Similar names: Chololo pits (Tanzania), Zaï pits (Burkina Faso), tassa (Niger), agun pits (Sudan), kofyarpits (Nigeria), yamka (Kyrgyzstan), planting pits.

The name Zai pits refers to small basins in which the seeds of annual or perennial crops are planted. The pits are then filled with mulch, manure, compost or good soil to increase soil fertility and the capacity of the soils to capture water. Zai pits can be beneficial for soil conditions and they are a very successful method which can allow for the growth of vegetation in dry areas. They are also very efficient in protecting seeds and soil organic matter from being washed away from water runoff. One of the major advantages of Zai Pits is that it increases water filtration, through the collection and concentration of water for the plants due to increasing termite activity. What is more, Zai pits can collect more than 25% or more of run-off water. This as a result decreases water run-offs and evaporation. When looking at the bigger picture, Zai Pits can improve soil fertility and agricultural productivity of several crops and can increase production by up to 500% if well executed.

The Zai Pit intervention is an efficient method to increase yield productivity due to more water and nutrients available. This intervention is most suitable for flat or gently sloped terrains (0-5%) with a precipitation range of 350-600 mm/y. Overall, Zai Pits can also work with other techniques such as stone contours and hand-dug trenches.