The Vetiver Network International

Newsletter – The Vetiver System in 2024 (NL 2024-12)

Vetiver under snow in Amman, Jordan
Source: Photo courtesy of Dale Rachmeler, from Paul Troung’s “Cold Tolerance of Vetiver Grass” (https://www.vetiver.org/TVN_Cold%20weather%20L.pdf)

The Vetiver System in 2024

As we come to the end of 2024 – which marked about 40 years since John Greenfield and Dick Grimshaw began to explore the use of Vetiver grass as an alternative to structural soil and moisture conservation practices in India – it is deeply satisfying to see that, by all appearances, not only has interest in the Vetiver System continued to expand globally, but that the use of VS has continued to gain traction as a sustainable and effective approach for addressing a wide range of environmental challenges around the globe.

While we at TVNI have no direct way to quantify expansion of interest – other than from such things as monitoring the number of academic and research publications, and the trends in them, from sources such as Google Scholar – and of applications and numbers of end-users, we thought to ask a couple of AIs (ChatGPT and Gemini) to try and make a rough estimate of expansion of interest and use. A piece, below, reports on those “findings”.

Overall, in 2024, we can observe that a substantial amount of research was published, 2,480 articles on Google Scholar alone as of this writing. This research further quantified and validated VS’ benefits across diverse applications: from decontaminating soil to, in one case, enhancing the efficiency of solar desalination of drinking water.

Efforts to promote and disseminate the Vetiver System – which are crucial for its wider adoption, particularly among smallholder farmers and communities in developing countries – appear to be strong and growing. In addition to the many social media sites and groups that are active*, WhatsApp chat groups involving about 600 individuals have come together in India, Latin America, and Kenya and have been holding active discussions and sharing information throughout the year. Also, the Latin American-based, monthly Conversatorio Virtual Vetiver (Virtual Vetiver Conversations) has continued throughout this year, generating both interest and good attendance. Antonio Carrillo Bolea’s (Mexico) presentation of April 2023 “Climate Risk Reduction and Soil Conservation Tool” (in Spanish) has to date garnered the most attention with almost 3,000 views since it was uploaded to TVNI’s YouTube channel.

The positive feedback seen from end-users has also reinforced the growing appreciation of the value and effectiveness of the Vetiver System for improving lives and building resilience. In particular, they (including farmers and communities), are expressing positive views and opinions about the Vetiver System for improving soil health; its cost-effectiveness, increasing communities’ resilience to natural disasters, and ease of use.

Amongst the key trends in 2024 that are likely to influence the future of VS are:

  • Growing Interest in Carbon Farming: With increasing concerns about climate change, Vetiver’s role in carbon farming and its potential for carbon removal certification are gaining significant attention. Expect to see more research and adoption of Vetiver-based solutions for carbon sequestration and climate change mitigation in the coming years.
  • Integration with Sustainable Land Management Practices: The integration of Vetiver Grass Technologies with other sustainable land management practices, such as permaculture and regenerative agriculture, seems to be increasingly common. Such holistic approaches have great potential for enhancing the overall sustainability and resilience of farming systems, promoting soil health, biodiversity, and climate change adaptation.
  • Continued Research and Development: While there is already a very significant, and growing body of research on the benefits of the Vetiver System, a need for continued research and development are seen as essential to both convince policymakers and financiers (e.g., quantification of benefits and impacts on households and communities, and ecosystem services); benefit/cost analyses, etc.), as well as to optimize applications, address potential challenges, and explore new uses.
  • Role of Policy and Stakeholder Collaboration: There is a near universal consensus amongst TVNI network members that policy support and stakeholder collaboration are critical for scaling up Vetiver adoption and maximizing its impact. Amongst the most mentioned needs are for integration of Vetiver into national and local policies, promoting farmer-to-farmer extension, and fostering partnerships between research institutions, government agencies, NGOs, and communities.

So “Thank you!” for all that you have been doing in 2024 and we strongly encourage you all to share your activities, efforts, and learnings with TVNI and/or through the many social media sites and groups; this way we may be able to influence more people to get involved and apply VGT in 2025, and so be able to look back at another successful year for VS knowledge and expansion and up-scaling of applications.

* Globally there are almost fifty Vetiver-related social media platforms and TVNI affiliates, and more than seventy Facebook groups dedicated to sharing and learning about VS. Other virtual and in-person communities around the world, dedicated to sustainable management of natural resources (e.g., the global permaculture movement), also extend the promotional reach for VS, both as users of TVNI information and as promoters of Vetiver Grass applications.

Badge made by the India Vetiver Foundation for distribution to “interested Vetiverians”.
Source: AW#Vetiver WhatsApp Chat Group, 12/08/24

Expansion and Up-Scaling of the Vetiver System (with help from AI sources)

With keen interest in better understanding what is happening in the world with expansion and uptake of the Vetiver System, ChatGPT and Gemini AI were asked to estimate the year-over-year increase in both interest and application of the Vetiver System around the world over the last 5 to 10 years. The following summarizes the responses received.

Publicly available data quantifying the exact year-over-year growth of Vetiver System usage worldwide are sparse, so estimating year-over-year growth with any precision is not possible.  However, most indicators—academic publications, conference attendance, and anecdotal reports from NGOs and government agencies—suggest steady growth over the past decade. Treat the following estimates with caution, as no central global registry of Vetiver initiatives or projects exists, and much of the growth is occurring in decentralized contexts (e.g., smallholder farms, local government projects, etc.).

Below is a rough illustrative breakdown—not an official statistic—of Vetiver usage growth indicators (academic publications, large-scale projects reported to TVNI, notable workshops, etc.). Note: these percentages are based on fragmentary reporting and anecdotal evidence rather than comprehensive global statistics.

Three main drivers of growth identified for the current increase in interest and use of Vetiver grass are identified as:

  • Environmental Concerns:
    • Soil Erosion and Slope Stabilization: An increased focus on sustainable land-use practices under changing climate conditions has driven interest in Vetiver’s robust root system.
    • Water Quality and Wastewater Treatment: Vetiver’s phytoremediation capabilities make it attractive for water purification in constructed wetlands, industrial effluent treatment, and urban wastewater management.
  • Policy and Funding:
    • Governmental Support: In some countries (e.g., China, Ethiopia, and some Southeast Asian nations), local governments promote Vetiver for mitigating land degradation. This pushes regional adoption rates higher.
    • NGOs and Development Agencies: International development organizations like the World Bank, IFAD, or small NGO projects have included Vetiver in soil and water conservation programs, boosting usage statistics.
  • Awareness and Education:
    • The Vetiver Network (global and regional chapters), NGOs, and private sector trainers continue to expand outreach through workshops, field demonstrations, and online platforms (e.g., YouTube, webinars).
    • Word-of-mouth from successful pilot programs in erosion-prone areas (riverbanks, roadsides, mining sites) has also helped expand Vetiver’s reputation for cost-effective and eco-friendly remediation.
Picture shared by V.C. Shreeram Nath in a WhatsApp Chat Group in response to a request for “pics of Vetiver planted on tank bunds…to avoid erosion”.
Source: V.C. Shreeram Nath on AW#Vetiver WhatsApp Chat Group, 11/26/24

Most Important Accomplishment in 2024? (with help from AI sources)

In 2024, perhaps the most significant advance for the Vetiver System has been the increase in mainstream acceptance by major development and environmental management agencies worldwide. Over the last few years, the use of Vetiver grass for erosion control, soil rehabilitation, water purification, and slope stabilization has steadily grown; however, 2024 may indicate that we are at an inflection point with large-scale infrastructure and community-led projects embracing Vetiver as a “go-to” green engineering solution. Factors contributing to this may include:

  • Increased Extreme Weather Events: The year 2024 witnessed a surge in extreme weather events, including hurricanes, floods, and droughts, highlighting the urgent need for effective climate adaptation measures. The Vetiver System’s ability to stabilize slopes, prevent erosion, and enhance water infiltration makes it a valuable tool for mitigating the impacts of these events.
  • Focus on Nature-Based Solutions: There is a growing global emphasis on nature-based solutions for climate change adaptation and mitigation. The Vetiver System aligns perfectly with this approach, offering a cost-effective and environmentally friendly alternative to traditional engineering solutions.
  • Scientific Validation: Ongoing research continues to validate the effectiveness of the Vetiver System in addressing climate-related challenges. Studies have demonstrated its role in carbon sequestration, soil health improvement, and water resource management, further strengthening its position as a climate-smart technology. Furthermore, the concept of “temporary carbon storage from carbon farming” is gaining traction, and vetiver’s extensive root system contributes significantly to carbon sequestration in soils, further highlighting its role in climate change mitigation.
  • Community Engagement: Community-based projects have showcased the practical benefits of the Vetiver System in building climate resilience at the local level. These initiatives demonstrate its ability to empower communities, restore degraded ecosystems, and enhance livelihoods in the face of climate change.

Multiple institutions (governments, multilateral banks, engineering consultancies, and grassroots organizations) are now recognizing the Vetiver System as a cost-effective, climate-resilient, and socially beneficial intervention. The following are some examples:

  1. Large-Scale Infrastructure and Community-Led Projects Embracing Vetiver

Example: Road Construction in Nigeria (World Bank Project)

  • Project: Nigeria Erosion and Watershed Management Project (NEWMAP)
  • Institution: World Bank
  • Details: While various soil-conservation strategies are employed, local agencies and engineering firms have reported using Vetiver hedgerows for stabilizing slopes and embankments in regions prone to severe gully erosion. By 2024, several contract awards referenced Vetiver-based solutions for highway embankment protection, significantly reducing re-erosion events.

Example: Riverbank Reinforcement in Vietnam

  • Project: Vietnam’s Disaster Risk Management Project
  • Institution: Asian Development Bank
  • Details: To mitigate flooding and bank collapse along the Mekong Delta, local contractors have employed vegetative solutions—vetiver among them—as part of broader “green infrastructure” improvements. The ADB’s 2024 performance review cites reduced maintenance costs on earthen dikes that incorporate vetiver hedgerows.
  1. Integration into Major Regional Development Plans in Africa and Asia

Example: Ethiopia’s Sustainable Land Management Initiative

  • Project: Ethiopia Sustainable Land Management Program, Phase II & III
  • Institution: World Bank
  • Details: Ethiopia’s Ministry of Agriculture collaborated with international partners to implement terracing and vegetative barriers on a large scale. Field reports (2023–2024) mention vetiver use in highly degraded watersheds to reduce soil loss, improve water retention, and support downstream irrigation efforts.

Example: Kenya’s National Climate Adaptation Plan

  • Document: Kenya National Adaptation Plan 2021–2030
  • Institution: Ministry of Environment and Forestry, Kenya
  • Details: Although not limited to Vetiver, the Plan highlights “nature-based solutions” for reforesting riparian zones and stabilizing gullies. Governmental pilot schemes in the arid and semi-arid lands (ASALs) identified Vetiver as a suitable grass barrier due to its deep root system and resilience to drought conditions.
  1. Adoption by Major Engineering and Environmental Consultancies

Example: ARUP Including Vetiver in Slope-Stabilization Toolkit

  • Firm: ARUP
  • Details: While ARUP is known for “hard” engineering solutions, its sustainability report references integrating vegetation-based methods, including Vetiver, for low-impact slope stabilization in Southeast Asia. The report cites decreased construction costs and improved long-term resilience as key benefits.

Example: Golder (WSP) Incorporating Vetiver Into EIA (Environmental Impact Assessments)

  • Firm: Golder, a WSP company
  • Details: Golder’s environmental consultancy branch began recommending Vetiver hedgerows for certain mining site rehabilitation projects in Latin America by late 2023. In 2024, internal case studies indicated positive stakeholder reception due to improved erosion control and quicker vegetation regrowth compared to conventional re-vegetation methods alone.
  1. Growing Grassroots Support & Community Championing
Chair with woven Vetiver seat, the work on Luz Marina, Venezuela.
Source: photo by Luz Marina, shared on Mundo Vetiver WhatsApp Chat Group.

Example: Vetiver Handicrafts and Essential Oils in Haiti

  • Initiative: Haitian Community-Led Reforestation & Livelihood Programs
  • Institution: USAID Haiti
  • Details: Local cooperatives in southern Haiti have been using vetiver for perfume and essential oil production for decades. However, in 2024, new programs emphasized dual-purpose vetiver planting—both for erosion control in flood-prone areas and for boosting local income through handicrafts and oil extraction. USAID’s updates show higher household revenue and significant reduction in landslide risk on replanted slopes.

Example: Community-Led Watershed Rehabilitation in the Philippines

  • Project: Philippines Watershed Management Improvement
  • Institution: Department of Environment and Natural Resources
  • Details: Following a series of destructive typhoons, DENR and local NGOs ramped up the use of fast-growing grasses for flood mitigation. Vetiver nurseries run by women’s groups in areas such as Mindanao and Eastern Visayas have been profitable in 2024, providing families with saleable planting materials while simultaneously protecting riverbanks from further erosion.
  1. Government, Funding Agency, and Community Momentum

Bringing all these facets together—government endorsement, funding agency support, consultancy adoption, and grassroots empowerment—has been the real “tipping point” for the Vetiver System in 2024.

  1. Governments:
    • Ministries of Agriculture and Environment in countries like Kenya, Ethiopia, and Vietnam have integrated Vetiver-based methods into official plans and large-scale programs. This governmental endorsement often translates into budget allocations for planting, training, and monitoring.
  2. Funding Agencies:
    • Global financiers such as the World Bank and the Asian Development Bank have begun systematically recommending (rather than just allowing) vegetative solutions, referencing improved cost–benefit outcomes.
    • USAID has further integrated Vetiver into community-driven livelihood projects, indicating strong donor confidence.
  3. Consultancies:
    • Firms like ARUP and Golder (WSP), known for engineering excellence, are now listing vetiver in their solution portfolios, offering clients both “hard” and “green” interventions.
  4. Communities:
    • Grassroots efforts show how vetiver can be harnessed not only for land stabilization but also for income generation via essential oils or artisanal crafts, creating local buy-in and sustainable maintenance.
Vetiver prepared for delivery from nursery in Quevedo, Los Rios, Ecuador.
Source: Marco Hurtado, Mundo Vetiver WhatsApp Chat Group, 10/15/24

Some Useful Research Findings from 2024

Research in 2024, amongst others, has continued to validate and advance our understanding of VS applications in bioengineering, natural disaster mitigation, salinity tolerance, and phytoremediation. Here are a few of the interesting research findings that emerged in 2024:

  • Enhanced Soil Stability and Slope Stabilization: A study published in Geosciences explored the impact of vetiver on unsaturated soil behavior and the stability of highway slopes in Mississippi. Similarly, researchers in China also demonstrated that vetiver significantly influences soil-water characteristics, leading to enhanced soil matric suction and shear strength. These finding have particular importance for erosion control and slope stabilization (e.g., as noted in our October 2024 Newsletter) for regions with expansive clay soils, which are prone to shrinking and swelling with changes in moisture content. The Mississippi study, which highlights the potential of Vetiver in stabilizing highway slopes, noted that the “majority of the highway slopes in the southern region of the United States, including Mississippi, Texas, Louisiana, and Alabama, are built on highly expansive clay soil”.
  • Effective Bio-reinforcement for Infrastructure: Research published in the Global Journal of Environmental Science and Management demonstrated the efficacy of vetiver grass roots in reinforcing road embankments. The study revealed that bio-reinforcement with Vetiver significantly enhances the shear strength of soil, offering a sustainable and environmentally friendly alternative to conventional soil stabilization methods, which otherwise rely on synthetic materials with potential environmental drawbacks.
  • Climate change and natural disaster mitigation. A review article validates Vetiver’s value as a climate-adaptive, nature-based solution for mitigating landslides, whose occurrences are on the rise due to increases in excessive rainfall resulting from climate change. Vetiver’s dense, long roots, strengthening of soil cohesion, reduction of pore water pressure, and improvements to shear strength and hydraulic conductivity are underlined as making it effective for shallow slope stabilization. Additionally, its cost-effectiveness compared to traditional engineering methods, additional benefits (i.e., erosion control, water filtration, and associated economic uses), and low maintenance and environmental compatibility are noted as making it attractive for community-based implementation.
  • Mitigation of Salinity Stress: A study featured in Agronomy investigated the use of Micrococcus yunnanensis and Indole-3-Acetic Acid to mitigate salinity stress on Vetiver grass. The results indicate that these treatments can improve Vetiver’s already naturally high tolerance to salt concentrations in the soil, expanding its potential applications in saline environments and regions affected by saltwater intrusion.
  • Phytoremediation of Heavy Metal Contamination: In 2024, a number of studies highlighted the potential of Vetiver for phytoremediation of heavy metal-contaminated soils. They are of particular interest as they explored innovative strategies to enhance Vetiver’s performance in accumulating and tolerating metals like cadmium (Cd), lead (Pb), arsenic (As), nickel (Ni), and chromium (Cr). Approaches included using plant growth-promoting rhizobacteria, arbuscular mycorrhizal fungi, organic amendments, EDTA, and soil pH adjustments. They also provided insights into Vetiver’s physiological and biochemical responses, revealing how it tolerates and translocates these metals, as well as potentially practical options for enhancing phytoremediation strategies.
Photo sent by Dario Melgar in response to the question “How is Vetiver as a fodder grass?” He mentioned “We feed it both chopped and unchopped and [our cattle] eat it very well.”
Source: Dario Melgar, Bolivia. Shared on Mundo Vetiver WhatsApp Group Chat, 11/18/24

Effects of Vetiver Grass Technology (VGT) Adoption on Poverty Amongst Farmers in Nigeria

I would like to end this last Newsletter of 2024 with this recent study from Nigeria, which highlights the income benefits of adopting Vetiver Grass Strips Technology (VGT) among smallholder farming households.  All the incredibly diverse uses of the Vetiver System ultimately have one thing in common: their potential for making the lives of people and their communities better. As a year-end challenge to the global Vetiver community, I would ask you in 2025 to focus more on sharing your stories of how the VS benefits and impacts the lives of people and their communities.  It is stories like these that provide the most compelling reasons for the expansion and up-scaling of VS.

Article summaryThe adoption of VGT for erosion control and soil conservation in Abia state in Nigeria significantly reduced poverty incidence by 21%. Adopters experienced increased crop yields—26% for cowpea and 50% for maize—resulting in higher incomes. About 55% of adopters were classified as non-poor, compared to 50% of non-adopters, showcasing its effectiveness in raising living standards. The technology is cost-effective and sustainable, requiring minimal maintenance. Despite a 49.6% adoption rate, further expansion is encouraged, supported by government investments and farmer training programs. These interventions could amplify the financial gains, empowering smallholder farmers to achieve improved productivity and economic resilience.

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