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Bangladesh & Desertification

Indigenous Technology

The indigenous knowledge of the local population regarding land management may be encouraged as these are generally environment friendly. In Sal Forest Region of the Madhupur Tract, tree species like mango, Mahogany and Jackfruit grow in upland (chalas) around homestead where lower slopes (baid) are used for growing paddy. Sometimes gentle slopes and chalas are used for growing vegetables, maize etc.

This practice increases moisture retention, improves soil fertility and crop yield; and reduces surface runoff and thus halts soil erosion. Home garden system provides healthy ecosystem for humans, animals, birds, livestock, and miscellaneous flora and fauna. Homestead bamboos are planted because these develop rapidly and are good soil binders.

Use of homestead ash is done to supplement potassium in the soil and to keep insects away from crops. Banyan trees are considered as a symbol of preservation of ecosystem because through its extensive root systems it holds large chunk of soil and provides shelter and food for birds and other wild animals.

 

Khari development is encouraged in the Barind area to make storage of water by making embankment in some segments of a drainage/ irrigation channel. Trees and shrubs are planted to reduce further evaporation. Pond digging in is done to facilitate judicious use of storage water for domestic and agricultural purposes. People of the entire village or community decide where to dig the pond and entire operation and digging and maintenance thereafter are being done on a cooperative basis. In the past, such ponds were also used as storage of rainwater.

These days they don’t get sufficient water in the dry season as ground water recedes further below. We have to improve upon this technique to include arrangement of rainwater harvesting and storage. Cropping pattern and choice of crops and cereals in some areas are adjusted keeping conformity with the water balance of that area. The dry areas are now looking for suitable alternative cash crops like cotton, maize, sunflower, melon.

 

The practice of agro-silviculture creates a favourable environmental condition that reduces evapotranspiration and produces fuelwood, timber and fodder. Many indigenous systems are practiced in the hilly regions to facilitate various local problems related to watershed management and utilization of natural resources. Use of bamboo in earth dam construction;use of brushwood and waste woody material for soil conservation; harvesting of forest product by skidding; and production of various useful tools and implements are good examples of application of the indigenous system in the Hill Tract region.

 

Source: National Action Programme (NAP) for Combating Desertification in Bangladesh

Department of Environment, Ministry of Environment and Forest and
IUCN – The World Conservation Union

 

 
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