1)What is fanyajuu terrace?and how it is constructed
2)What in soil bund?and how it is constructed
3)What is the stone faced soil bund?and how it was constructed
4)What is trench?eyebrow basin?
5)What is the function or advantage of all above mentioned structures? for each question below by 1000 words
1) Fanyajuu terrace is a traditional soil and stone terrace system used in the Sahel region of West Africa, particularly in countries like Burkina Faso and Niger. These terraces are constructed by digging a trench on a slope and then piling up soil and stones to create a level platform for farming. The word "fanyajuu" means "work together" in the local language, reflecting the communal effort required in building these structures.
To construct a fanyajuu terrace, community members work together to dig a trench along the contour of the slope. The soil removed from the trench is piled up on the downhill side to create a level platform. Stones are also placed along the edges of the terrace to prevent erosion and help with water retention. The terrace is typically constructed during the dry season when the soil is easier to work with.
2) A soil bund is a simple structure used to retain soil and prevent erosion on sloping land. It is essentially a small embankment made of soil that runs along the contour of the land. Soil bunds are commonly used in areas where rainfall is heavy and the soil is prone to washing away.
Constructing a soil bund involves digging a trench along the contour of the slope and then using the soil removed to create a small embankment. The soil is compacted and shaped to form a barrier that will prevent water from running off the slope and carrying away the soil. Grass or other vegetation can be planted on the bund to further stabilize it and reduce erosion.
3) A stone-faced soil bund is a variation of the traditional soil bund that incorporates stones into the structure for added strength and durability. This type of bund is commonly used in areas with steep slopes and heavy rainfall where erosion is a major concern.
To construct a stone-faced soil bund, the basic steps are similar to those of a regular soil bund. However, in this case, stones are placed along the face of the embankment to provide additional support and prevent erosion. The stones can be stacked vertically or laid flat, depending on the design of the bund and the local materials available.
4) A trench is a long, narrow excavation in the ground used for various purposes, such as drainage, irrigation, or foundation work. In agriculture, a trench can be used to divert water away from fields or to create a channel for planting seeds. An eyebrow basin is a type of water harvesting structure that captures runoff from a slope and stores it for later use.
Trenches are typically dug using a shovel or excavator, depending on the size and depth required. In agriculture, trenches can be used to control water flow and prevent erosion by directing runoff away from fields. Eyebrow basins are constructed by digging a trench along the contour of a slope and building a small embankment at the lower end to capture runoff. The stored water can then be used for irrigation or livestock watering.
5) The function and advantages of these structures are as follows:
- Fanyajuu terraces help to reduce soil erosion on slopes, improve water retention, and create level planting surfaces for crops. By working together to construct these terraces, communities can improve their agricultural productivity and resilience to climate change.
- Soil bunds are effective at preventing erosion on sloping land and can help to retain moisture in the soil. They are relatively inexpensive to construct and can be easily maintained by farmers. By using soil bunds, farmers can protect their crops and improve soil fertility over time.
- Stone-faced soil bunds offer additional strength and durability compared to regular soil bunds. The stones help to stabilize the embankment and reduce erosion, especially in areas with heavy rainfall. This type of bund is particularly useful in regions where soil conservation is a priority.
- Trenches and eyebrow basins are important tools for water harvesting and management in agriculture. By capturing runoff and directing it to where it is needed, farmers can improve soil moisture levels and crop yields. These structures also help to control erosion and prevent soil loss on sloping land.
Overall, the function and advantages of these structures are to promote sustainable land management practices, improve agricultural productivity, and enhance the resilience of farming communities to environmental challenges. By using these traditional techniques and structures, farmers can mitigate the effects of climate change and build more sustainable food systems for the future.