A contour bund is a linear embankment of earth, rock, or woody material built along a slope’s contour lines to slow runoff, increase infiltration, and stabilize soil.1 Bunds require substantial upfront labor to build and ongoing maintenance to stay effective.1 In dryland farming they are often paired with zai pits to concentrate harvested water and fertility at the planting point.2

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Footnotes

  1. Microcatchment Rainwater Harvesting | UN Convention to Combat Desertification ↩ ↩2 ↩3

  2. Enhancing Sustainable Production Through Zai and Contour Bunding | Catholic Relief Services ↩