5. Adaptive Pathway Plan

An Adaptive Pathway Plan is a strategic framework designed to enhance resilience and adapt to long-term changes, particularly in the context of climate change. It involves identifying adaptation challenges and evaluating the effectiveness of various interventions over time. The key components include:

  • Pathways Mapping: The plan illustrates sequences of measures or investments to achieve defined objectives, allowing for adjustments as conditions change.
  • Thresholds and Tipping Points: The approach uses indicators to signal when a change in strategy is needed, ensuring flexibility in decision-making.
  • Removal of Uncertainty: The uncertainty with using climate risk prediction models for decision making has led us to use Resilience instead, therefore removing uncertainty from the decision-making process.
  • Stakeholder Engagement: Involvement of diverse stakeholders ensures that the pathways are context-sensitive and reflect local needs.

Key enabling factors include:

  • Flexibility: The plan must adapt to changing conditions and uncertainties, allowing timely adjustments as new information arises.
  • Stakeholder Engagement: Involving diverse stakeholders ensures the plan addresses various needs, fostering broader support.
  • Clear Triggers: Establishing specific signposts for when to adjust strategies enhances decision-making and responsiveness.
  • Integrated Approach: Aligning the plan with existing policies creates a cohesive strategy that is easier to implement.
  • Ongoing Monitoring: Continuous evaluation of the plan's effectiveness is crucial for informed adjustments and long-term success.

Key lessons learned include:

  • Contextual Adaptation: Tailoring the analysis to specific contexts and needs enhances effectiveness and addresses complexity.
  • Visualization Tools: Diverse visual representations, like metro maps and decision trees, improve understanding and communication of pathways.
  • Stakeholder Engagement: Involving multiple actors is crucial for addressing varied values and objectives, requiring robust governance structures to support ongoing monitoring.
  • Shared Experiences: Documenting and sharing experiences can facilitate wider adoption and application of adaptive pathways in practice.
Conception of one action plan with the Regional Directorate of Fisheries and Blue Economy (DRPEB) of Diana

In close collaboration with the Regional Directorate of Fishing and the Blue Economy of Diana, with whom we developed an action plan for the implementation of all the activity, mutually approved and signed.

It is always necessary to establish synergy with the partners concerned in order to be able to implement the planned activities effectively and efficiently.

Capacity Development: Knowledge Products and Information, Education & Communication material

When SAFAL started reaching out to aquaculture farmers in 2021,[II1]  two of the key aspects to enhancing the availability of fish and income through sustainable aquaculture became apparent: the gap on technical knowledge and financial literacy on aquaculture operations and the difficulty of accessing financial support through existing schemes. 

For farmers, harnessing the potential for expansion of their practises required acquiring new technical skills, proper planning as well as investments into their operations. Setting visions into action, SAFAL set up an inclusive community-based training cascade (see building block: CRP model) which required the development of quality course materials, tailored to the local requirements. Under consideration of reviewing and harmonizing existing material, new state of the art training materials and best practices for sustainable aquaculture were co-created in a participatory manner among scientists, government officials, experts in sustainable aquaculture practices, aquaculture operators and SAFAL technical staff.

The knowledge products and IEC material created under SAFAL are integrated with each other and can be used individually or collectively. While they follow a session schedule covering the whole training cascade, learners can also utilize them individually by choosing selected chapters or products of their interest. 

The KPs and IEC material are distributed through the CRP-to-Farmer training (see building block: CRP model) they are also placed in CICs and SCs (see building block: Agroecological Kiosks).  

  1. Holistic Skill Development:[II1]  Comprehensive, practical guides cover all aspects of sustainable aquaculture, equipping farmers with the necessary knowledge for the entire season.
  2. Integrated Learning: Training materials combine technical, economic, social, and environmental aspects, promoting a balanced and sustainable approach to aquaculture.
  3. Seasonal Flexibility: Modular and adaptable materials allow farmers to learn and apply relevant lessons at any stage, supporting continuous improvement.
  4. Local Adaptation: Culturally relevant content and local examples ensure greater acceptance and practical application of sustainable practices.
  5. Gender Sensitivity: Gender-inclusive materials and role models encourage broader participation and empower women in aquaculture.
  • Enhanced Technical Skills: Farmers gained essential technical knowledge and financial literacy, improving their aquaculture practices and profitability.
  • Practical Implementation: Real-time, step-by-step guidance helped farmers apply sustainable practices effectively, boosting confidence and problem-solving abilities.
  • Cultural Relevance: Customized, locally adapted training materials made it easier for farmers to adopt new practices.
  • Gender Inclusivity: The gender-sensitive approach promoted equal opportunities, empowering more women to participate in aquaculture
Capacity Development & Extension Service: Community Resource Person Model

The Community Resource Person (CRP) model in India is a community-driven approach to development and empowerment, particularly in rural areas. It involves identifying and training individuals from local communities to act as extension service providers, advisers, and mobilizers to address various socio-economic challenges and promote sustainable development. 

Under the SAFAL project more than 140+ CRP trainers (Train the Trainer, ToT) and 500 CRPs and have been trained between 2021 and 2023 in Assam and Odisha. CRPs themselves are aquaculture farmer belonging to the local farmer institutions who are supporting up to 25 farmers by providing extension services advisory services to more than 6.000 farmers in rural areas on sustainable aquaculture practices to their communities. 

The selection process of CRPs involves conducting a definite step starting from registration, selection among co-created criteria as well as following recommendations from farmer institutions such as Farmer Producer Organisations (FPOs) and Self-Help-Groups (SHGs) followed by an intensive capacity building course. The training, likewise, for CRPs and CRP-to-farmers, are conducted in tailored sessions conducted with the help of Knowledge Products (KPs) and Information, Education & Communication (IEC) material, such as the Farmer’s Handbook, a Training Manual for Trainers, the Farm Record Book and various training material. Those were co-created among scientists, government officials, experts in sustainable aquaculture practices, aquaculture operators and SAFAL technical to fit the exact needs of the local farmers. 

The training cascade contains basic and advanced modules using the didactic methodology for easy adoption of adult learning. The program consists of 30 per cent classroom and 70 per cent hands-on training as well as exposure visits to state-of-the arts hatcheries and research and educational institutions within different states. Making it accessible to farmers all over the regions, it is designed in a way that it can be held in remote and rural areas using flipbooks, posters, and pamphlets to teach without access to electronics. 

CRPs are based within their farmer institutions (FPOs, FPCs, SHGs) and are motivated by social, environmental, and financial incentives, including selling goods and services, and facilitating access to finance.

Through this self-financed CRP model, thousands of small-scale farmers are empowered with knowledge and resources. This ground-level approach boosts yields within planetary boundaries while ensuring nutrition and food security.

You can find more information about the training materials (knowledge products and Information, Education & Communication material) and download them in the building block: Knowledge Products and Information, Education & Communication Material. 

  1. Tailored Training: Offering training sessions tailored to the needs and capacities of small-scale farmers, with a focus on practical knowledge and skills relevant to their specific contexts.
  2. Multiplier Effect: Employing a Training of Trainers (ToT) approach to multiply the impact of training efforts, enabling CRPs to train and support a larger number of farmers.
  3. Effective Extension Services: Utilizing a network of Community Resource Persons (CRPs) who act as extension workers, delivering training, knowledge, and support directly to farmers in their local areas.
  4. Participatory Approach: Involving farmers directly in the learning process, allowing for a bottom-up approach that considers their perspectives, challenges, and needs.
  5. Financial Incentives: Motivating CRPs through a combination of financial incentives, such as selling fingerlings, retail opportunities of farming equipment, as well as non-financial incentives like recognition and social impact.
  6. Access to Finance: Supporting farmers in accessing finance through guidance and facilitation e.g., through record keeping, to relevant financial institutions and government schemes.
  7. Government Support and Alignment: Aligning with government priorities and policies, and demonstrating the effectiveness of these models to policymakers, which can lead to increased support, funding, and scalability.

Additionally

  1. Quality Course Materials: Providing high-quality course materials co-created among local stakeholder and experts, ensuring the content is accurate, relevant, and accessible to farmers.
  2. Local Context Sensitivity: Designing training models and materials that are sensitive to the local context, including cultural, social, economic, and environmental factors.
  1. Customization is Key: Tailoring training sessions and materials to the specific needs, challenges, and contexts of small-scale farmers enhances relevance and effectiveness.
  2. Empowerment through Education: Providing farmers with training material to gain practical knowledge and skills empowers them to make informed decisions, improve their practices, and enhance their livelihoods.
  3. Local Ownership and Engagement: Involving farmers directly in the learning process fosters ownership, buy-in, and sustainability of interventions.
  4. Importance of Extension Services: Utilizing a network of Community Resource Persons (CRPs) as extension workers effectively delivers training and support at the grassroots level.
  5. Selection of Multipliers: Optimizing capacity-building efforts to maximize knowledge retention requires a strategic approach in the selection of promising CRPs among the community. 
  6. Financial Incentives Drive Engagement: Offering financial incentives, such as income opportunities, motivates CRPs and encourages their active participation and commitment.
  7. Collaboration Amplifies Impact: Collaborating with Farmer Institutions, SHGs, and other stakeholders enables aggregation of resources, knowledge-sharing, and amplification of impact.
  8. Access to Finance is Critical: Facilitating access to finance empowers farmers to invest in their businesses, adopt new practices, and improve productivity and profitability.
  9. Local Context Matters: Sensitivity to the local context, including cultural, social, economic, and environmental factors, is essential for the relevance and success of interventions.
  10. Training of Trainers Multiplies Impact: Leveraging a Training of Trainers (ToT) approach enables the multiplication of training efforts, reaching a larger number of farmers and communities.
  11. Alignment with Government Priorities: Aligning with government priorities and policies can facilitate support, funding, and scalability of interventions, making them more sustainable and impactful in the long run.
Sustainable Agriculture and Landscapes Management

The integration of sustainable agriculture and landscape management practices in land restoration efforts is crucial in conserving soil and water, promoting biodiversity, and mitigating climate change. This approach also improves livelihoods, enhances ecosystem services, and builds resilience. To achieve this, we conducted thorough assessments, engaged local farmers and other stakeholders, developed context-specific plans, provided training, monitored progress, and foster policy support. This ensures a holistic and sustainable restoration of degraded lands, benefiting both people and the environment, including water resources. It's important for the community to collaborate, contribute, and learn effective environmental management approaches to ensure the project's long-term sustainability and unsustainable agricultural practices.

 

  • Prioritizing alternative livelihood options in land restoration.
  • Sensitizing the community to environmental issues and methods to prevent land degradation.
  • Integrating climate smart agriculture in soil restoration.
  • Community Ownership and government support.
  • Emphasizing the importance of community participation to identify their top priority issues.
  • Raising community awareness of all interventions, including gully restoration and reforestation, through comprehensive awareness campaigns.
  • Establishing an interim engagement point, such as collaborating with traditional leaders, to secure community support
Implementation and Monitoring, Evaluation & Learning

Effective policy lobbying and advocacy must address the implementation of both existing and newly finalized policies to ensure they meet their intended goals. This involves continuous monitoring to track progress and assess the effectiveness of policy implementation. All partners involved in a program or policy must participate in this ongoing process to ensure alignment with objectives and adapt strategies as needed.

  • Regularly assess and compare the goals and objectives to evaluate progress and identify gaps. Research and analysis support this comparative review
  • Working through coalitions enhances policy advocacy efforts by uniting diverse voices, amplifying impact, and strengthening influence
  • Policy implementation is a lengthy process involving diverse stakeholders with varying priorities. Patience and persistence are crucial
  • Initially, we overlooked sectors like tourism that have significant stakes in natural resource management. Including all relevant sectors can reveal important interests and enhance advocacy
  • Engaging a wide range of stakeholders is essential. Excluding key players can hinder progress and make achieving objectives more challenging
Monitoring & Evaluation: The Core of Sustainable Conservation

Monitoring, Evaluation, and Learning (MEL) is central to ensuring the sustainability of our tree restoration efforts. This building block allows us to track the progress of tree growth and refine our restoration strategies for better outcomes. We employ drones to capture before-and-after images, providing a clear visual comparison of the impact of our restoration work. By continuously assessing our efforts, we can make data-driven adjustments that enhance the effectiveness of our conservation initiatives.

Critical to success is the integration of robust MEL tools and systems from the start of the project. Regular reporting and analysis are essential for adapting and improving our strategies as the campaign progresses. Access to advanced technology, like drones, enhances our ability to monitor and evaluate restoration efforts, providing detailed insights that guide ongoing improvements.

We realised that incorporating MEL into our conservation efforts is vital for long-term success. New technologies, such as drones, have significantly improved our ability to track and assess the impact of our work. These tools not only provide more accurate data but also allow for more informed decision-making, ensuring that our restoration efforts are both effective and sustainable.

Impact Reporting

Environmental restoration initiatives need to report to their donors and other stakeholders the impact of their investments. The TREEO Impact Dashboard is a platform where the results from implementer’s projects are showcased, thereby providing evidence from their planting and monitoring efforts which they can use for further reporting and sharing with their stakeholders. The Impact Dashboard, with single sign-on capabilities, displays the data from tree monitoring, including sequestered CO2, biodiversity monitoring, and data from the socioeconomic surveys if performed. This fosters easy reporting as well as provides interactive and clean visualisation for the implementer’s stakeholders (donors, sponsors, government agencies, and companies). Impact reporting data comes from the TREEO Cloud and can be exported and published based on each project’s needs.

  • The TREEO Technology is already integrated in a way the the data from the App is stored in the Cloud and then available on the Impact Dashboard, which can be customized for each project’s needs
  • Market demand for proving the results of your planting efforts 
  • Regulations which undertake companies/organizations to report 
  • Each stakeholder has different needs and the Dashboard can be tailored to each
  • We started with too few features and learned that each stakeholder has specific requests that we have been adding (like biodiversity and socioeconomic data reporting)
  • Project implementers also need farmer stories for their marketing materials which we can also provide via the impact dashboard
  • We started with the Dashboard only available to the developers themselves, but as they want portions of it to be easy to integrate in their own websites or shared with their stakeholders we’ve implemented this as well
Integrated Land Use Planning

Integrated Land Use Planning involved strategically allocating land for agricultural and conservation purposes to balance human and wildlife needs. This comprehensive approach ensured sustainable land use that supported both community livelihoods and wildlife conservation. The planning was necessitated by the 10% fence plan, where 10% of beneficiaries' land was secured with an electrified short fence. Farmers utilized the secured land to incorporate skills honed from climate-smart agriculture training, maximizing production, while 90% of the land was left fallow for wildlife and livestock. Currently, a total of 129 acres have been secured by the 10% fence plan, with over 1,000 acres (90%) left as room for wildlife to roam. Up to date, there has been zero elephant conflict registered within the fences, securing crops and property with zero crop raids or property damage.

  • Collaborative Planning: Community members, Tsavo Trust, other conservationists, and government officials were involved in the planning process. This inclusivity ensured that diverse needs and perspectives were considered, leading to more balanced and effective land use strategies.
  • Sustainable Practices: Land management practices that enhanced biodiversity, improved soil health, and strengthened ecosystem resilience were implemented. By focusing on sustainability, land use supported long-term ecological balance and productivity.
  • Monitoring and Evaluation: Systems for continuous monitoring and evaluation of land use plans were established. Regular assessments helped adapt strategies to changing environmental conditions and community needs, ensuring that plans remained relevant and effective.
  • Inclusive Planning: Engaging a broad range of stakeholders in the planning process helped meet the needs of both people and wildlife. This approach fostered a sense of ownership and commitment, which was crucial for successful implementation and long-term sustainability.
  • Adaptive Management: Continuous monitoring and adaptation were vital for addressing evolving environmental and community needs. Flexibility in land use planning allowed for timely adjustments in response to new information or changing conditions.
  • Policy and Legal Frameworks: Strong policy support and legal frameworks were critical for the successful execution and sustainability of integrated land use plans. Effective policies ensured that plans were backed by law and had the necessary resources for implementation.
Registration and licensing, controls, and inspection

As a key measure to raise transparency within small-scale and artisanal fisheries, a robust registration and licensing system needs to be put in place. It is advised to introduce mobile, and if possible, community-led, on-site licensing initiatives, providing immediate support for licensing with registered tax numbers. This enhances the accessibility of the licensing process and compliance among fishers, due to a sense of community ownership. In cooperation with a dedicated governmental body, such as the Department of Fisheries and the local research institute, a digital management system should be developed. This central database helps to monitor licenses and registrations from multiple locations and thus enables conclusions to be drawn about the status of fish populations.

Controls and inspections are key principles of curbing IUU fishing. Improving the quality of patrols through specialized training for inspectors is essential to monitor fishing activities directly on board or after landing. Additionally, processors are encouraged to conduct self-inspections to prevent the processing of undersized fish and enforcing regulations in their businesses, thereby reducing reputational risks in the industry. The development and / or revision of standard operating procedures for these controls ensures that they remain relevant and effective in the face of changing IUU fishing practices.