Samai & Iltilal Extension – Bunds Update – August 2026

In January, Justdiggit and our local partner conducted a site assessment and validated the Samai and Iltilal Extension sites for bund establishment. Both sites are located far from homesteads and were heavily degraded, with little to no grass cover. Trees and shrubs were sparsely distributed across the two sites, with a tree density of 43 trees/ha; Acacia mellifera was the dominant species. The forb layer was similarly sparse, dominated by species such as Sericocomposis, Solanum, and Ocimum. Gully formation was also observed, though still in its initial stages.

The implementation of the Samai & Iltilal Extension bunds project started in April 2026, with the main focus being the construction of soil bunds to support rangeland restoration. Community members remained actively involved throughout the activity, showing good commitment and ownership of the work.

A total of 34,080 bunds were completed across the two sites, involving about 240 community members. The work was carried out according to the planned schedule, with regular site supervision to ensure the required standards were met. The completed bunds are expected to improve water infiltration, reduce soil erosion, and support the regeneration of grasses during the rainy seasons, contributing to better pasture availability for livestock.

The next phase will focus on monitoring the performance of the bunds after the rains, carrying out any necessary repairs, and assessing vegetation recovery. Areas with poor natural regeneration may require reseeding to improve restoration outcomes.

The main challenge during this quarter was the lack of follow-up rainfall, which slowed vegetation recovery in some sections. Invasive plant species also remain a concern and will require continued management to prevent them from spreading within the restored areas. Ongoing engagement with the communities will also help maintain the restored sites and ensure the benefits are sustained over time.

Photos taken in April 2026 during and after the digging period.