Team & Implement

Community habitat monitors are selected by the village grazing committees to conduct monthly monitoring of the selected plots. Monitors receive training on the data collection protocols, best practices in using geospatial technology, and basic troubleshooting techniques for the mobile phones and applications used. Every month thereafter, the monitors visit each plot and complete a customized Survey123 form that includes questions about the entire pasture as well as quantitative metrics collected at 20 samples along a 100 meter transect within the pasture. The data are submitted to a cloud-based server hosted by Esri. Data collection focuses on understanding current grazing quality, existing resource availability, and frequency of invasive species to predict trends in bush encroachment and palatability. 

The pasture quality data for each plot are analyzed in real time via ArcGIS Dashboards. For the more complex invasive species trends metrics, the APW MELA team runs an Arcade script to calculate change in various problematic plants’ frequency at a plot level. The Dashboard is customized to display this as a trend-over-time serial chart, with each monitored species visualized on one line graph. 

Traditional practices are often more feasible, accepted, and relevant to community leadership than new approaches to rangeland management. The team spends significant time during the preparatory phases learning about Indigenous methods of pasture management and biophysical interventions. For instance, many pastoralist communities traditionally implement zoning practices through rotational grazing or livestock species control. Since these practices are already a way of life for the pastoralists in these communities, integrating them into project design and implementation creates initial buy-in and support for further interventions. This, coupled with strong training led by our Geospatial Data and Conservation Technology Officer, and targeting youth that have experience with technology, is key to survey deployment and data collection. 

By strengthening traditional practices with modern, user-friendly technology, APW maintains support from village leadership while introducing innovative methods for data collection, analysis, and feedback. This builds ownership and trust in the communities, leading to long-term success. To ensure protocols are being followed, annual refresher trainings and a WhatsApp group have been implemented to keep monitors up to date and establish a support network. 

Social and ecological benefits of restoration
West and Central Africa
East and South Africa
Dr. Katharina
Löhr
International research tandems and co-
International research stays
Synergy research
Dissemination and learning
Social and ecological benefits of restoration
West and Central Africa
East and South Africa
Dr. Katharina
Löhr
International research tandems and co-
International research stays
Synergy research
Dissemination and learning
Collaborative Analysis and Application of Results

Our team analyzed the data with the combined expertise of our partners and in collaboration with a local NGO dedicated to reforestation efforts. This NGO is using our scientific findings to guide practical restoration actions, including the selection of plant species that attract and support local wildlife. This partnership ensures that our research is directly applied to enhance reforestation efforts, promoting self-sustaining and resilient forest ecosystems

Experimental courtyard renovation

In terms of overall architectural appearance, the courtyard enclosed layout is retained, with a focus on creating courtyard space. The building color is mainly green and gray, inheriting traditional charm. At the same time, simplify the complex decoration of traditional architecture and use modern and simple lines.
The main structure of the building continues the traditional wooden structure form and adopts mortise and tenon technology to ensure the integrity of the structure. Using rough stones and strip stones as the foundation, effective moisture-proof and anti-corrosion measures are achieved to ensure the durability and applicability of the building. In terms of materials, in addition to traditional wood and bricks, new materials such as metal and glass are also combined to enhance living comfort and quality. Color matching adds flexibility to traditional colors, creating a warm and fashionable atmosphere. The internal space layout is more in line with modern living needs, with open living rooms, dining rooms, etc., combining traditional artistic conception with modern functions.

Establishing Repair and Testing Facility for Long-Term Sustainability

To support the long-term sustainability of green energy solutions, a dedicated repair and testing facility was established to serve as a local resource for maintaining and enhancing green energy equipment. The repair and testing facility  provide repair services, regular testing, and technical assessments for solar pumps, storage units, and other renewable systems, ensuring optimal functionality and durability. In addition, the center offers training programs for local technicians, creating a skilled workforce capable of supporting green energy equipment across rural areas. This initiative not only guarantees that farming businesses have reliable access to well-maintained energy systems but also promotes local job creation, fosters self-reliance, and strengthens the resilience of the agricultural sector’s green transition.

Provision of technical training session to farmers for the maintainance of the solar infrastructure

To enable farming businesses to significantly reduce energy costs and minimize irrigation and storage losses, this initiative focuseson deploying solar-powered irrigation systems and storage solutions tailored to the needs of rural farmers. Through these renewable energy systems, farmers can achieve up to 70% reduction in energy expenses by shifting from diesel and the public grid to solar power. This transition also decreases irrigation and storage losses by up to 40%, improving water and resource management. Technical training sessions will be provided to farmers, equipping them with the knowledge to maintain and optimize these systems, ensuring reliable and sustained energy savings and operational efficiency for a more resilient agricultural sector.

Financial Viability

The financial viability of solar solutions with reduced operational costs made them highly attractive to farmers. The installation of solar panels and pumps in Tajikistan currently has a payback period of approximately 8 to 10 years, given the existing energy tariffs. However, through the project, which covers about half of the farmers' expenses, this payback period could be reduced by half for those with access to the power grid. On the other hand, farmers without grid access often do not engage in gardening or agriculture. Some farmers are using diesel generators, which significantly increases their costs and contributes to atmospheric pollution. In such cases, the installation of solar solutions could serve as an effective alternative.

Solar irrigation
North and Central Asia
Nicole
Pfefferle
Financial Viability
Provision of technical training session to farmers for the maintainance of the solar infrastructure
Establishing Repair and Testing Facility for Long-Term Sustainability