Implementation | PANORAMA

Policy formulation and development process

Policy formulation and development is a complex, time-consuming process requiring support from communities, government, politicians, external partners, and the public, including investors and beneficiaries. It demands patience and flexibility, often facing resistance from those benefiting from current policies.

NACOFA's experiences highlight these challenges. Developing the Forest Act 2005 and revising it to the Forest Conservation and Management Act 2016 each took four years. The Forest Incentives and Benefit Sharing Regulations have been stalled for 14 years, and the Natural Resources and Benefit Sharing Bill has been in Parliament since 2014. These critical policies, essential for ensuring community benefits from conservation efforts, face significant delays due to competing interests.

NACOFA has learned that patience and adaptability are crucial in policy formulation. This process often begins with a community's need to address environmental challenges and aims to tackle root causes, ensuring a stable supply of environmental goods and services for future generations. It must align with current political directions, national and global commitments, and garner stakeholder support.

NACOFA has also faced challenges implementing Transition Implementation Plans (TIPs) at the county level, providing opportunities to address these issues through county-specific NRM bylaws, forest management plans, capacity building, and guidelines for conserving fragile ecosystems and developing nature-based enterprises.

Stakeholder buy-in is crucial for success, ensuring vested interest in the policy
Timing is vital for achieving long-term impact and success
Availability of resources, both financial and human, is essential
NACOFA's success is due to strong relationships with key stakeholders, including government agencies, CSOs, and community groups
Capacity for dialogue with politicians and policymakers is also critical
Community goodwill and support are indispensable

Developing a long-term advocacy strategy is essential for sustained impact
Donor and stakeholder fatigue can occur if the process takes too long, so it's important to maintain momentum and avoid burnout
Flexibility and adaptability must be integrated into the advocacy strategy
Being included in government technical working groups strengthens influence and viability in policy creation
Policy formulation is a lengthy, often tedious process that requires adaptability to changing governmental interests while maintaining a focus on the end goal
Funding and stakeholder support may wane over time, but the lead organization must persist, seeking additional support to achieve the final goal
Communities and partners may lose hope, but it's crucial for the leading organization to remain steadfast in its advocacy

Implementation

National

Using Football as a Catalyst for Environmental Conservation

Football match

Nourish Africa

Football match

Nourish Africa

Environmental conservation training

Nourish Africa

This building block leverages the widespread appeal of football to engage youth in environmental conservation efforts. Our environmental educators collaborate with college and university students, using football as a medium to raise awareness through posters, talks, and events focused on restoration methods. By tapping into the popularity of football, we make environmental issues more relatable and engaging, inspiring students to adopt sustainable practices. This approach not only educates but also mobilizes young people to become active participants in conservation, making them feel integral to the solution.

Key factors for success include the strong connection between football and youth culture, which makes environmental messages more accessible. Football tournaments create excitement, fostering a sense of community and engagement around conservation topics. Additionally, the respect and influence of local football clubs and players are crucial in amplifying the campaign's impact, motivating young people to participate and take ownership of environmental issues.

We learned that football is a powerful tool for connecting diverse communities and promoting inclusivity around environmental issues. It bridges gaps between marginalized youth, fostering a unified effort to conserve the environment. Engaging young women and girls in these activities is crucial for ensuring inclusivity. By using football, we strengthened relationships and mutual understanding, demonstrating that sports can be a unifying force in conservation efforts.

Implementation

Local

Advancing Red Pod Terminalia Propagation Techniques

Stepwise process of extracting T. brownii seed from the fruit by cutting it with a pair of secateurs into nearly equal parts and pulling distal (D) and proximal (P) ends apart

Kenya Forestry Research Institute (KEFRI)

Specialized hand secateurs used to extract T. brownii seed from the fruit

Kenya Forestry Research Institute (KEFRI)

This building block focuses on refining the techniques for propagating Red Pod Terminalia (T. brownii) and ensuring stakeholder engagement throughout the process. Identifying and involving relevant stakeholders—ranging from local communities to research institutions—was key to the successful planning, implementation, and dissemination of results.

Effective seed extraction is vital for successful propagation. T. brownii fruits have a distinct structure, with the seed located more broadly at the proximal end. To extract the seed without damaging it, incisions are carefully made on either side of the fruit near the proximal end using hand secateurs. The distal and proximal sides are then gently pulled apart, revealing the seed, which can be removed intact. Avoid making cuts near the distal end, as this can cause the seed to break during extraction. Properly handling and processing seeds significantly improves germination rates, contributing to the species' successful propagation and conservation efforts.

Key factors enabling the success of this building block include the availability of mature and dry T. brownii fruits, appropriate equipment for seed extraction, and experienced staff to handle the process. Strong market demand for T. brownii seeds, seedlings, and products like carved wood, firewood, and honey also drives community participation. Additionally, community involvement in tree planting initiatives and the ecological suitability of T. brownii in drylands are crucial for ensuring the species' successful propagation and long-term impact.

Critical lessons learned include the importance of properly identifying and engaging stakeholders throughout the process to ensure inclusivity and community buy-in. Mobilizing the community for the agreed-upon solution is essential for successful implementation, as is conducting community meetings to raise awareness and gather support. Experience and training in seed extraction and tree management have proven vital for maximizing the benefits of T. brownii. Overall, these elements combined have facilitated the effective propagation and widespread adoption of this resilient tree species.

Implementation

National

Enhancing Alternative Livelihoods for Dryland Communities

The Red Pod Terminalia (Terminalia brownii) plays a crucial role in improving alternative livelihoods for dryland communities by providing essential resources and environmental benefits. This tree is a vital source of firewood and charcoal in regions with limited energy options. Additionally, it produces non-timber forest products, including medicinal compounds and honey, which can be sold for income. Its leaves and pods serve as valuable animal fodder, especially during dry seasons, and the tree offers shade, shelter, and erosion control, thereby enhancing land productivity. By integrating T. brownii into agroforestry systems, farmers can diversify their crops and reduce risks. The tree's carbon sequestration potential also opens opportunities for participation in carbon trading schemes, providing another income stream.

Involvement in T. brownii propagation and conservation fosters partnerships with research institutions and NGOs, offering training and capacity-building for community members. This knowledge not only supports sustainable practices but also boosts overall community resilience by equipping individuals with skills applicable to various aspects of life.

Key enabling factors include the strong market demand for firewood and honey, which provides economic incentives for communities. Partnerships with research institutions and NGOs facilitate training and capacity-building, while the tree’s ability to thrive in harsh conditions ensures its viability as a long-term livelihood resource.

We learned that promoting T. brownii as a source of alternative livelihoods requires understanding market demands and community needs. Proper training in seed extraction and tree management is crucial for maximizing the tree's benefits. Ensuring community involvement from the outset helps to foster ownership and long-term commitment to conservation efforts. Additionally, the integration of T. brownii into agroforestry systems has proven effective in diversifying income sources and enhancing food security. Finally, participation in carbon trading schemes has shown potential, but it requires careful planning and collaboration with relevant stakeholders to be successful.

Implementation

National

Capacity building through biodiversity survey training workshop

Biodiversity training completion

Fundacao Tartaruga

The biodiversity survey training took place for one month from Janury to February 2024 at the Ministry of Agriculture and Environment in Boa Vista. 11 participants from 3 different NGOs completed the training led by Dr Dario Cesarini which was further enforced by Professor Andrea Brusaferro who provided technical support and training in GIS. They provided extensive training on:

The monitoring of protected areas
Behavior and abundance of ravens
Fisheries Biology of Goat whelk
Tracking of introduced and potentially invasive plant species
Study of the population of Phoenix Atlantica and Ficus Sycomorus,
Recording of human pressures and impacts
Collection of atmospheric climate data in communities
Use of GIS
Sharing and managing data

Encouraging young national Cabo Verdeans to actively participate in workshops and lead sessions and presentations

Selecting a biodiversity consultant who had extensive knowledge of the country including the local language (Cabo Verdean Criole)

Adapting the original plan to conduct training for only one week. In the end, the training was given over one month, as advised by the consultant to ensure that sufficient time was dedicated to both theoretical and practical training, and allowing for time to troubleshoot in the field.

Cooperation with the local PA management authority

Trust and confidence in the trainer is very important.

Communication is the key to a successful workshop.

Consultancy report for the training in monitoring of biodiversity and protected areas management by Dr Dario Cesarini.

Raising awareness about climate mitigation and adaptation

Raising awareness about climate mitigation and adaptation involves educating communities on the causes and impacts of climate change, promoting sustainable practices, and encouraging proactive measures. By increasing knowledge and understanding, communities can adopt strategies to reduce emissions, protect natural resources, and enhance resilience against climate-related challenges, ensuring long-term environmental sustainability.

Education and Training: Provide targeted education and training programs to enhance understanding of climate mitigation and adaptation strategies.
Accessible Information: Ensure that climate information is easily accessible and understandable for all community members.
Effective communication tools : such as radio, flyers to bring awarenes to communities using mutliple communications platoforms and tools
Monitoring and Feedback: Establish mechanisms to assess the impact of awareness efforts and gather feedback for continuous improvement.
Community engagement

Engage Local Leaders: Involve community leaders to endorse and support climate awareness efforts, enhancing credibility and outreach.
Tailored Messaging: Customize climate information to match the community’s local context and understanding to improve engagement and relevance.

Implementation

Local

Creating community led committees to ensure participatory approaches are implemented

Creating community-led committees ensures participatory approaches by involving local members in decision-making. These committees empower communities to actively engage in project planning, implementation, and monitoring, fostering ownership and accountability. This approach enhances relevance, cultural alignment, and sustainability, ensuring that solutions are effectively tailored to the community's specific needs and priorities. Community members would be chosen through election in their local language.

Inclusive Representation: Ensure that committees include diverse community members to reflect various perspectives and needs.
Effective Communication: Establish channels for open and transparent communication within the committee and with the broader community.
Supportive Leadership: Engage local leaders and influencers to endorse and support the committee’s efforts.
Regular Meetings and Feedback: Schedule regular meetings and feedback sessions to monitor progress and make adjustments as needed.
Clear Objectives: Define the committee's goals and roles clearly to guide effective participation and decision-making.

Community engagement is vital for a project to be successful . Involving the community throughout, using a participative approach is at the core of the success and sustainability of the project.

Development of Community Governance Structures for Sustainable Land Management

Loading seedlings for transportation to planting site at South Kinangop Forest Station by CFA and KFS staff.

NACOFA

CFA members transporting seedlings to riparian restoration sites

NACOFA

This building block focuses on developing and formalizing community governance structures to support sustainable land management. By leveraging networks, we connect various ecosystem management systems across Kenya to align resource management with livelihoods and conservation efforts.

We prioritize understanding the leadership within community groups and work directly with these leaders to engage the broader community. When requested by the community, we help formalize these existing structures to ensure our programs align with the established power dynamics and effectively address community needs.

Restoration agreements serve to formalize relationships with communities, acting as a memorandum of understanding (MoU) to align expectations and build trust among community members.
Government involvement is essential, requiring a direct line of communication with communities to ensure impactful ecosystem restoration.
Facilitating community elections to select leaders responsible for restoration networks empowers the community and ensures accountability.
Adhering to legal requirements in restoration policy that mandate community members to take on governance roles, thereby promoting the development of community institutions.

Building networks helps unite various community governance structures, fostering the sharing of knowledge and aligning efforts.
It is crucial to assess the community's need for governance structure facilitation while respecting existing power dynamics.
Community-driven network development creates a central power structure and formalized forum, ensuring that community concerns are taken seriously. This approach enhances visibility and influence with government stakeholders, strengthening CFAs as central institutions within the conservation framework.

Implementation

Monitoring

Local

Stakeholder Mapping & Engagement

Plant seedlings at Geta Forest Station

NACOFA

A degraded Forest site in Aberdare

NACOFA

To effectively address the degradation of Lake Naivasha, it's essential to understand the activities of other local actors in the area. This building block focuses on stakeholder mapping and engagement, aiming to harmonize efforts, avoid duplication, and identify the key priorities and concerns of different stakeholders. By coordinating actions and aligning objectives, the initiative can more effectively tackle the environmental challenges facing Lake Naivasha.

The mapping exercise must be inclusive, involving all key actors such as development partners, community networks, county governments, and national government bodies.
It is vital for the county government to lead stakeholder efforts, ensuring alignment and understanding across the county. Their leadership is also critical due to the heightened governmental scrutiny on conservation and restoration activities.
Pre-existing strong relationships with key stakeholders make it easier to map, communicate, and address key issues and priorities effectively.

Multi-stakeholder meetings led by the county government are preferred to harmonize restoration issues and efforts across the county.
It may be beneficial to map more NGOs working at the local level, as their integration could provide a better understanding of restoration efforts across Lake Naivasha.
Engaging the broader private sector can be challenging unless there is direct funding support for the program. For example, horticultural institutions involved in flower farming share concerns about lake pollution, which could serve as a potential entry point for future discussions.

Planning phase

Implementation

Local

Community sensitization on environmental issues

Local Community Awareness Forums

NACOFA

Local community awareness forums

NACOFA

This building block focuses on engaging directly with local communities through face-to-face interactions and site visits to every forest block. We worked closely with the community to discuss the impact of forest degradation on agriculture, livelihoods, and the natural environment. On-the-ground visits ensured a deep understanding of the issues and secured community buy-in for the program. These efforts were carried out in partnership with the Kenya Forest Service (KFS), which played a key role in validating and supporting the initiative.

The presence of KFS added significant value to the efforts, especially with the introduction of new forestry laws. It reassured the community that they could co-manage their lands, improving their livelihoods. KFS’s involvement provided a sense of ownership and legitimacy, motivating community participation.
Communicating in the local native language facilitated quicker access to information, better understanding, and more effective implementation of initiatives by the community.
Tailoring direct communication to meet the specific needs of the local community was vital for successful community sensitization and engagement.

Sensitization is an ongoing process. Regular meetings and continuous communication are essential to maintaining open dialogue with local actors. Since policies and legislation are constantly evolving, it’s important to engage and update the community frequently.
Linking partners such as government entities, communities, and CSOs to address local issues increases the success of the programs.
The transition from national to county-level management of land and restoration efforts can present challenges, particularly in resource management. The complexity of working across different levels of government can impact resource management and program implementation.
This building block provides an opportunity to empower communities to take ownership of their land and address environmental issues directly, fostering a sense of responsibility and stewardship.