Local | PANORAMA

Conducting Demonstration Days and Hands-On Learning

Plot layout demonstration to enhance learning for FFS members

FAO

Hands-on experience for FFS members on nursery establishment

FAO

FFS members in a practical on making a seed bed

FAO

FFS members showcasing different tree species promoted for FLR at a district commem-oration event

FAO

FFS emphasizes hands-on training through demonstration days where participants practice sustainable techniques like soil conservation, agroforestry, and erosion control. These field-based sessions allow farmers to learn by doing, improving retention and adoption of new practices.

The success of demonstration days relies on providing accessible plots and necessary materials (such as seeds, tools, and equipment) that allow farmers to engage directly with FLR techniques. External support from partners helps ensure that FFS are equipped with resources to run effective, hands-on sessions. Additionally, experienced facilitators guide these practical sessions, ensuring that participants understand the application and benefits of each technique, from soil conservation to agroforestry. This approach increases confidence among participants and reinforces learning by allowing them to see and feel the results of their efforts in real-time

Hands-on learning is more impactful than theory alone. Demonstration days help farmers see immediate results, which increases confidence in applying the techniques on their own land.

Implementation

Local

Selecting and Training of Lead Farmers

Lead farmer training in Farmer Field Schools

FAO

FFS members trained in grafting of fruit seedlings

FAO

Choosing lead farmers who act as champions for FFS is a critical step. Lead farmers are selected based on community recommendations and receive additional training to guide FFS sessions. They serve as role models, facilitate peer learning, and ensure that new techniques are correctly implemented. Lead farmers help maintain motivation and act as local points of contact for any issues that arise.

Selecting lead farmers from within the community is crucial, as these individuals are respected and trusted by their peers. Training for lead farmers is supported by technical expertise from project partners (e.g., FAO, IUCN), who provide knowledge on sustainable practices and techniques. These lead farmers act as both role models and facilitators, bridging the gap between formal training and community-level implementation. Their position as local champions allows them to encourage participation, maintain motivation, and ensure that sustainable practices are being correctly followed by FFS participants.

Empowering respected individuals as lead farmers boosts local credibility of FFS and ensures that skills and knowledge are effectively transferred.

Implementation

Local

Establishing local leadership and community-buy in

Engaging traditional leaders for their support in working with the general communities

FAO

The first step is to engage local leaders, traditional authorities, and respected community members. By involving them from the start, the project gains trust and ensures alignment with community values. These leaders promote community buy-in and support for FFS, reinforcing the importance of restoration activities and encouraging widespread participation. This step ensures that the lead farmers chosen are acceptable by the entire community.

Key to this initial step is engaging local leaders early on to build trust and ensure alignment with community values. Regular meetings with village chiefs, community representatives, and influential figures help establish project credibility and relevance. The active involvement of respected figures encourages wider community participation and commitment to FLR practices, as leaders can mobilize and inspire residents to take ownership of restoration activities. This foundational support is essential for gaining both legitimacy and momentum for FFS within the community.

When local leaders are engaged early, the community is more likely to accept and sustain FFS initiatives. Building on trusted leadership fosters long-term commitment to restoration.

Inception phase

Local

Continuous monitoring arrangements

A robust monitoring mechanism of the process needs to be put in place. Technical staff need to ensure that they engage with communities to explore whether there are challenges and how they can address them. During these monitoring events, communities also share their experiences.
This is part of the continuous learning cycle to improve where necessary. New techniques are also shared during these monitoring events.

The monitoring team consists of various experts (forestry, agriculture, community development, fisheries, water development, M&E), FAO, IUCN. The core team is from the government, as they have permanent representation in the district. This ensures sustainability of knowledge and resilience of systems in the area. It is important to support communities with simple work plans.

There is a need for resilient communities that can withstand the challenges of recovery. However, if their capacities are strengthened, they will be able to monitor their own activities.

Implementation

Monitoring

Local

Supporting the communities with livelihood options to enable them to meet their day to day needs

Community members supported with goats for income generation to meet household needs

FAO

Installed beehives for local honey production

FAO

This building block aims at sustaining communities with day-to-day survival options. As communities engage in restoration work, they need to engage in compensatory and beneficial economic activities as individuals or groups. The communities identified livelihoods of their choice. In this project, the communities chose goat and chicken rearing, mushroom growing and bee-keeping. So far, the project has supported them with chicken and goat rearing and bee-keeping. The benefits from these livelihoods are used to meet household needs such as agricultural inputs, clothing and school fees for children.

Proper community assessment of livelihood options and the availability of funding from the project enabled the provision of livelihood options and the ability to train communities in the production of different options.

Incorporating economic activities into FLR interventions has increased the enthusiasm of communities to engage in restoration work. Initially, some members dropped out of the groups to meet their daily needs through the destructive means when they felt the project would not directly benefit them. After the introduction of the livelihood opportunities, more members rejoined the groups.

Implementation

Local

Allowing communities to factor in their indigenous techniques.

One of the groups in Kasale community is managing Nkhongo Yazizira part of the reserve and makes notices around the area

FAO

Part of the regenerated Nkhongo Yazizira portion of the reserve

FAO

In order to achieve sustainability, the communities were allowed to factor in their traditional knowledge and skills on how to concretize the new working modalities. The communities added another set of working groups from various villages. The working groups were shared a portion of the reserve to manage. This made the work of the overall committee easy as it turned into a monitoring committee. The groups make their own plans (work plans) for various activities such as patrolling, making of firebreaks etc.

The achievement of building block 3 was largely due to the willingness of the involved communities to execute various roles assigned to and chosen by them.

When communities are given the opportunities to weigh in their knowledge and skills, the success can be guaranteed. Professional knowledge should be blended with indigenous knowledge to attain maximum benefits.

Inception phase

Implementation

Local

Revamping forestry block committees and communities surrounding the reserve

The first step is to convene all the forest block committees, local leaders and rural communities in general. These meetings focus on addressing issues that have negatively affected the communities as a result of the deforested reserve. This is followed by the establishment of new committees to oversee the new management plans.

Although not selected in committees, local leaders are vested with the role of patron for any community committee. The leaders therefore own the initiative and become key in achieving the results. Conflicts end at them.

Proper selection of committees and engagement of local leaders provide conducive environments for all the communities to own and participate in the activities.

Inception phase

Implementation

Local

East and South Africa

From bare to cover: Kasale Community roll up sleeves to dress up the deforested Mvai Forest Reserve

Hannah

Weggerle

Revamping forestry block committees and communities surrounding the reserve

Training of committees

Allowing communities to factor in their indigenous techniques.

Supporting the communities with livelihood options to enable them to meet their day to day needs

Continuous monitoring arrangements

Livelihood Diversification for Conservation

Pineapple field for Umdzi Farmer Field School

FAO

Goats provided to communities as part of livelihood diversification

FAO

Beans under Irrigation at Liyada

FAO

To reduce community reliance on deforestation activities, the project introduced livelihood diversification options, including irrigation farming, beekeeping, banana and pineapple production, goat and chicken rearing, and mushroom cultivation. These activities provide sustainable income alternatives that align with the conservation goals of Mvai Forest Reserve. Local farmers are trained in small-scale irrigation and sustainable agriculture techniques to improve productivity without expanding farmland and so far four irrigation schemes have been developed to enable crop production three times a year. The diversification of livelihoods aims to create a sustainable income base for the community, reducing the need for charcoal production and forest exploitation. These initiatives are at varying stages of implementation, with some fully operational, such as banana and pineapple farming, while others, like mushroom production and fish farming will be operational by March 2025.

Training and Resources: Provided communities with skills and tools for alternative livelihoods.
Economic Motivation: Sustainable income options made conservation efforts more appealing.
Local Adaptation: Activities were chosen based on suitability for the local environment and community needs.

Providing alternative livelihoods reduces pressure on forest resources and supports long-term conservation goals. Economic incentives are effective motivators for communities to embrace sustainable practices. Tailoring livelihood activities to local conditions and community needs increases their likelihood of success and adoption. Consistent training and resources are essential to maintain productivity and interest in these alternatives.

Implementation

Local

Development of User Groups for Livelihood Support

Sharon Kilasho, Treasurer of the CFA during tree planting excersice

Sharon Kilasho, Treasurer of the CFA during tree planting excercise

WWF Kenya

The Entarara CFA established three user groups—beekeeping, nursery planting, and ecotourism—to support alternative livelihoods and reduce pressure on forest resources. The beekeeping group aims to produce honey, providing both income and pollination services within the forest. The nursery group focuses on growing indigenous and fruit trees for sale, with a target of 100,000 seedlings annually, supporting reforestation and providing income. The ecotourism group plans to fundraise for forest fencing, promote awareness, and develop tourism-friendly amenities like picnic sites and campsites. These groups offer diverse livelihood options that are ecologically sustainable and economically beneficial, fostering community commitment to forest conservation.

Access to Resources: Community members utilize local resources for beekeeping and tree planting.
Supportive Infrastructure: The forest’s proximity to a water source aids nursery development.
Economic Motivation: Income-generating activities incentivize community participation in conservation.

Organizing communities into user groups aligned with their interests strengthens commitment to conservation. Diverse livelihood opportunities help reduce reliance on forest resources, ensuring sustainable use. Ensuring access to training, resources, and market linkages for these groups is essential for long-term success. Transparent management of group funds and activities is key to building trust among members and maintaining focus on conservation goals.

Implementation

Local