Stone lines or ("bunds") slow down runoff, incerease water infiltration and for the basis for improved production in semi-arid areas. At the same time, sediment is captured behind these semi-permeable barriers. Stone lines were originally a traditional technique in the Sahel, but have been improved by careful construction, and through alingning on the contour. Stone lines are suited to low slopes, high runoff and hand labour. A simple remedy that really works. Wide and deep planting pits are often used in combination, acting as microcatchments within the field. www.iied.org