Local materials and knowledge can be used to construct low-cost structural measures that help to prevent the erosion of riverbanks and the loss of agricultural and residential land.

Riverbank cutting occurs naturally along the rivers that run along the foothills of the Chure (Siwalik) range in Nepal when the stream collides with the river bank or the bank is eroded by water coming from agricultural land above the affected area. When riverbank cutting occurs, it leaves behind an eroded area shaped like a small cliff. This erosion takes place naturally and is difficult to stop because the site is devoid of natural vegetation. It is important to undertake conservation measures because when the riverbank is eroded it damages agricultural land and decreases soil fertility. When the productivity of the land is decreased it affects the lives and livelihoods of nearby communities most of whom are subsistence farmers.

Gobardiha-9, Madhabpur, Dang District, Nepal

WOCAT database reference: QT NEP 28

Location: Gobardiha-9, Madhabpur, Dang District, Nepal

Technology area: <0.1 km²

Conservation measure(s): Structural and vegetative

Land Use: Cropland

Stage of intervention: Prevention, mitigation, and reduction of land degradation

Origin: Externally through the District Soil Conservation Office (DSCO), Tulsipur, Dang

Climate: Subhumid/tropical

Related approach: Not described

Compiled by: Uddhaw B Ghimire, District Soil Conservation Office (DSCO), Tulsipur, Dang

Date: December 2010, updated March 2013

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• Riverbank protection