It focused on transforming the initial relationship between the protected area's management and the Artisanal Fishers Social Organizations (OSPAS), which initially acted as defenders of their interests in the face of fears of restrictions on their activities. Through a transparent dialogue process, the scope of management was explained, assuring that artisanal fishing would not be prohibited and that sustainable resource management would be pursued. This helped build trust and change the dynamics of the committee, moving from a defensive posture to active and committed participation, with the members themselves promoting the incorporation of new stakeholders and strengthening the planning and conservation process of the Dorsal de Nasca National Reserve.

Restoration efforts are built on trust and local ownership. Chiefs facilitate inclusive dialogue, bringing together elders, women, youth, and farmers to discuss land use and conservation priorities. This participatory approach ensures that solutions reflect the community’s realities, increases buy-in, and strengthens collective action for protecting forests and degraded landscapes.

One of the most effective tools introduced is the development of community-based bylaws, led and endorsed by traditional leaders. These rules regulate tree cutting, grazing, and charcoal burning while promoting natural regeneration and reforestation. When integrated with traditional authority, these bylaws gain legitimacy, making enforcement more effective and aligning customary systems with environmental sustainability.

The success of FMNR is supported by collaboration with government ministries (e.g., Department of Forestry from the Ministry of Natural Resources and Climate Change), local authorities, and NGOs. These partnerships facilitate policy support, scaling, and integration into broader reforestation and climate adaptation strategies.

FMNR uses a simple, scalable method of regenerating trees and shrubs from existing root systems or stumps. Farmers prune and protect selected shoots to allow natural regrowth, restoring land without expensive inputs. This technique builds climate resilience, improves soil fertility, and enhances biodiversity.

The project works closely with city councils to establish efficient municipal waste management systems, ensuring a steady supply of organic waste for composting. In addition, it advocates for policy development that supports composting, waste segregation, and circular economy practices. These partnerships and advocacy efforts are vital to creating an enabling environment for sustainable compost production and long-term soil restoration in Malawi.

Under the Promoting Organic Systems of Soil Improvements to Build a Lasting Economy (POSSIBLE) Project, women’s compost products are linked to reliable markets. This market access has boosted incomes, improved product consistency, and enabled women to scale up their operations—contributing to wider adoption of composting for improved soil health.

Through tailor-made capacity-building trainings, women have gained the technical skills to produce high-quality compost and the knowledge to run successful compost businesses. Trainings in business management and gross margin analysis have empowered them to track profits, plan growth, and sustain their enterprises—laying a strong foundation for both soil restoration and economic resilience.

It is key to ensure that information about new technologies is accessible, practical, and relevant to local contexts.

Key technologies promoted include drip irrigation for tomatoes, which helps farmers conserve water and increase yields; soil rejuvenation using Mucuna, a leguminous cover crop that improves soil fertility; and onion nursery establishment and disease control, which supports healthier crop development.

Other examples include nematode management in vegetable crops to reduce pest-related losses, and home-based chick rearing to support income generation for women and youth. These technologies are selected for their practicality, affordability, and relevance, and are shared through participatory radio programs, SMS alerts, and community ICT hubs.

Special attention is given to addressing gender and age-related barriers to adoption, ensuring that all groups have equal opportunities to benefit.

• Increasing awareness, knowledge and skills of adult and youth male and female SHFs in agriculture extension through provision of comprehensive information on Agriculture extension and advisory services. By delivering accurate, relevant, and timely information via radio and other ICT platforms, the initiative empowers farmers with practical knowledge on sustainable agriculture, climate-resilient practices, and improved farm management. It ensures inclusivity by targeting both men and women, including youth, fostering informed decision-making, productivity, and resilience in farming communities.