This involves participation of all stakeholders at the local level in order to come up with locally viable solutions that all participants are comfortable with and that contribute to sustainable livelihoods and long term conservation of local biodiversity. We achieved this building block by involving stakeholders at different levels, i.e. at the meso or County level and micro or local community level. First, we engaged representatives of the Siaya County government departments (such as Agriculture, Lands, Tourism, Environment and Natural Resources) and Civil society representatives working at the local and regional levels. A workshop was organised upon which the government and non-government actors discussed the challenges facing agriculture and biodiversity in relation to climate chage in the County and amicable and potential solutions sought from the participants. Secondly, local level meetings were held with community members and local leaders and resource persons including elders, retired government staff, health workers and conservation enthusiasts. The challenges facing agriculture and local biodiversity were sought and potential solutions reached. These were then analysed to come up with overal challenges and solutions from the stakeholders perspective.
- Analysis and involvement of critical stakeholders to make sure that all people with interest are involved. This should include (1) government departments at the County or District levels, (2) Non-state actors including Non-governmental Organisations (NGOs), Community-based Organisations (CBOs) and Faith-based Organisations (FBOs) among others, and local communities
- Recognition of the roles played by various stakeholders.
- Recognition of potential benefits and benefit sharing from the proceeds of conservation.
- Stakeholder involvement at both meso or County/District level and micro/community level ensures potential for inclusion and use of results in local policy change
- Forums bringing government and non-state actors contribute to harmonisation of conflicting views and ideas and ensure potential for harmony in implementation of various strategies. However, we experienced many opposing views during strategy discussions pitting the government officers and the civil society.
- Potential for benefit sharing and incentives are critical for conservation of biodiversity at the local scale.
- Local communities are willing to participate in biodiversity conservation initiatives when alternative livelihoods can be provided.