COMMUNITY DIALOGUE MEETINGS

Community meetings (barazas) were conducted in November 2024 in 7 selected BMUs within the Vanga-Shimoni seascape. These BMUs included Vanga, Jimbo, Majoreni, Kibuyuni, Mkwiro, Shimoni, and Wasini; and were selected based on their general proximity to the Kenya-Tanzania border and their active conservation efforts. 

A total of 175 participants participated in community Barazas; each BMU being represented by 25 participants. The representation in the barazas was based on gender, age, as well as memberships of either BMU or Community Forest Associations (CFAs) in the area. The meeting program included presentations on the TBCA concept, group work, and interactive plenary sessions . Break-out sessions were included to further dig for additional information on threats facing coastal and marine resources within their areas, current interventions, as well as community perceptions of the TBCA concept.

Following the presentation, participants were divided into different breakout groups where they identified and discussed the following: (i) Perceived impacts of TBCA upon implementation, (ii) Conservation issues within the TBCA and their root causes, and (iii) Current interventions and proposed solutions to the identified problems. Each group got to present the results of the discussions during a plenary session. 

Fishbone Analytical Tool was employed as a participatory method to engage BMU members in identifying and analyzing root causes of issues affecting operations and ecosystems within their seascape. Members of BMUs were briefed on the purpose and structure of the tool, ensuring they understood how it could be used to dissect complex problems systematically. They were then split into two groups to ensure focused collaboration, with each group tasked with creating a fishbone diagram for a specific issue relevant to their BMU areas or operational challenges.

The process began with the groups defining a clear problem statement, which was placed at the "head" of the fishbone diagram. From there, members identified major categories of contributing factors, such as environmental, financial, social, regulatory, and operational aspects, which were represented as "bones" branching out from the main spine. Within each category, the groups brainstormed on potential causes, breaking them down into smaller, more specific factors that could contribute to the problem. This hierarchical structure facilitates a detailed analysis, where each category can be further examined to uncover underlying issues. 

Once the issues were populated, the groups reconvened to present their findings to the full team. This collective sharing enabled cross-group learning; and allowed identification of recurring themes or interconnections between categories. Through this participatory and systematic process, members of the BMU were not only able to map out the root causes of their challenges but also to prioritize areas requiring immediate intervention.

Following the Questions and Answers session, participants showed consensus to the establishment of the Kenya-Tanzania TBCA by show of hands. Finally, the participants nominated 3 representatives (male, female and youth) from each BMU to attend a community representative meeting. 

Engaging local communities in planning and implementation of TBCA is vital. Education and awareness-creating initiatives should empower communities to actively contribute to conservation while ensuring equitable access to benefits.

Organizing field training and exchange activities

Regular training and exchange activities promote successful experiences in scientific assistance for farmers and raise the country's agroforestry technology levels.

  • Supporting farmers enables the provision of effective, timely training in Baisha Village
  • Strong collaboration between the Association and local government ensures the alignment of training with both ecological and economic goals
  • Connecting scientific expertise to specific agroforestry needs has helped facilitate practical solutions for local farmers
  • Regular exchange activities are key to strengthening the overall agroforestry technology landscape and enhancing capacity at the community level.
Talent cultivation and inheritance

The Engineers’ Association has established a generational mentoring model, including the Junior Engineer Program, to enhance regional scientific and technological awareness and ensure the long-term sustainability of agroforestry knowledge.

  • For over 26 years of experience, the Association has trained numerous technical experts and developed a successful talent cultivation model in Baisha Village and beyond.
  • Collaboration with universities and research institutions has strengthened knowledge exchange and capacity building.
  • The Junior Engineer Program, launched in local schools, fosters early awareness of sustainable forestry, ensuring future generations are equipped with the necessary skills and knowledge.
  • Human resources are key to the long-term sustainability of agroforestry development.
Research on native species, technical development and standard promotion

The Engineers’ Association prioritises research on native species, leading to breakthroughs in early emergence techniques for bamboo shoots, organic fertiliser production, and mixed planting of hickory and native herbs. These advancements not only address farmers’ technical challenges but also enhance biodiversity and ecosystem resilience. The Association has also contributed to the formulation of forest resource management standards for Lin’an District, ensuring scientific guidance for agroforestry development is rooted in local ecological conditions. 

  • The Association integrates experts from various fields to research native species and develop agroforestry techniques that balance conservation and economic growth
  • Collaboration with local government, research institutions, and experienced farmers facilitates the development and implementation of scientific standards for local forestry products such as the bamboo shoots, hickory nuts, and other flagship products
  • Cross-sectoral collaboration is essential for advancing agroforestry technologies and promoting standardised, research-based approaches to native species conservation and sustainable use
Community participation in collaborative development

A network of community partnerships fostered to promote collective growth, with a focus on encouraging female entrepreneurship.

  • Lin’an has developed a robust network of partnerships, offering one-stop services for organic farming and e-commerce marketing, promoting a culture of collaboration that benefits the entire community.
  • Female participation in bamboo shoot and hickory nut processing has deep roots in Lin’an. The rise of e-commerce has empowered many women to establish their own brands, leveraging their skills and personal competencies. Supported by government initiatives that encourage female entrepreneurship, a growing number of women are emerging as business leaders in Lin’an, setting an example for others in their communities.
  • Create effective community cooperation mechanisms to encourage participation in sustainable farming and collaborative production and marketing models.
  • Use community and e-commerce platforms to facilitate information exchange, improving market transparency and efficiency.
Ecological farming and regional cultural excavation

Promote organic and ecological cultivation, linking eco-tourism and other industries to enhance the cultural value of local agricultural products.

  • Collaboration with research institutions to offer training and guidance on ecological planting techniques.
  • Leverage the “celebrity economy” to create flagship products, combining local products like bamboo shoots, hickory nuts, and tea with eco-tourism to add cultural value.
  • Regular training enhances farmers’ awareness and skills for sustainable planting.
  • Offer subsidies and rewards to encourage ecological planting practices and reduce chemical inputs.
E-commerce branding

The regional public branding helps promote Lin'an's unique agricultural products via e-commerce platforms, build branded products, and enhance product value by setting group standards.

  • The Lin'an Bureau of Agriculture and Rural Affairs launched the "Tian Mu Shan Bao (Teasures of the Tianmu Mountains)", the regional public brand, strictly reviewing local sustainable sub-brands, ensuring quality and market recognition.
  • The government supports e-commerce development, builds infrastructure like fresh bamboo shoot markets and logistics bases, and provides training and financial aid.
  • Use e-commerce data tools to target markets and create a brand that meets consumer demand.
  • Establish strict quality standards and traceability systems to build consumer trust.
Factory Layout and Process Flow for Plant based Pad Manufacturing

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Automated  absorbent Core Production from Cellulose Waste: Banana paper

This innovative semi-automated system is designed to produce compostable menstrual pad cores from natural banana paper. The machine transforms dry banana paper sheets into eco-friendly pad cores through an integrated process of shredding, pulverizing, compressing and cutting. It forms into absorbent sheets via rollers, and precise -cuts them into pad cores using pneumatic nozzles (12 pads/minute). Combining manual feeding with automated processing, it utilizes motors, rollers, and pneumatic systems while recycling  by collecting excess pulp.

 

 

 

 

 

 

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Operational Insights: Production, Materials Handling, and Maintenance

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