Termite Man And The Zaï Holes, A Science Fiction Origin Story

Science: Zaï holes also catch water, but take a slightly different approach. They are holes dug in the soil. Traditionally they were used in a limited way to restore barren land. Yacouba Sawadogo introduced the innovation of filling them with manure and other biodegradable waste, in order to provide a source of nutrients for plant life. The manure attracts termites, whose tunnels help break up the soil further. He also increased the size of the holes slightly over the traditional models.[4] Zaï holes have been used to help cultivate trees, sorghum, and millet.