Supplementary irrigation takes into account biophysical characteristics of the area it is implemented in. Taking into consideration soils, crops, landscape to irrigation and capacity of the technology is an essential building block.
Soil: Irrigation system application rate should be such that it is equal to or less than the infiltration rate of the soil.
Crop: Its interaction with climatic parameters is deciding when and how much water to apply.
Landscape of the irrigation site: If the land is uneven, water cannot flow at a constant rate and cannot reach every corner of the field.
Capacity of the reservoir: When deciding the capacity, it should be sufficient to meet the crop water demand.
Its implementation must ensure that farmers understand the practice and how to operate/manage it properly and also adapt to biophysical characteristics. Most important is determining best time to irrigate and the right amounts to maximize water use efficiency and productivity. Integration of cultural practices and improved varieties is important to achieve best results.
Integrated and participatory research and development
An integrated research and development program should then be designed and implemented involving local communities, institutions, and decision-makers, taking into consideration capacity building, preventing inequality, local specifics, dry area ecosystems and understanding specific needs of local communities.
Motivation and promotion of awareness among the people with regard to the activity objectives and the ways to achieve them are essential.
Understanding the specific needs of a local community or a group of beneficiaries is critical in designing and implementing an appropriate system.
Institutional capacity building, water resource management policies, and management and maintenance programs are the keys to success.
Dry area ecosystems are generally fragile and have a limited capacity to adjust to change.
SI provides benefits to farmers such as higher incomes, lower risks, increases water productivity, and has a positive spill-over effect in modern technology adoption (seed and fertilizer). However, its implementation must ensure that farmers understand the practice and how to operate/manage it properly. Most important is determining best time to irrigate and the right amounts to maximize water use efficiency and productivity. Integration of cultural practices and improved varieties is important to achieve best results. Incentives are provided to adopt the technology of drip irrigation, helping modern technologies adoption.
The core differentiator of MEET ecotourism products is that they are based in and feature Mediterranean protected areas. This is integrated with local communities and local service providers, thereby creating a unique niche-market product in the Mediterranean that supports conservation. Building off what differentiates its products to others on the market, MEET is building a strong brand with embedded market value for both inbound and outbound tour operators, as well as, destination management organisations.
The MEET Network is currently working to develop an online training on the marketing and commercialisation component of the MEET approach, so interested stakeholders across the Mediterranean can adopt it´s methodology. In the meantime, the MEET Manual contains information on this element.
Perspective of the private sector stakeholders has to be included from the beginning in all the steps of development;
Define clear business plans post project, including promotion and sales.
With a common vision established through the Local Ecotourism Cluster the next step is to develop a MEET ecotourism product. MEET ecotourism products aim to highlight, promote and preserve the features unique to the protected area destination, whilst also highlighting local natural, historical, culinary and other strengths. Each product is developed around a four-component structure of attractions, facilities and equipment, services and activities and each component within the product is then assessed to ensure a high standard of quality and sustainability.
The MEET Manual and Online Training Module on conservationtraining.org both explain and can be used to train interested stakeholders on how to adopt the MEET ecotourism product development approach in their destination.
Have tangible goals with clear economic opportunity
Storytelling and a theme are key to a successful ecotourism product
Never forget the core objective of the park: conservation!
Establishment of a Local Ecotourism Cluster (LEC) is one of the key elements of the participatory planning element of the MEET approach.The LEC is a public-private tourism cluster and is usually initiated by the protected area and is composed of relevant multi-sector stakeholders. This group works collaboratively to develop and manage the ecotourism product according to a common vision.The LEC creates opportunities for synergy and ensures alignment of core principles amongst those involved, ultimately helping to ensure a successful product.
The MEET Manuel breaks down this participatory planning element of the MEET Approach and explains best practices for establishing the LEC.
MEET Members usually capacity building in the form of trainings and additional support from MEET Network to implement the LEC.
Perspective of the private sector stakeholders has to be included from the beginning in all the steps of development
Make sure every voice is heard: Holistic vision beyond economic benefit
Coordinate and look for the support of regional/national tourism authorities
Adequate technical, infrastructure and financial support
Free support and scientific advice from KMFRI, seed money from donor agencies and from various organizations based in Kwale County and the coastal region of Kenya.
Regular research visits by KMFRI scientists, university students on excursions and various NGOs conducting research encourage local communities to take an interest in the ocean.
Infrastructure development is within reach such as drying racks, storage facilities, well equipped factory create incentive for community members to embark on seaweed farming.
Citizen science is applied. Seaweed farmers are trained on identifying the most suitable location for setting up a farm, regular measurement of water temperature, salinity and weather conditions.
The visiting researchers from NGOs and companies encourage communities to gain from the natural resources. Seaweed is valued by these institutions, as a viable alternative.
Establishment of devolved government system in Kenya following enactment of the new Constitution enables the seaweed farmers to receive direct financial support for development from the Kwale County Government.
Seaweed farming is part of the national government policy as key element of the blue economy strategy
The application of citizen science by the local community through involving them fully in field work and teaching them simple research procedure is useful to make decisions at short notice instead of waiting for KMFRI researchers and other experts to come and assist. For example, when COVID-19 was first announced and travel restrictions imposed, the community members were able to anticipate the extreme oceanic tidal currents and flash floods from terrestrial surface runoff that threatened to destroy vast areas of seaweeds. A lot of seaweed was therefore rescued.
High potential for seaweed value addition on the market
The community lives adjacent to the ocean, with seaweed as a common resource accessible to everyone without restriction.
Seaweed farming provides diversified economic activities especially among the women. In the process it has reduced pressure, especially during times of scarcity, for relying on selling fish caught by fishermen.
Seaweed farming and the lucrative income from sale continues to increase every year.
Seaweed is free, doesn’t need fertilisers or large farming implements. It can be processed into useful various products, using local material. The income from seaweed farming is really substantial, direct and quick (no middlemen).
Dependence on a single market is neither reliable nor sustainable for seaweed farming.
Diversification of products locally fabricated from seaweed by community members is important. It prevents piling up of seaweed when the markets are not ready to buy.
When the project started as an experiment, many people were skeptical. When Mama Fatuma started harvesting and selling the seaweeds to the individual buyer, she triggered interest among some villagers. And when they started manufacturing products and selling them the interest increased drastically.
Willing to learn a new business trend, because they saw the example from a fellow woman, a peer, so they had confidence to also engage in the business, and succeed.
Opportunity to earn their own money from selling seaweed, instead of relying on money from fishermen.
Nature resources can be used for benefits, but it is not always visible or evident. For example, seaweed is not a traditional raw material for getting a livelihood. A new business model is best adopted by communities through the example of one of their own community member.
