KAP research (Knowledge, Attitude, Perception)

The start of our information campaign was preceded by a survey among the communities in the project area. We used this approach to objectively assess the attitudes and use of local people's knowledge about the state of the forest, their understanding and perception of the consequences of the current environmental situation, and their willingness to change consciousness and behaviour. First we interviewed 214 respondents in 4 rural districts to determine their level of awareness of the project's thematic areas and their preferences for the choice of information sources/channels/activities that would be effective in increasing their environmental knowledge. 

The target groups selected were: 

1. Representatives of local authorities at the rural district, village level (village administrations, forestry); 

2. Representatives of social institutions (schools, kindergartens, hospitals, first aid points);

3. Representatives of different associations and groups: religious (mosques), pasture committees, water users associations, political parties, NGOs etc; 

4. General population: dependent users of natural resources (focus on pilot communities): forest users, pasture users, product processors, etc.; women, elderly, people with disabilities.

The results of the survey showed that the level of environmental awareness and readiness to change the consciousness and behaviour of the population was below average (on a scale from 1 to 10 it was 4). The planned information campaign should have raised the level by at least 3 points. According to the results of the final KAP survey conducted among 332 residents in the two districts within the project area, the score would be 7. Thus, the level of environmental awareness was 10 points after the end of the project. 

 

The KAP baseline and final surveys were conducted in an open and friendly manner on the part of the local people who participated in the survey. Their attentiveness, careful reflection on the answers and honesty gave an objective picture of the level of public awareness and knowledge of the use and conservation of walnut forests and rangelands. Careful preparation of the study also played a big role, including the design of the questionnaire in local two languages, effective sampling of respondents, inclusion of female interviewers, taking into account local mentality and traditions, etc. This helped us to build and implement an effective information campaign in which local communities were given a central role.

During and after completing the KAP studies, it became clear to us that when interviewing local people, it was advantageous to know their mentality, life, everyday life, conditions that enable them to generate income from renting forest plots, collecting, processing, selling nuts and other forest products. The language and wording of the questionnaires were also important to people. The simpler and clearer the questions are phrased and the more accessible their language, the easier it is to get a clear and direct answer. And another important lesson lies in the behavior of the interviewers themselves, in their politeness, friendliness and willingness to explain or reformulate the question. 

Сommunity-based information campaign

In creating the information events plan, we used the edutainment principle and tried to make the events diverse and interesting for people of different statuses, occupations and ages. The main role in each event or activity was given to local people. They had to take an interest in ensuring that the condition of the walnut forests and other environmental problems in their area was addressed, not exacerbated. For example, in the third year of the March for the Parks, we saw a change in the attitude of the Dashman Nature Reserve staff towards this environmental action. The event, which some time ago was "on duty" and, in their opinion, was only our duty and responsibility, has now been seen by them as the transfer of knowledge to the younger generation and the cultivation of a caring attitude towards the forest in schoolchildren. On the day of the March of Parks, staff members of the zapovednik nature reserve donned their ceremonial Marine Wave uniforms, took schoolchildren on excursions to the forest, told them interesting facts about the flora, recalled practical cases and participated in a litter pickup on the territory of the zapovednik. Our summer school "Chyirak Zhangak" ("Strong Walnut") for high school students has become a place that is impossible to enter without a competition. During the selection rounds, we received 45-50 essays from high school students wishing to attend the summer school. We had to make difficult choices among the best of the best because of the limitation on places for participants. In other events we could often count on the active participation and support of local people. During the filming of short films, they played occasional roles for free and lent their homes as filming sites.

Planning phase
Inception phase
Implementation
Monitoring
Review phase
Local
5. Adaptive Pathway Plan
Image
Scenario visualisation
Kassandra Srl
Image
Scenario visualisation
Kassandra Srl

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.
Implementation
Monitoring
Documentation and dissemination of results
Review phase
Local
Subnational
Multi-national
Integrated Land Use Planning

Integrated land use planning strategically allocated land for agriculture, conservation, and human settlements, balancing the needs of both people and wildlife. After training on climate-smart agriculture (CSA) and continued sensitization on wildlife and habitat conservation during monthly community meetings facilitated by the BIOPAMA project, the integrated land use approach was on its way to being achieved. The beneficiaries of the 10% Fence Plan maximized the allocated 10% for agriculture by planting certified seeds best suited for the climatic conditions, resulting in high yields. At the same time, the remaining 90% of the land was effectively utilized by wildlife and livestock, creating the much-needed balance in Kamungi Conservancy. This approach benefited both the communities and wildlife by promoting sustainable land use that supported livelihoods and conservation efforts.

  • Collaborative Planning:
    A multi-stakeholder approach was essential for the success of integrated land use planning. Community members, conservationists, agricultural experts, and government officials were actively involved in the planning process, ensuring that the needs of all parties were considered. The inclusion of indigenous knowledge and the contributions made during monthly community meetings, facilitated by the BIOPAMA project, fostered a sense of ownership and commitment from local communities. This collaborative approach ensured that land was allocated for both agricultural and wildlife purposes, balancing the coexistence of people and nature.
  • Sustainable Land Management Practices:
    Training on climate-smart agriculture (CSA) empowered community members to adopt practices that enhanced agricultural productivity while conserving the environment. Certified seeds were used to optimize crop yields in the 10% of land allocated for agriculture under the Fence Plan. Simultaneously, sustainable grazing and habitat management ensured that the remaining 90% of the land was beneficially used by wildlife and livestock. This approach helped maintain biodiversity, supported ecosystem resilience, and contributed to soil health and water conservation.
  • Zoning and Mapping:
    Clear zoning and mapping strategies were implemented, designating areas for agriculture, wildlife, and livestock use. The 10% allocation for farming was carefully selected based on land suitability for crops and climatic conditions, ensuring maximum productivity. The remaining 90% was preserved for wildlife and grazing, providing a balanced and functional land use system. Community land mapping allowed for real-time monitoring of land use, helping to maintain the ecological integrity of Kamungi Conservancy.
  • Economic Incentives:
    Economic benefits played a critical role in ensuring community participation and adherence to the land use plan. The high agricultural yields from the 10% Fence Plan, achieved through the use of climate-smart practices and certified seeds, provided direct financial benefits to the local communities. Additionally, Tsavo Trust’s community support initiatives—such as the provision of solar home systems, energy-saving cook stoves, dam liners for water conservation, scholarship and education support, and health support—further incentivized communities to maintain the balance between conservation and development. These incentives significantly contributed to the overall success of the integrated land use approach by improving livelihoods while promoting sustainable land management practices.
  • Capacity Building and Training:
    The capacity-building initiatives led by the BIOPAMA project were instrumental in training community members on climate-smart agriculture and wildlife conservation. These trainings, along with continued sensitization efforts during the monthly community meetings, ensured that communities were well-equipped with the knowledge and skills to implement sustainable land management practices. The strong foundation of knowledge led to more effective land use, increased agricultural productivity, and improved wildlife conservation efforts.
  • Inclusivity Drives Success:
    Engaging all stakeholders—community members, conservationists, agricultural experts, and government officials—was essential to the success of the integrated land use planning. The participatory approach ensured that diverse needs were considered, fostering community ownership and long-term adherence to the plan. The inclusion of local knowledge, reinforced by continuous sensitization through the BIOPAMA project’s community meetings, contributed significantly to the plan’s success.
  • Climate-Smart Agriculture is Key to Productivity:
    The use of certified seeds and climate-smart agricultural practices under the 10% Fence Plan led to significantly higher yields, demonstrating that sustainable farming techniques can greatly benefit local communities. The successful integration of these practices allowed the community to benefit economically while simultaneously contributing to the conservation of surrounding ecosystems.
  • Economic Incentives Encourage Community Buy-in:
    Direct economic benefits, such as the provision of solar home systems, energy-saving cook stoves, dam liners, scholarship and education support, and health services, played a crucial role in encouraging community adherence to the land use plan. These livelihood projects, supported by Tsavo Trust, reinforced the balance between conservation and development, ensuring that communities saw tangible benefits from their participation in conservation efforts. This linkage between conservation and improved living standards fostered long-term support for the plan.
  • Balancing Land Use Enhances Coexistence:
    By designating 10% of the land for agriculture and reserving 90% for wildlife and livestock, the land use plan successfully created a balance that supported human livelihoods while maintaining wildlife habitats. This careful land allocation reduced human-wildlife conflicts and ensured the sustainable use of natural resources, promoting long-term coexistence.
  • Policy and Legal Frameworks Provide Stability:
    Strong policy backing and legal support were instrumental in enforcing the integrated land use plan. The collaboration with local governments ensured that land use boundaries were respected and violations addressed. This legal framework created a foundation for sustained conservation efforts and development.
  • Adaptability is Essential for Sustainability:
    The continuous monitoring and evaluation of land use through GIS mapping and community feedback mechanisms allowed for adaptive management. This flexibility ensured that the land use plan could respond to changing environmental conditions and socio-economic needs, making it more resilient and sustainable in the long term.
Implementation
Monitoring
Review phase
Local
Subnational
Biodiversity Monitoring
Monitoring and Patrolling in Xiaowangjian
Monitoring and Patrolling in Xiaowangjian
The Bureau for the Management of Shaanxi Zhouzhi National Nature Reserve

The establishment of the Golden Monkey Monitoring and Research Base at Northwest University and the Zhouzhi Substation for the National Field Scientific Observation and Research of Biodiversity for Giant Pandas and Golden Snub-nosed Monkeys, in collaboration with various institutions such as the Shaanxi Institute of Zoology, Northwest A&F University, Beijing Forestry University, and Northwest University, serves as an internship base for graduate and doctoral students. These partnerships facilitate joint efforts in wildlife surveys and other scientific endeavors, thereby promoting high-quality development within the region.

Research projects have been implemented to conduct extensive surveys, resulting in the creation of a comprehensive database of rare and protected species such as the Giant Panda, Golden Snub-nosed Monkey, Golden Takin, Himalayan Yew, and Kingdonia uniflora. This has led to the compilation of 13 specialized survey and monitoring reports, including the "Giant Panda and Its Habitat Monitoring Report" and the "Golden Snub-nosed Monkey Survey Report," earning two second-place awards for scientific and technological advancements from the Shaanxi Forestry Department.

Since 2012, infrared cameras have captured approximately 40,000 photographs and 5,000 video clips of rare wildlife activities, including Giant Pandas and Golden Snub-nosed Monkeys. Remarkably, the Zhouzhi Nature Reserve has recorded three leopards foraging together on three occasions, as well as footage of two wild Giant Pandas playing, and the first recorded appearance of a brown Giant Panda. Additionally, images of the Asiatic Golden Cat have been documented in various areas within the jurisdiction. In 2019, footage of the Golden Takin garnered the "Best Video Award" on CCTV's "Eyes of the Secret Realm." In 2023 alone, the effectiveness of biodiversity conservation efforts has been reported 16 times by provincial and national-level media.

Planning phase
Inception phase
Implementation
Monitoring
Local
Establish a Monitoring System

Implement a "sky-ground-air" three-dimensional patrol system, utilizing high-tech and information technology to enhance the intelligent capability of animal monitoring, improve patrol efficiency, and effectively address issues such as wildlife hazards faced by manual patrols.

  1. Sufficient financial budget: An investment of 70 million yuan has been allocated for the construction of the Smart Management System Platform and the Nanshan National Park Perception System Platform.
  2. Management support: The management believes this initiative to be essential, having conducted multiple internal discussions and research within the administration bureau, and has entrusted relevant technical units with the development of the system.
  3. Included in the annual work plan: The task has been incorporated into the management bureau's annual work plan, with a dedicated department responsibly advancing the work in an orderly manner.
Planning phase
Monitoring
Local
Subnational
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.

Planning phase
Inception phase
Implementation
Monitoring
Documentation and dissemination of results
Entirety
Local
Vultures on Camera Trap
Group of Lappet-faced Vultures, Torgos tracheliotus, recorded by camera trap
Group of Lappet-Faced Vultures at Waterhole
Dubai Desert Conservation Reserve
Lappet-faced Vulture, Torgos tracheliotus, recorded by camera trap up close
Lappet-Faced Vultures at Waterhole up close
Dubai Desert Conservation Reserve
Lappet-faced Vulture, Torgos tracheliotus, recorded by camera trap at oryx carcass
Lappet-Faced Vulture at carcass
Dubai Desert Conservation Reserve

Several preselected sites with permanent camera traps installations have been chosen for vulture data collection, including six watering holes and one vulture feeding site. The data collected from camera traps can be used to estimate DDCR’s vulture population size, distribution, and record certain behaviors such as social interactions. 

The entirely fenced off natural reserve provides vultures an area with an abundant source of antelope carcasses and a refuge from harmful human activity. The increasing number of vultures recorded by Camera trap within the DDCR can be attributed to several reasons including DDCR policies on protecting the reserves natural habitat, limiting human activity within the reserve, and promoting natural ecological processes to occur such as not removing the carcasses of oryx and gazelle from the desert. 

  1. Ensure camera traps are not in front of moving vegetation in order to avoid the camera trap from getting triggered often and depleting the batteries. 
  2. Exchange the SD card in the camera trap regularly in order to avoid that the memory space gets full. 
Monitoring
Local
Monitoring System: Farmer Institution Real Time Monitoring System (FIRMS)
Farm Record Book
SAFAL Farm Record Book
GIZ, SAFAL/Baanyan Tree Productions Pvt Ltd
Measuring Fish Growth
Measuring Fish Growth
GIZ, SAFAL/Baanyan Tree Productions Pvt Ltd
Water Quality Testing Kit
Water Quality Testing Kit
GIZ, SAFAL/Baanyan Tree Productions Pvt Ltd

The SAFAL project has co-created a Farm Record Book (FRB) for effective monitoring and enhancing a fish farm’s productivity by understanding input cost and profitability of the farming business, disease cycles and risks involved.

As an additional feature, the FRB comes with a cutting edge open-source based QR-code (quick response) digital monitoring solution, the Farmer Institution Real-time Monitoring System (FIRMS) for individual farmers to share records with their farmer institutions. Farmers, Farmer Institutions, Civil Society Organisations (CSOs) as well as Government institutions benefit from this digital innovation.

Each FRB is equipped with a unique QR code which helps in identifying and accessing information about individuals using the FRB for maintaining the records. The QR code helps to register their information online into a digital monitoring system to ensure that only designated representatives of the FIs as well as with the Government organisation (for example, Department of Fisheries) to have access to aggregated data of the district consisting of multiple farmer institutions helping to simplify resource management and record-keeping processes through data driven decision making. 

By enabling farmers to make informed decisions through effective resource management and for example early disease detection they can explore options to improve their productivity. Farmer Institutions can also benefit from detailed information on their members' livelihood activities, allowing them to develop aggregated business models and improve service delivery such as negotiating better prices for bulk sales or the purchase of feed. By analysing trends and identifying issues using the collected data, CSOs can provide targeted support and advice to farmers, enabling them to tailor interventions to specific needs and adapt to the ground. Access to data can enable Government Institutions to plan for resource allocation and program interventions, formulate evidence-based policies, and gain detailed information about stakeholders. 

 To learn more about the FRB and FIRMS have a look into the brochure. 

Improved decision making: Providing access to accurate and timely data helps farmers make informed decisions. This includes using data analytics tools and dashboards to interpret data trends, leading to better aquaculture practices.

Tailored Advisory Services: 

  • Customized Recommendations: Offering personalized advice based on individual farm data and specific needs helps address unique challenges faced by each farmer. This might involve using farm management software that analyses data to provide tailored recommendations.
  • Personalized Support: Providing direct support from experts who understand local conditions and individual farmer needs increases the relevance and effectiveness of advice.

Better monitoring: 

  • Real-Time Monitoring: Implementing technologies like sensors and IoT devices allows stakeholders to monitor aquaculture conditions in real-time. This helps in tracking the impact of interventions immediately and making necessary adjustments.
  • Performance Tracking: Regular monitoring and reporting systems enable stakeholders to evaluate the effectiveness of practices and interventions continuously.

Optimum Resource Management: 

  • Efficient Resource Allocation: Using data and analytics to optimize the use of resources (such as feed, water, and energy) ensures they are allocated where most needed, reducing waste and improving efficiency.
  • Sustainable Practices: Promoting resource-efficient practices that minimize environmental impact while maximizing output.

Risk Mitigation: 

  • Early Risk Detection: Technologies and data analytics can help detect potential risks early, such as disease outbreaks, adverse weather conditions, or market changes. This early detection allows for timely interventions.
  • Preparedness Plans: Developing and implementing risk mitigation strategies based on data insights to reduce the impact of identified risks on aquaculture operations.
  • Enhanced Operational Efficiency: Improved decision-making, tailored advisory services, and better monitoring contribute to more efficient and productive aquaculture operations.
  • Increased Resilience: Risk mitigation strategies and real-time monitoring help farmers become more resilient to unexpected challenges, ensuring the sustainability of their practices.
  • Resource Sustainability: Optimized resource management ensures that aquaculture practices are sustainable, reducing environmental impact and conserving resources for future use.
  • Economic Viability: Tailored advisory services and data-driven insights help farmers improve their economic outcomes by making informed choices that enhance productivity and profitability.
Implementation
Monitoring
Local
Capacity Development: Knowledge Products and Information, Education & Communication material
Women learning with SAFAL material
Women learning with the help of SAFAL Knowledge Products and IEC material
GIZ, SAFAL/Baanyan Tree Productions Pvt Ltd
Men learning with SAFAL material
Aquaculture farmer capacity building in Odisha
GIZ, SAFAL/Baanyan Tree Productions Pvt Ltd
Man measuring Fish weight
Measuring Fish Weight in Odisha
GIZ, SAFAL/Baanyan Tree Productions Pvt Ltd

When SAFAL started reaching out to aquaculture farmers in 2021,  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. 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 and cultivation sesason, learners can also utilize them individually by choosing seasonally applicably chapters or topics 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: 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
Monitoring
Documentation and dissemination of results
Local
Capacity Development & Extension Service: Community Resource Person Model
Women sitting together supporting each other in learning on aquaculutre practices
Women Self-Help Group Meeting in Assam
GIZ, SAFAL/Baanyan Tree Productions Pvt Ltd
Man working on pond
Pond netting in Odisha
GIZ, SAFAL/Baanyan Tree Productions Pvt Ltd
Women Aquaculture Farmer harvesting fish
Fish Harvest in Assam
GIZ, SAFAL/Baanyan Tree Productions Pvt Ltd

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. Up to now, CRPs are providing trainings and extension and advisory services to more than 7.000 farmers in rural areas on sustainable aquaculture practices to their communities. 

The selection process of CRPs involves several 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 and inclusive to farmers all over, it is translated into local languages and 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.
Implementation
Monitoring
Documentation and dissemination of results
Local
Subscribe to Monitoring