses propriétés suite à l’augmentation

de la fertilité du sol pour augmenter la production agricole /

productivité du sol. Ici différentes méthodes ont été employées

comme la classification des pentes pour déterminer les

technologies nécessaires selon la pente ; creuser les drains,

construction des terrasses d’évacuations des eaux, protégeant la

terre avec des espèces différentes de plantation d'arbres dans

des secteurs de terre de récolte surtout sur les talus,

plantation des herbes et la délimitation de la terre de pâturage

et de forêt.

Les résultats de cette étude ont prouvé que les technologies

mises en application (classification de pente, gestion de l'eau,

terrasses évaluées, gestion de terre pour le développement des

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pâturages et régénération de forêt de nature) résultent les

problèmes Muyanza command area.

Les techniques faites, nous avons pu observer que les

technologies implantées dans la région de Muyanza ont eu une

importance primordiale sur la lutte contre l’érosion et de trouve

un grand rendement de production agricole.

Table of ContentsDEDICATION...........................................................i

ACKNOWLEDGEMENTS....................................................ii

ABSTRACT...........................................................iii

Resume………………………………………………………………………………………………………………………………………………….iv

Table of contents………………………………………………………………………………….v

List of tables...............................................vii

LIST OF FIGURES...................................................viii

vii

LIST OF APPENDICES...................................................x

LIST OF ACRONYMS AND ABBREVIATIONS..................................xi

CHAP 1. GENERAL INTRODUCTION.........................................1

1.2. Objectives of the internship....................................2

1.2.1. General objective.......................................2

1.2.2. The specific objectives.................................2

CHAP2. LITERATURE REVIEW............................................3

2.1. Overview of terraces............................................3

2.1.1. Terrace design..........................................4

2.1.2 Terrace location.........................................4

2.1.3. Terrace construction....................................4

2.1.4. Terrace maintenance.....................................4

2.2. Types of terraces.........................................5

2.2.11 Criteria for selection of terraces......................9

2.2.12 Cut-off drains design and spacing......................10

2.3 Generality on Irrigation........................................11

2.3.1. Definition.............................................11

2.3.2. Necessity of irrigation................................11

2.3.3. Scope of irrigation....................................12

2.3.4. Factor of choosing an irrigation method................12

2.3.5. Irrigation methods.....................................13

CHAPTER 3: MATERIALS AND METHODS....................................15

viii

3.1. Overview of internship location................................15

3.1.1. Relief Rulindo.........................................15

3.1.2. Climate................................................16

3.1.3. Soils..................................................16

3.1.4. Other economic activities of Rulindo...................17

3.2. Materials and Instruments used...........................18

3.3. Methodology....................................................18

CHAP 4. DISCUSSION OF THE RESULTS AND ACTIVITIES CONDUCTED..........19

4.1 Introduction....................................................19

4.1.1 Presentation of Muyanza site:.................................19

4.1.2 Scope of our internship period................................19

4.2 Activities conducted during a one month internship..............19

4.2.1 Extension.....................................................20

4.2.1.1 Climbing beans fertilization trial installation.............21

4.2.1.2 Compost making held at Remera village/Muyanza site..........23

4.2.2 Land husbandry................................................26

4.2.2.1 Activities related to the land husbandry....................26

4.2.2.1.1 Follow up and practices on pegging activities before terrace construction..........................................26

4.2.2.1.2. Follow up and learning about terraces construction.......27

a....................................................Land preparation27

b.........................................Selecting the contour lines27

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c.......Measurements and materials used in construction of terraces29

4.2.3 Follow up and learning on irrigation ditches and drains construction........................................................30

4.2.3.1 Construction of irrigation ditch:...........................30

4.2.3.2 Construction of drain:......................................30

4.2.4. Summary of all other activities carried out under irrigation and drains construction............................31

4.3. Other activities realized during this period of internship.....32

4.3.1 Community Development branch..................................32

4.3.2 Rural finance & Agribusiness..................................32

4.4 Constraints encountered during the internship works............33

CHAP5. CONCLUSION AND RECOMMENDATIONS...............................33

5.1. Conclusion.....................................................33

5.2. Recommendation:..........................................34

REFERENCES.........................................................35

APPENDICES.........................................................36

Appendix1. Rulindo district map.....................................36

Appendix2. Location of Muyanza operational site.....................37

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List of tables

Table 1. Generalized guide for Spacing of cut-off-

drains………………………………....9

Table 2. Irrigation system design efficiency………………………………………………13

Table 4. List of materials and instrument used……………………………………………17

Table 5. Construction of terraces………………………………………………………….21

Table 6. Activities done and discussions…………………………………………………..23

xi

LIST OF FIGURES

Figure 1: Irrigation methods……………………………………………………………13Figure2: Fertilizer trial design………………………………………………………….22Figure 3.Colta beans fertilization trial…………………………………………………..22Figure4: Branch spreading on the compost……………………………………………..23Figure5: Chopping down the branches…………………………………………………23Figure6: Water sprinkle…………………………………………………………………24Figure7: Spreading cow dung and urine………………………………………………...24Figure8: Spreading ash………………………………………………………………….24Figure9: Adding soil and water…………………………………………………………25Figure10: Bamboo trees for aeration……………………………………………………25Figure11: Placing the bamboos…………………………………………………………25

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Figure 12: Land preparation …………………………………………………………….27 Figure 13: Selecting the contour lines …………………………………………………..28Figure 14: A-Frame is used for making contour line……………………………………29

LIST OF APPENDICES

Appendix1. Rulindo district map…………………………………………………………..34

xiii

Appendix2. Location of Muyanza

site.............................................................

............35

xiv

LIST OF ACRONYMS AND ABBREVIATIONS

LWH: land husbandry Water harvesting and Hillside Irrigation

MDGs: Millennium Development Goals

GOR: Government of Rwanda

MINALOC: Ministry of Local Administrative

NGOs: Non Government Organizations

MINAGRI: Ministry of Agriculture and Animal Resources

CAVM: College of Agriculture Animal Sciences and Veterinary

Medicine

UR-CAVM: University of Rwanda- College of Agriculture

Animal Sciences and Veterinary Medicine

MINECOFIN: Ministry of Finance and Economic Planning.

SM & E: Monitoring and Evaluation

Km: Kilometer

m: Meter

cm: centimeter

ha: Hectare

MDF: Muyanza Development Fund

CAC : command area catchment

WC : water catchment

DAP: Di-Ammonium phosphate

SPIU: Single Project Implementation Units

RSSP: Rural Sector Support Project SWAp :Sector Wide Approach

xv

CDO: community development o

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CHAP 1. GENERAL INTRODUCTION

The government of Rwanda (GoR) as expressed in its vision 2020 is

pursuing a comprehensive strategy for modernization and

commercialization of agriculture in general. Agriculture is

considered as an engine that drives the economy of the country.

The Land husbandry, Water harvesting and Hillside irrigation

(LWH) Project is one of the development initiatives designed

under the Ministry of Agriculture and Animal Resources (MINAGRI)

and partly funded by the World Bank in order to tackle the issues

related to food insecurity and rural communities livelihoods

income. The project focuses on modernization and

commercialization of agriculture for strengthening the economic

access of the rural communities to food for consumption and

livelihoods improvement. The LWH Project has three components

aimed at (A) developing the human and organizational capacity and

(B) providing the required physical infrastructure for hillside

intensification and transformation, as well as a third component

(C) for Sector Wide Approach (SWAp) project management. The Land

Husbandry, Water Harvesting and Hillside Irrigation (LWH) Project

uses a modified watershed approach to introduce sustainable land

husbandry measures for hillside agriculture on selected sites, as

well as developing hillside irrigation for sub-sections of each

site. The Project envisions the production of high-value

(organic) horticultural crops such as apples with the strongest

marketing potential on irrigated portions of hillsides of the

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watershed. It is in this regard that the Project will invest in

water harvesting infrastructure, including valley dams and

irrigation infrastructure on the selected sites. Water harvesting

infrastructure will be developed jointly with the irrigation

infrastructure including the water conveyance open-channels and

pipes. For this purpose the project conducted detailed

feasibility studies and designs in 2008 of the dams and

supplemental irrigation infrastructure necessary for hillside

irrigation. The project has already been implemented in Karongi,

Rwamagana and Nyanza districts; Rulindo district therefore and

mainly Muyanza site is one of the recent project’s target where

the project LWH is conducting the activities of land husbandry

water harvesting and hillside irrigation as objectives and in the

process of achieving its targets. The Project hired private

Companies to implement land husbandry technologies within the

Project intervention areas. The supervision of the works is done

by the Project staff at District level. Both teams work in group

effort whereby technical assistance is provided to the

implementing company so that the techniques to be implemented are

completed properly according to the Project design through the

illustrated supervision checklist, (Muyanza location map). The

project works in muyanza current implementation site has a very

dynamic potential and a very unusual initiative of group members

who created a development fund (MDF). The fund will assist

members to remain self sustained after the project completion

duration.

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1.1. Problem Statement

Muyanza A and B are sites located in Rulindo district in Northern

Province where rainfall occurs in two seasons, a long rainy

season and a low rainy season. Normally this area accounts high

rainfall amounts with some dry periods. The problem arises on its

distribution for hill sides of this steep sloped region, many

times the erosion results and also some disasters may occur in

the area. To establish terraces in this area, will increase the

production by irrigation of crops during dry season as the role

of terraces are to protect soil erosion then the importance will

become more attributed to crops since they will not be severely

affected by water, and even minimizing the habilitation risks and

problems as it was noticed in recent previous months.

1.2. Objectives of the internship

1.2.1. General objective

The global objective of the internship is to make practice on

field in order to relate the theory obtained during the class

time and to improve our skills to be accustomed to the future

career related to crop production and relevant basics on soil and

water concepts.

1.2.2. The specific objectives

To analyze the positive impact of the project to the

community members of the close area and the extension

services of benefits.

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To improve technical skills in land husbandry, crop

husbandry ,water harvesting and hill side irrigation

To know well land husbandry technologies implemented in

command areas.

To improve knowledge on the technologies of irrigated

terraces.

To know different methods used in erosion control.

To know alternative systems of erosion control through

agricultural practices and engineering structures.

To determine the impact of land husbandry, water harvesting

and hill side irrigation.

To know practically the different activities undertaken in

irrigated terraces.

CHAP2. LITERATURE REVIEW

2.1. Overview of terraces

Terraces are earth embankments or a combination of ridges and

channels constructed across the slope to intercept surface runoff

from farmland, (RAYAR, 2003).

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According to FAO (1965) a terrace is an embankment or a combined

channel and embankment, constructed across the slope at fixed

intervals. The main purpose of terracing is to reduce runoff

velocity and soil erosion by breaking the effective length of

slopes. There are two types of terraces: graded and level. Graded

terraces, combined with suitable sod or subsurface outlets, and

are used in areas of abundant rainfall to safely divert excess

surface water. Although these terraces reduce runoff velocity,

they do little to reduce runoff volume. Graded terraces do not

provide any practical water conservation, but will reduce on-site

erosion damage.

Level terraces are designed for areas with permeable soils and

low to moderate rainfall. They can hold runoff and increase

infiltration from normal rainfall, but need supplementary

waterways and a collection arrangement to handle rainfall that

exceeds terrace storage capacity. Level terraces may conserve

water for crop use along the channel, as well as providing on-

site erosion protection. The principal advantages of terracing

include controlling on-site erosion by reducing runoff velocity

and controlling off-site damage by holding sediment in terrace

channels. Disadvantages include construction costs, long-term

commitment to maintenance, and little water conservation effect

on highly erodible land in areas of low to moderate rainfall.

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2.1.1. Terrace design

The design of terrace system involves the proper spacing and

location of terraces, the design of a channel with adequate

capacity and the development of a cross-section which will permit

forming on the ridge and in channel. For the graded terrace,

runoff must be removed at non-erosive velocities, both in the

terrace channel and in the outlet. Soil characteristics, cropping

and soil management practices, and good conditions are important

factors to be considered in terrace design (HITIMANA, 2004).

2.1.2 Terrace location

After deciding on the location of outlet, the next step is to

locate the terraces. Minimum maintenance and adequate control of

erosion are the criteria for good terrace location. It is usually

advantageous to place the terrace ridge just above eroded spots,

gullies, and abrupt changes in slope (HITIMANA, 2004).

2.1.3. Terrace construction

The rate of construction of a terrace is affected by the

equipments, soil moisture, crops and crop residues, degree and

regularity of land slope, soil tilth, gullies and other

obstructions,

Terrace length and terrace cross-section, and the experience and

skill of the operator (HITIMANA, 2004).

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2.1.4. Terrace maintenance

Construction of a well designed system of terraces is only the

beginning. The success of the terraces depends on whether they

are properly maintained and farmed after construction. After

construction and after each heavy rain, the farmer should inspect

the terraces periodically.

For all types of terraces, the maintenance work should include

the following:

- Keep grass growing on the risers and root out weds and vines.

Grass should be cut short and should not endanger the main crops;

- Any small break or landslip from the riser should be repaired

immediately;

- Keep animals away to prevent them trampling the risers or

eating the grass (HITIMANA, 2004).

2.2. Types of terraces

2.2.1 Bench terraces

2.2.2 Definition and description

Bench terraces are a series of level or virtually level strips

running across the slope at vertical intervals, supported by

steep banks or risers.

Bench terracing is one of the oldest mechanical methods of

erosion control, having been used for many centuries in thickly

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populated countries where economic conditions necessitated the

cultivation of steep slopes. Bench terracing consists of

transforming relatively steep land into a series of level or

nearly level strips, or steps running across the slopes. The

strips are separated by almost vertical risers. The risers with

gentle slope may be of earth construction, steep risers are

supported by masonry. Modern practices favour the adoption of

bench terracing only on slopes steeper than 15% and where soil

conditions are favorable. The use of bench terraces on steep

slopes not only retards erosion losses but it also makes cropping

operations on these slopes possible and safe. However, the cost

of terracing itself, plus the problems and costs of farming

terraced land make this practice economically feasible only where

lands available for cultivation are scarce relative to the need

for agricultural production.

2.2.3 Types of bench terraces may be:

Level and table top, Slopping inwards, or sloping outwards

2.2.4. Objectives of bench terrace

To reduce run-off or its velocity and to minimize soil

erosion.

To conserve soil moisture and fertility and to facilitate

modem cropping operations i.e. mechanization, irrigation and

transportation on sloping land.

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To promote intensive land use and permanent agriculture on

slopes and reduce shifting cultivation.

2.2.5. Design of bench terrace

- Excavated bench terraces usually have a vertical interval

between benches such that the area to be excavated will equal the

area to be filled. In any case the riser is as steep as possible.

- Conditions of soil, slope, rainfall, climate, farming

practice, have a direct bearing on terrace design and, therefore,

careful consideration should be given to all these factors

The design of bench terraces consists of terrace spacing, terrace

grade and length, and terrace cross-section.

2.2.6 Types of bench terraces and criteria for selection

The following are two main types of bench terraces:

Irrigation or level bench terraces: These are used where

crops, such as rice, need flood irrigation and impounding

water.

Upland bench terraces: These are used mostly for rain-fed

crops or crops which only require irrigation during the dry

season. They are generally sloped for drainage.

In humid regions: Use reverses sloped type.

In arid or semi-arid regions: Use outward-sloped type.

2.2.7 Locations and conditions for use of bench terraces

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Generally speaking, bench terraces are particularly suited to

countries or communities with the following macro conditions:

- Severe erosion hazards.

- Areas with small holdings and a dense population.

- Areas where there are food shortages or high unemployment

rates.

For micro or site conditions, bench terracing is suitable in the

following cases:

- Where there are relatively deep soils.

- On sites which are not dissected by gullies and not too

stony.

Bench terraces are much more cost-effective if there is potential

for mechanization, irrigation and for growing high-value crops.

2.2.8 Advantages and inconvenient of the bench terraces

This method has as advantage:

Increase of the agricultural production. Indeed we can reach

the construction of the bench terrace, an increase of

agricultural production of 20 to 30%

Terraces keep manures, humidity and the superficial soils,

it improves Soil fertility progressively.

To improve the drainage and to offer some best sites to the

crop.

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To facilitate the mechanism on the hillsides.

To maximize the profits of irrigation.

To create more arable earths and to permit the free choice

of culture.

To promote some programs of strong coefficients of manpower

(labor) and to create new Possibilities of jobs.

To stimulate the adoption of the improved agronomic

practices.

To embellish (to beautify) the landscapes and to improve the

environment. (SHENG, 1975).

Soil conservation by the reduction of erosion caused by the

rain water flow.

The reduction of the land slope

Note that: The main inconvenience of terraces as explained by

SHENG (1975) is the loose of land; and the typical terrace type

that was adopted at Muyanza site is known as improved bench

terraces.

2.2.9. Radical Terracing

According to COOCASTER (2004), radical terraces are a kind of

bench terraces, which are horizontal flat band formed, with

variable width according to the slope, disposed like steps on

watershed. The role that radical terracing plays shows that it is

an appropriate technique in soil conservation for Rwanda (PGERB,

2001).It is a device which models the slopes by transforming them

into more or less flat areas which retain all the runoffs (total

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absorption).It is a type of land management which is under much

controversy regarding its generalized popularized a peasant

farming. It is a process which has the advantage of stopping

totally erosion and this sufficient, for its defenders, to

justify required investment effort. The critics on the other

hand, find that this investment is too high and that socio-

economic constraints and techniques are high at the level of the

farmers. Before we come down in favour or against radical

terraces, we find it is useful to quote rapidly some arguments in

favour or against in a general context.

YAMOAH (1987) finds that there are many constraints for the

promotion of radical terraces in the high altitude regions of

Rwanda:

High cost of construction and maintenance,

Loss of arable land (already rare which could be more

than 50%on slopes higher than 60%)

Lack of trained manpower to supervise the application on

peasant forms;

Accumulation of water in terraces causing landslides;

Difficult in letting out excess water via artificial

channels because of the land scarcity and dividing up of

farming land.

Initial reduction of soil fertility which requires

therefore relatively important quantities of organic and

fertilizing amendments unavailable in sufficient quantity

13

in the system. ROOSE et al (1988, P271) specifies that

the advantage of radical terraces is to reduce the slope

and erosion on one hand, and to facilitate the work on

soil on the other hand.

According to the same authors, the inconveniencies are:

The hard work of management (810 man days/ha),

The increase of infiltration localized near the rock

favoring land slide,

The quite long time (some years) required to rebuilt the

soil by massive input of manure, phosphorus (and lime for

acidic soils) before we can be able to see the output

double.

The lixiviation of soluble nutrients favorable by a too

strong reduction of streaming by forcing infiltration;

Globally, radical terracing:

• Suppresses completely the slope and totally the runoffs,

• Capitalizes the acquired fertility through organic and

mineral manure and enables therefore to invest and improve

the soil productivity,

• Allows envisaging small irrigation on hills and mountains.

• However, there are some constraints that reduce its

efficiency:

• It requires the restoring of fertility through massive input

of fertilizers both mineral and organic.

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• It requires hard work and a very important manpower (500 to

800MH/ha for management and maintenance of embankments);

• There is high risk of land slide in areas of high rainfall

and in areas of light deep soil (MINAGRI, 1997) reported by

KANYARUKIGA et al.

2.2.10 Progressive Terracing

The progressive terracing is formed by its own from grasses

planted on the banks of ditches in a line. The soil cannot go

through the line (during the rain or soil working), and its

accumulation on upstream slowly forms the flat land. A

progressive terrace is formed by grasses cropped on a line

(vegetative barrier) which forms the vertical embankment to stop

the soil erosion while grasses keep on growing (GALLIKER, 1993).

The role of progressive terrace: the progressive terracing is the

most realistic economically. Their major roles are: fight against

erosion, fodder production, and manures as well as improving soil

fertility (GALLIKER, 1993).

2.2.11 Criteria for selection of terraces

Terraces are mainly used for erosion control and for growing

crops on sloping lands.

The selection of suitable types of terraces depends on many

factors, including the following:

Physical conditions of the site such as slope, soils,

rainfall, etc.

15

Socio-economic conditions of the country such as labor

conditions, land use patterns, cropping and farming systems,

population densities, etc.

Farmers' or land owners' conditions and interests including

their age and willingness to accept innovations, available

resources, main crops, tools to be used, etc.

When planning the application of terraces or any soil

conservation work it is the farmer who should make the final

decision.

a) On steep slopes

The relationship between crops and the different types of

terraces required on steep slopes for small and medium farms and

this can be used as a general guide for the selection of

terraces.

b) On gentle slopes

On large farms and gentle slopes where machines are used for

cultivation, broad base terraces are the main conservation

treatment. In regions with heavy rainfall, and/or heavy soils,

the graded or drainage type is used while in regions with light

rainfall and/or light soils, the level or absorption type is

generally used. On small farms situated on gentle slopes, natural

terraces, which possess the advantage of being labor-saving, can

be employed.

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2.2.12 Cut-off drains, Waterways and Gulleys design and spacing

The table below explains in details the measurement and designs

of cut off drains with the spacing assumed

Table 1: The general guide for Spacing of cut-off-drains, gulleys

and waterways.

Rainfall

regime

Average surface Distance spacing of Cut –off-

drains in meters as suited to different slope

categories and rainfall regimes.

Vertical

interval (VI)

in meters and

gradient in %

by rainfall

regime

4-6%

Grass

strips

6-16%

Soil

bunds

16-40%

Improved

bench

40-60%

Improved

progressiv

e terraces

>60%

Natural

forest

restora

tion

Dry every 40m

VI it means

3%gradient

&max 200m

long

800 365 145 80 40

Moist every

30m VI means

that

3%gradient

&max 200m

600 272 110 60 40

17

long

Wet every 20m

VI means that

3%gradient

&200m long

400 185 75 40 40

(Azene Bekele-Tesemma, 2011)

2.3 Generality on Irrigation

2.3.1. Definition

Irrigation is defined as the artificial application of water to

land for the purpose of raising crops production

2.3.2. Necessity of irrigation

A crop requires a certain amount of water at some fixed time

interval through its period of growth. If the water requirement

of crop is met by natural rainfall during the period of growth

there is no need of irrigation. The basic objective of irrigation

is to supplement the natural supply of water to land so as obtain

an optimum crop yield.

In order to achieve this objective an irrigation system is

developed. It involves planning, designing, construction,

operation and maintenance of various irrigation structures

required to bring water from the watershed to the agricultural

field.

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The factors which necessitate irrigation can be summarized as

follow:

Inadequate rainfall

Uneven distribution of rainfall

Increasing the yield of crops

Growing perennial crops

Growing superior crops

Insurance against drought (Arora, 2004)

2.3.3. Scope of irrigation

The scope of irrigation can be divided into two heads:

a. Engineering aspects; this deal with design, construction,

and maintenance of all works in connection with the river

diversion, storage works, water conveyance works and

agricultural land drainage.

b. Agricultural aspects; which deals with the study of the

following points:

Proper depth of water necessary in a single application of water

for various crops

Distribution of water uniformly and periodically Capacities of

different soils for irrigation water, and the flow of water in

soils Reclamation of waste and alkaline lands

19

2.3.4. Factor of choosing an irrigation method

To choose an irrigation method, the farmer must know the

advantages and disadvantages of the various methods.

He or she must know which method suits the local conditions best.

Unfortunately, in many cases there is no single best solution:

all methods have their advantages and disadvantages. Testing of

the various methods - under the prevailing local conditions -

provides the best basis for a sound choice of irrigation method

(FAO, 1993).

The suitability of the various irrigation methods, i.e. surface,

sprinkler or drip irrigation depends mainly on the following

factors:

Natural conditions

Type of crop

Type of technology

Required depth of irrigation application

Previous experience with irrigation

Required labor input

Level of technology

Costs and benefits.

20

2.3.5. Irrigation methods

Irrigation water may be applied to crop by 3 basic methods:

Surface irrigation methods

Subsurface irrigation methods

Pressure irrigation methods

The following diagram of irrigation method is drawn below, Water

application methods

Pressure

irrigation

Surface

Sub-surface

Sprinkler Drip

Basin Furrow Border

Fig1: Irrigation methods

2.3.6.1 Surface irrigation

Water is applied by surface flows. A simple, relatively low cost

method applicable to mixed farming on a range of soil type, but

21

is relatively inefficient and should be avoided on steep slopes

and sandy soils.

2.3.6.2. Subsurface irrigation

This irrigation method directly supplies water to the root zone

of the crop due to capillary action:

Water is supplied to a series of ditches 0.5-1.0 m deep and 25-50

cm wide having vertical sides.

Water flows at slow rate and seeps into the ground to maintain

the water table high so that water from the capillary fringe is

available to the crops.

2.3.6.3. Sprinkler irrigation

This system is versatile and is suitable for a wide range of

crops, soil types and slopes. Water is supplied under pressure

and distributed through sprinklers.

2.3.6.4. Drip irrigation

Also called trickle irrigation, refers to the application of

water at a slow rate drop by drop through perforations in pipes

or nozzles attached to tubes spread over the soil to irrigate a

limited area around the irrigation (Majumdar, 2004).

a. Definition of drip irrigation

Drip irrigation is the slow localized application of water,

literally drop by drop, at a point or grid of points on the soil

22

surface. As long as the application rate is below the soil’s

potential intake, termed infiltrability, the soil remains

unsaturated and no free water stands or runs over the surface.

(Andreas P. Savva, 2002).

b. Background

Drip irrigation is the most efficient method of irrigating. While

sprinkler systems are around 75-85% efficient, drip systems

typically are 90% or higher. What that means is much less wasted

water. For this reason drip is the preferred method of irrigation

in the desert regions of the United States. But drip irrigation

has other benefits which make it useful almost anywhere. It is

easy to install, easy to design, can be very inexpensive, and can

reduce disease problems associated with high levels of moisture

on some plants. If you want to grow a rain forest however, drip

irrigation will work but might not be the best choice (Andreas P.

Savva, 2002)

c. Drip Irrigation and its components

It is of course necessary to choose an irrigation system before

design, equipment specification and installation can proceed. To

do a proper job of system selection, one must give careful

consideration to both the environment in which the irrigation

system must function, and to the capabilities and limitation of

all potential irrigation system alternatives (Sharma, 2000).

23

CHAPTER 3: MATERIALS AND METHODS

3.1. Overview of internship location

Rulindo District is one of the five Districts in the Northern

Province. It is bordered by Gicumbi to the north, Burera district

to the north-west, Gasabo and Nyarugenge districts to the south,

and Gakenke and Kamonyi to the west & south west.

Rulindo District stretches over an area of 567 km2 with a

population of 288,452 Distributed into 67,492 households. It is

among the districts of Rwanda which have a high density of

509hab. per square kilometer and faces the demographic growth

pressure with average annual growth rate of 2.1 %.

Rulindo District is divided into 17 administrative sectors

(Imirenge), It is subdivided into 71 cells (Akagari) and 494

villages (Imidugudu).

3.1.1. Relief Rulindo

Rulindo district is characterized by the high lands area with

steep features. The estimate terrain elevation above sea level is

1874 meters and the geographical latitudes of the district: -

1°44'17.81" as well as longitudes: 29°59'52.58". The superior

administrative division is Northern province.

On one hand, the topographical characteristics allow the district

to be faced with soil erosion. The various land uses decrease

forest area accentuate the erosion phenomena, bring heavy

24

siltation downstream, and in some cases, the floods may occur.

The sensitive degradation is a constraint for developing

mechanized agriculture with productivity. So, environmental

initiatives should be undertaken to protect the soil.

On the other hand, this relief hinders the development of

Imidugudu and cities which remain the main challenge to economic

growth, off-farm employment and poverty reduction in Rulindo

district. In general, the structure of this kind of habitat is

likely to impact negatively on all the social economic sectors of

the district. The inaccessibility to social economic

infrastructures by a large number of Rulindo populations in rural

areas is mainly due to the isolated habitat. The district has

abundant forest resources but there are no based industries to

provide value addition to this sector. In addition, these forest

resources do not generate high income, employment and foreign

exchange for the country. However, Rulindo district being on the

banks of Kigali city, there is an anticipative hope to advance

soon, since the government of Rwanda has initiated the district

to be one of the second-order administrative divisions of

implementing modern habilitation.

3.1.2. Climate

Rulindo District experiences tropical climate of high altitude.

It is one of Rwanda regions which have high rainfall. The amount

of rainfall in the district benefits the area and it is

characterized by two dry seasons covering the period from

25

December to January and from June to mid September, and It is

also characterized by two rainy seasons the long rains start in

mid-September and end in December and from February to June with

an annual average of temperature varying from 16ᵒC to 21ᵒ 5C.

Annual rain falls ranging from 1100 to 1500 mm, thus these

features are favorable to agriculture and livestock development.

But they are the source of erosion and environmental degradation

in the regions of high altitude. So, there should be a continuous

protection of environment in these areas.

3.1.3. Soils

Rulindo district soils can be categorized into various types.

According to the altitude feature, the soil in some areas is poor

soil degraded by erosion. This situation is getting worse by

agricultural practices such as over exploitation of land, small

size of land for farmers which does not leave the field lying

fallow land;

In other areas, the soil is good but needs to be protected

against environmental phenomena. These considerations imply a

need to add organic and mineral fertilizers in agriculture, and

farmers are not able to get these inputs and this increases the

level of vulnerability and poverty of farmers in Rulindo. In

other areas, there are valley and marsh soils which are favorable

for vegetables, maize, Irish potatoes and cassava on hillsides.

26

3.1.4. Other economic activities of Rulindo

Rulindo district, the agricultural and livestock activities

remain the key economic potentials. This sector is justified by

its contribution to the economy of Rulindo and the number of

people who are employed in this sector. First, agriculture

remains an independent activity to individual farmers, at least

79.1% of households depend mainly on the revenues from

agricultural activities and 15.3% of total households earn the

wages from this sector. This implies that 71.8% of the households

are involved in agriculture. In the district, the export cash

crops and food crops are produced; hence they are a source of

rural incomes. Among the export crops, coffee, tea, sugarcane,

macadamia and the newest stevia crop are the main commercial

crops found in the area while food crops produced in the area

comprise of maize,sorghum, beans, soya beans, peas, irish

potatoes ,bananas, cassava, wheat, vegetables and fruit trees.

The main crops that are cultivated on large land by most of

farmers include beans, sorghum, soya beans, legumes, bananas,

maize, potatoes, peas, and wheat and fruit trees.

In rural areas, farmers rear some animals such as cows, sheep,

goats, pigs, and poultry. Currently, bee-keeping is also being

carried out as a way to increase income for farmers but it is not

developed, as well as fish farming as an activity which generates

income but it is not more developed even though the district is

making much effort. Rulindo districts also accounts for its

27

mining activities such as Rutongo mines which brings works to the

huge population of the district, it has also potential investing

enterprises such Nyirangarama and big range of land where coffee

and tea plantations are grown like Kinihira tea plantations

3.2. Materials and Instruments used

Table 2: List of materials and instruments used.

N° MATERIALS FUNCTIONS

1 Topographic levels Measuring slopes, and grading Cut of Drains

2 Mile Where we found Readings

3 Measuring tapes Measuring distances

4 Clisimeter Measuring Slopes

6 Crisometer, total station, decameter

are used in pegging

7 Cut of Drains Gauges Verifying dimensions of Cit ofDrains

8 A - Frame Verifying the grading of terraces(Slopes)

9 Hoe Digging terraces

3.3. Methodology

The following methodologies were used during our internship:

Visits: This method has been used in order to know the location

of internship site.

28

Observation: After visiting the site of internship, I have

observed the different steps (process) of terracing in order to

see if what we have learnt in theory are the same as what are

done in practice.

Participation: After observation and follow the different steps

of terracing, I have participated in different activities such as

land husbandry in terrace works, community development programs

such as group meetings and compost make ups and extension

services such as fertilization trials in order to be experienced

as the future agronomist in crop production field.

Documentation: This method has been used for report preparation

and field leading department for orientation make up in order to

improve our knowledge and skills and to meet the reliable results

of good qualities.

CHAP 4. DISCUSSION OF THE RESULTS AND ACTIVITIES CONDUCTED.

4.1 IntroductionThe LWH/RSSP project is operational at Muyanza since August 2013in order to try helping its beneficiaries in Rulindo district toface the following major challenges:

Unstable climate : drought / storms; Diseases & Pests outbreaks; Poor Pocket potential of the farmer to afford quality seeds& other agro inputs; Infertile soils; Soils erosion; Un-consolidated small parcels of land; Poor/lack of storage facilities;

29

Poor linkage between the farmer and the market.

4.1.1 Presentation of Muyanza site:Location: Rulindo District, Northern Province;

Administrative entities: 5 Sectors (Burega, Buyoga, Cyinzuzi,

Tumba & Mbogo), 14 Cells & 60 Villages;

Number of households: 7,200;

Number of beneficiaries: 36,000 (48.2% are men and 51.8% are

women).

4.1.2 Scope of our internship periodOur academic internship had a limited time from the 12th March to

12th April 2014 a period of only one month. The limited scope of

time forged our activities to a limited extent based on the

LWH/RSSP project’s long programmed activities.

4.2 Activities conducted during a one month internshipThe SPIU-LWH/RSSP-Muyanza site has activities sub divided into 3

departments as the project is concerned: Below is the listing of

the four main branches.

a) Land husbandry

b) Community development

c) Extension

d) And rural finance and agribusiness

30

As one of the future agronomist, the intern worked and

experienced each activity in order to have at least a notion on

any activity elaborated by the project; however as a specialist

in crop sciences the activities during this internship emphasized

a lot on extension and land husbandry as priorities. The

following activities were therefore realized during this period

of internship:

4.2.1 ExtensionUnder the extension department of the project, the listed

activities were directly or indirectly participated into and some

were visited during the internship.

Visiting an area of 1.7ha where onion crops have been grown

on 18th March.

Mobilization of farmers to planting climbing beans for the

2014 season b in the already prepared terraces (Muyanza b)

on 24th March.

Visit at demonstration plots installed in two zones (Muyanza

A & B) on 20 March

Participation in the construction of kitchen gardens and

visiting the constructed ones(about 853 kitchen gardens now

constructed)

Visit an off-farm activity on one demonstration of mushroom

farming installation.

31

Participation in the training on compost making around 84

participants (53men and 31females). Muyanza site has

produced already above 865tonnes of compost fertilizers

which were distributed to farmers for 2014B season and it

was efficiently used. On 27th March 2014 we made one compost

with a youth group called ‘icyizere’.

Visiting the apple plantation at Muyanza B where 600 apples

have been planted.

Survey and mobilization of locals to grow coffee plantations

on a very steep areas where terracing is nearly impossible.

The activity as per now has gone beyond to more than 4000

crops grown in the closer locations of the command area.

Seeds multiplication: about 5ha of climbing beans was found

planted in the season B.

Under the extension activities a trial on Colta beans has been

installed on 31st march 2014. Below is the scheme of work of

the realized activity.

4.2.1.1 Climbing beans fertilization trial installationThe Rwandan economy is based predominantly on agriculture.

However, the sector is facing a set of challenges mainly related

to soil fertility deterioration, low use of fertilizers & other

amendments, etc. In order to determine the response of climbing

bean variety (RWV 1129) to the inoculation and fertilizer

application, a field trial has been installed with closer

32

collaboration with RAB-Northern Province. The trial has been

installed on 31st March 2014 at Kanunga zone on 160m2.

a) Title

Increasing soil fertility benefits of climbing beans to thesmallholder production systems at Muyanza site.

b) ObjectiveDetermine the response of climbing bean variety (RWV 1129) to theinoculation and fertilizer application.

c) Treatments

T1: Compost ;

T2: Compost + Inoculum ;

T3: Compost + DAP ;

T4: Compost + DAP + Inoculum ;

T5: DAP ;

T6:DAP + Inoculum ;

T7: Inoculum.

d) Number of repetitions : 2

e) Area per plot: 4mX4m or 2mX8m (16m2)

f) Spacing: 50cmX20cm

g) Number of lines in each plot: 9 for plots with 4mX4m & 5 for

plot with 2mX8m

h) Trial placement:

33

Repetition 1

Repetition 2

Border: 2m to be left between 2 repetitions

Figure2: Fertilizer trial design

NB: As a reminder, a trial on Colta beans cultivation has been

installed on 31st March 2014.

Plot 1

Compost + seeds notinoculated

Plot 6

Compost + seeds notinoculated

Plot 2

Compost +

Plot 3

Compost + DAP +inoculated seeds

Plot 5

Seeds not inoculatedonly

Plot 10

Inoculated seeds only

Plot 4

Compost + DAP + seedsnot inoculated

Plot 9

DAP + inoculatedseeds

Plot 8

DAP + seeds not inoculated

Plot 7

Compost + inoculatedseeds

34

Bean seeds “RWV 1129 VARIETY” Inoculum (Rhizobium) Installed Colta beans trial in germination

Figure 3.colta beans fertilization trial

4.2.1.2 Compost making held at Remera village/Muyanza siteIn order to be well prepared for 2014B season in terms of compost

availability both in quantity and quality, a training of Lead

farmers and other interested persons & companies has been

organized at MUYANZA site. After theoretical lessons, the

beneficiaries got practical demonstrations on how to make quality

compost on. This was carried out by Icyizere group under the

agronomist and CDO supervision on 27th May 2013.

The compost is made from decomposable weeds, tash/poultry

droppings, livestock manure and local soil. Water and cow urine

are added to the fresh biomass to speed up decomposition process.

A total of 10 group members participants (6 men and 4 women

participated in the activity and they were committed to make 10

compost heaps which will produce an estimation of 40t by

september 2014. This is low as considering that there is a need

for enough the next season for maize, fruit and vegetables

production.

The participants have been explained on how to make qualitycompost by respecting the following steps:

35

1. Measure 4X3m on which we spread small and coarser branches atthe bottom floor. This helps the air to circulate and any accessmoisture to drain easily;

Figure4: branch spreading on the compost2. Cut biomass into small pieces to speed up decompositionprocess

Figure5: chopping down the branches

3. Spread the biomass on a depth of 14cm and Sprinkle water atthe top to moisten the layer. Make sure that it is not too wet.

Figure6: water sprinkle

4. Spread 3cm layer of fresh cow dung and urine.

36

Figure7: spreading cow dung and urine

5. On the top of cow dung and urine layer, spread ash or chickendroppings to a depth of about 2 cm

Figure8: spreading ash

6. Add local good soil to a depth of 3 cm and Sprinkle water tomake it moist

Figure9: adding soil and waterNB: To increase the organic matter, it was adopted to half thequantity of soil by making a soil layer of 3cms rather than 6cmsas it was before.

37

7. Prepare 3 Bamboo sticks of 2-2.5m long. Make holes up to 1-1.2m height and make sure that all the nodes are made hollow toallow air circulate bottom to top and top to bottom easily.

Figure 10: bamboo trees for aeration

8. Determine the direction of wind for the season and insert theprepared bamboo into the heap you have already made. Make surethat bamboos are evenly spread over the floor of the heap at therate of about 1 bamboo per 3m2

Figure11: placing the bamboos

9. Handouts on compost making are distributed to participants Upon completion of putting the layers to the required height (6-8layers on 1.5m of height), cover the heap in its all sides withdry grasses, grays straws, banana leaves or other crop residues(protect the heap from desiccating sunshine and watering will beminimal).

38

4.2.2 Land husbandryThe area to be treated in Muyanza site i.e. Water catchment and

command area catchment (WC &CAC), is estimated to 1,511ha.The

size of the command area is 500ha. The area that was treated so

far, before the terracing was 206ha, whereas the bench area as of

20th March survey was 170ha. Some important materials such as

bamboos and other trees have been multiplied so to use them in

the construction of sustainable dams, gullies and water ways

protection. It is well known that these bamboos are vital in

making handcrafts.

4.2.2.1 Activities related to the land husbandry

The main activities included:

Follow up and learning about pegging activities

Follow up and learning about terraces construction

Follow up and learning about irrigation ditches and drains

construction.

Cropping systems and crop husbandry on the new terraces.

4.2.2.1.1 Follow up and practices on pegging activities before terrace construction

Pegging was defined as an activity used in topographical surveys

in provision of detailed plans to show existing natural or

manmade features together with vertical heights and contours,

39

making reference pegs on platform of irrigation ditch depends of

slope 0.3/100

Vertical interval of terraces depends of slope category of land.

Slope of 6-16 % , vertical interval is 1m

Slope of 16-40%, vertical interval is 1.5 m

Slope of 40-60 % , vertical interval is 2m

Note that: Some of materials used in pegging activities are

Crisometer, total station, A’ Frame and Decameter

4.2.2.1.2. Follow up and learning about terraces construction From observation and explanation about terraces construction

during internship period,

It is said that in agriculture, a terrace is a piece of sloped

plane that has been cut into a series of successively receding

flat surfaces or platforms, which resemble steps, for the

purposes of more effective farming. This type of landscaping,

therefore, is called terracing. Graduated terrace steps are

commonly used to farm on hilly or mountainous terrain. Terraced

fields decrease erosion and surface runoff, and are effective for

growing crops.

40

a. Land preparationBefore construction is commenced, all possible grasses, tree

stumps, stones were cleared off the surface of the ground as

indicated in the following figure:

Figure 12:Land preparation

According to the figure above, it is clear that the man powers

are cutting the bananas of selected location for digging terrace.

The distance remained from house to managed land was about 10m

which should be reserved as the location for installing water

close or latrine, sewage and so on.

b. Selecting the contour linesThe contour lines were determined by selecting a site with a

relatively uniform slope, and placing the first stake at the top

of this slope. Then working down the slope, place the stakes

where all the other terraces will go, according to the designed

spacing of the terraces as shown in figure 6.

41

Fig 13: Selecting the contour lines

The figure above shows how contour line is determined by ropes

instead of using other topographic instruments. The stakes on the

same contour line were lined up by ropes. Each contour line was

marked out by working from these stakes. The stakes in contour

line were 5m apart. If there were marked changes in topography,

the work was simplified if short, intercepted contour lines were

made, along with localized re-alignments of the slope gradients.

Contour lines were rechecked and any sharp curves smoothed out as

much as possible.

I. There are different parts of terrace:

Bench

Embankment and irrigation ditch.

II. There are different steps for terrace construction

The terraces are recommended to be constructed along the contours

after the pegging activities

o Mallow soil stripping:

42

Top soil is removed and hipped at some place from 10 m of pipe

before cutting and filling is completed ,40cm of top soil are

removed which is good for cultivation because they contains many

nutrients.

o Row soil building bund:

Cutting of lower soil is used for compaction and filling of

embankment, there is a bund of soil all along its length at the

top of the embankment in order to compensate for the height loss

that may happen due to the settlement of constructed terraces.

o Row soil leveling: lower soil leveling in bench

o Mallow soil restoration: Removed top hipped soil evenly

distributed on the top surface of the constructed terraces

(bench) the place of cultivation.

c. Measurements and materials used in construction of terraces

The terraces are leveled along their length

Embankment gauges inclined up slope at the ratio of 1:1 V: H

(filling) and the ratio of 3:1 V: H of cutting to give them

stability.

Bench is graded at the slope of 0.3% from pipe to drain with

inversed slope of 2% from the notch to the middle of the terrace

and 0% from the middle of terrace to the irrigation ditch in

order to make stability of bench and A-frame is used.

43

Fig14: A-Frame is used for making contour line

• Notch is level at the 20cm width and 20cm of height above

the bench.

The average land slope of the project area is estimated to be

approximately 30%.

Table3: Construction of terraces

Terrain Slope (%) Terrace elevation

difference (m)

Remarks

0-6 1.00 No Terrace

construction

6-16 1.00 Terracing

16-40 1.50 Terracing

40-60 2.00 Terracing

>60 No Terrace

construction

44

Also the riser for all terraces have a 1/3 (H/V) slope for cut

and 1/1 (H/V) slope to fill with 30cm transition section between

cut and fill sections.

4.2.3 Follow up and learning on irrigation ditches and drains construction.

4.2.3.1 Construction of irrigation ditch: Irrigation ditch is a small canal located in the front part of

the bench used to supply water in the terrace.

• Irrigation ditch is constructed after the terrace is already

constructed

• Irrigation ditch construction starts before the pegging of

its plat form is already made

• Irrigation ditch is graded at 0.3% slope, 20cm of bottom

width, 40cm of top width and 30 cm depth.

4.2.3.2 Construction of drain:o Drain is constructed in the form of inverted trapezoid form

with an average floor width of 40cm with both sides sloping

at 2:1ratio.

o Drain are receiving water from more than one cut off drain,

the width and depth changes and gets wider as it progress to

words it out let.

o The distance from drain to the other drain is 200m

o The distance from pipe to the drain is 100m

45

During my internship period I was assigned to follow 0.392 km

of drain constructed in k13 site.

After the construction of terraces , irrigation ditches, drains

(water ways) the technicians from company and LWH took

measurements and checked the tasks which were not finished,

then they submitted the output report to the LWH office and

company office, the reports are given weekly.

There are other activities which have been done during this

period such as:

Slope classification before terraces construction.

Making of Contour lines.

Construction of Waterways.

Construction of Cutoff-drain.

Maintenance of destroyed terraces.

4.2.4. Summary of all other activities carried out under irrigation and drains constructionThe table below summarizes all the common activities observed on

the field.

Table 4: Activities done and discussions

Activities

Discussion

Making of Contour lines Are making according to slope

46

and has been graded.

Construction of Waterways The waterways are constructed

in the form of inverted

trapezoid with, on the average,

floor width of 40 cm and depth

of 50 cm with embankment at

both sides sloping in a 1.5:1

(V: H) ratio using the gauge

Construction of Cutoff-drain The cut-off-drains are

constructed in an inverted

trapezoid form, having an

average dimension of bottom

width of about 40 cm and side-

embankment of 2:1 (V : H)

ratio.

Plantation of Grasses on

embankment

To conserve soil in the

embankment

47

4.3. Other activities realized during this period of internship.

From four departments of the LWH/RSSP project Muyanza site, other

activities have been realized besides the above mentioned

activities.

4.3.1 Community Development branch Under the community development branch with the CDOs the

following activities were surveyed and followed up; community

development goes hand in hand with the project’s land husbandry,

extension and rural finance and agribusiness to make livelihood

improvement of the project’s host community.

The intern attended the group formation where until today

there was a completion of 360 groups at Muyanza site level;

Participation in the formation of special groups: 1 of

elders, 1 of youth and 2 of women;

Election of group representatives: all formed groups have

elected their representatives;

Election of mobilizers: 4 mobilizers, commonly named as

INSHUTI Z’UMUSHINGA (friends of the Project) are elected in

each Village to support in mobilization of Project

activities.

4.3.2 Rural finance & Agribusiness As mentioned earlier, the intern participated in the four

targeted areas of the LWH/RSSP project at Muyanza location; few

activities in the rural finance were visited and surveyed by.

48

The intern participated in the regulation of the already

established fund for the beneficiaries of Muyanza watershed

project site.

Helping and working with the members of the community who

are yet to open bank accounts, as per now 102 groups have

been numbered to have already opened accounts.

Under the MDF-Ejoheza the farmers have been assisted to gain

bank loans by the project, as the recent (March-April)

report about 36 farmers recuperated 2,456,000 RwF for

compost making and DAP purchasing. The intern visited the

initiative during this internship period. For example the

ABAGANITERAMBERE group has got 250,000RwF loan to make 4

composts heaps through the guarantee fund.

The intern also participated in the planting of coffee

plantation at the hillsides with a high slopeness; a range

of

4.4 Constraints encountered during the internship works During this internship, we encountered some constraints such

as follows:

Short period of internship

Difficulty of transportation means and communication

facilities.

49

The community members of the command area and near

neighborhood do not respond accordingly to the project

activities

Due to rainfall season, some terracing activities are

destroyed by this rain.

Farmers do not respond equally to growing suggested crops as

the project proposal (climbing beans).

CHAP5. CONCLUSION AND RECOMMENDATIONS

5.1. Conclusion

Our field work on the activities carried out in land husbandry,

water harvesting and hill side irrigation (LWH) and extension

activities helped us to put into practice all theoretical

concepts that we learnt in class. The required technologies as

water management with digging waterways and cut-off-drains, land

slope classification, land husbandry activities, making graded

terraces for cropland that have been implemented and these

contribute in maintenance of land and life for population around.

The proposed systems of land management with working in groups or

cooperatives also result not only the increase of production but

also the unity and community approach between people around where

they were not able to protect the soil. Muyanza has an advanced

approach to community development where the beneficiaries have

been created with a fund to enable them self sufficient after the

50

project’s closing; the fund was named Muyanza Development Fund

(MDF). Irrigation agriculture has made a major contribution to

food production and food security throughout the world: without

irrigation much of the impressive growth in agricultural

productivity over the last 50 years could not have been achieved.

5.2. Recommendation:

After this report the following recommendation was formulated:

To improve equipments especially tools used in breaking

hard soil mixed with stones

To increase number of supervisors in order to minimize

errors.

To give financial facilitation to internees for transport

and accommodation.

The beneficiaries might see the government policy in the

angle of their development and not for the government

interest with maintaining all technologies for increasing

their production in long term;

The farmers should be informed before implementing the

activities in their farms

51

REFERENCES 1. MICHAEL, A.M. and Ojha T.P (2003). Agriculture Engineering

4th edition.Vol.ii Jain brothers, New Delhi (India).P.586.

2. Taffa Tulu. (2002). Soil and water conservation for

sustainable Agriculture. C.T.A. p.150.

3. Illustrated supervision checklist for assessment of the

quality of comprehensive land-husbandry works at LWH project

sites.

4. SPIU-LWH/RSSP-Muyanza site manual project tip/March

52

5. FAO. (2002). Irrigation Manual, planting. Development,

monitoring, evaluation of Irrigated Agriculture with Farmer

participation, Vol. IV, Module 9. Roma. 1,2,5,6 P.

6. Azene Bekele-Tesemma, (2011): Terms of reference in Gishwati

water and land management technologies.

7. Denton. (1990). Applied Agricultural Research p12-14

Naderman, G.C., and J.R. Hangars,

8. District development plan of Rulindo (2013-2018).

9. National institute of statistics of Rwanda 2010.

10. Rwanda’s Single PIU Policy 2008-2010.

APPENDICESAppendix1. Rulindo district map

Appendix2. Location of Muyanza operational site

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