Introductory photo essay VS_Rural_roads.pdf (vetiver.org)
Rural roads are critical to development in rural areas. Without them children cannot go to school, farm produce is difficult to market, and communities become isolated and lack essential services. Rural roads are general low on the maintenance chain, often deteriorating rapidly after construction. Vetiver Grass Technology can do much in the reduction in rural/farm road deterioration and the cost of road maintenance. Vetiver planted along the shoulders of roads reduces shoulder erosion and cut back into the main pavement area. In dangerous locations it acts as a demarcation barrier.
Culverts and simple bridges associated with these low -cost roads can be vetiver protected from washouts. Road cut-off drains (miter drains) can be integrated safely with on farm vetiver hedgerows, not only allowing road drainage water to be distributed safely onto farm land, but also reducing the chance of all too frequent roadside gully formation.