Stage 1: Problem Identification
1.1 Description
Land degradation, a process that diminishes the quality and productivity of land, is a
significant environmental problem at Pamushana High School and its surrounding
community. It is primarily caused by soil erosion, deforestation, and unsustainable
farming practices. The problem is evident through visible gulleys, loss of topsoil, and
reduced plant cover on and around the school grounds, which threatens the school’s
garden projects and the local ecosystem.
1.2 Brief Statement of Intent
The project's goal is to raise awareness about land degradation at Pamushana High
School and implement practical, sustainable solutions to mitigate its effects.
1.3 Design Specification
The project will involve a series of community-based activities, including educational
workshops and a hands-on anti-land degradation initiative on the school premises. The
project will target students, teachers, and members of the surrounding community. The
success of the project will be evaluated through a survey on participants’ understanding
of land degradation and a visual assessment of the targeted areas after implementation.
Stage 2: Investigation of Related Ideas
2.1 Investigations
1. Soil conservation techniques: This involves using methods like terracing,
contour plowing, and planting cover crops to prevent soil erosion.
2. Reforestation and afforestation: This is the process of planting trees on barren
or degraded land to restore forest cover.
2.2 Evidence of Investigation
Both soil conservation and reforestation are well-established and proven methods for
combating land degradation globally.
2.3 Merits
Soil conservation techniques: These methods directly address the primary
cause of land degradation and can be implemented with minimal resources.
Reforestation and afforestation: Trees stabilize the soil, improve water
retention, and enhance biodiversity, offering a long-term solution.
2.4 Demits
Soil conservation techniques: They require consistent effort and community
buy-in to be effective.
Reforestation and afforestation: Trees take a long time to mature, so the
benefits are not immediate.
Stage 3: Generation of Ideas
3.1 Solutions with Analysis
1. "Eco-Guardians" Club: A school club dedicated to educating students on
environmental issues and leading hands-on projects to combat land degradation
on campus.
2. "Greening the Grounds" Project: A large-scale initiative to build check dams in
eroded areas and plant trees and grass to stabilize the soil.
3.2 Evidence of Ideas
The "Eco-Guardians" Club is a new, education-focused idea based on the merits of
community engagement. The "Greening the Grounds" Project is an adaptation of
reforestation and soil conservation methods, making them practical for the school
environment.
3.3 Merits
"Eco-Guardians" Club: It promotes sustained environmental awareness and
leadership among students.
"Greening the Grounds" Project: It provides a tangible and visible solution to
the problem.
3.4 Demerits
"Eco-Guardians" Club: The impact is not physical or immediately visible.
"Greening the Grounds" Project: It requires a significant amount of labor and
resources.
Stage 4: Development of Selected Idea
4.1 Indication of Choice
I have chosen to develop the "Greening the Grounds" Project.
4.2 Justification
1. It provides a visible, direct solution to the problem of land degradation, which can
motivate the entire school community.
2. It combines reforestation and soil conservation techniques, making it a
comprehensive and effective approach.
4.3 Refinements
1. The project will involve the construction of small-scale check dams using locally
sourced materials (e.g., stones, logs) to prevent further erosion in gulleys.
2. The project will use a phased approach, starting with the most severely degraded
areas.
3. The project will integrate the planting of indigenous, drought-resistant trees and
vetiver grass, which is known for its soil-stabilizing properties.
4.4 Presentation
The final solution will be presented as a detailed proposal document that includes a
project timeline, a budget, and a visual representation of the project plan.
Stage 5: Presentation of Results
5.1 Working Drawing
A diagram of a check dam in an eroded gully, illustrating how it traps soil and water,
allowing vegetation to grow. The drawing will also show how trees and grass will be
planted on the slopes to provide additional stability.
5.2 Artifacts
A model of a check dam built with stones and sand to visually demonstrate its
function.
A before-and-after photo collage of a degraded section of the school grounds,
showing the problem and the proposed solution.
Stage 6: Evaluation
6.1 Relevance to Brief
The project directly addresses my initial intent to combat land degradation at
Pamushana High School by implementing a hands-on, sustainable, and visible solution.
6.2 Problems Encountered
Securing sufficient funds and labor for the project was a significant challenge.
6.3 Solution Suggested
A fundraising campaign was initiated within the school and local community, and a
partnership with the Parents-Teachers Association (PTA) was established to organize
volunteer labor.
6.4 Recommendations
I recommend that the school formalize the "Greening the Grounds" Project as an annual
event to ensure the continuous maintenance of the restored areas. I also suggest that
the project be integrated into the Form 1 and 2 curricula to raise early awareness and
encourage sustained environmental stewardship.
