Agroforestry systems for indigenous communities

This building block focuses on the establishment of agroforestry systems in the villages of Ebéa and Maloumba, benefiting indigenous Bakola/Bagyeli communities. The system integrates cacao, plantain, and non-timber forest products (NTFPs) to provide diversified livelihoods and improve food security. Agroforestry helps reduce deforestation by promoting sustainable land use while enhancing soil fertility and increasing resilience to climate change. This initiative not only generates income for indigenous communities but also preserves their cultural heritage by combining traditional knowledge with modern agricultural practices.

  • Land ownership: Securing land rights for indigenous communities is crucial for the success of agroforestry.
  • Training and capacity building: Providing education on sustainable farming practices and crop management is essential for long-term success.
  • Access to markets: Ensuring that communities have access to markets to sell their products motivates participation and economic growth.
  • Inclusive planning: Engaging all members of the community, including women and youth, strengthens the project’s impact.
  • Diversification: Integrating various crops and NTFPs reduces economic risks and enhances food security.
  • Ensure that initial training is comprehensive and includes post-implementation support, as communities may face challenges in maintaining agroforestry systems without proper guidance.
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Introduction of improved stoves

The introduction of improved stoves in Lokoundjé addresses both environmental and economic challenges. These stoves, measuring 5 meters by 1.3 meters, significantly reduce the need for wood by increasing fuel efficiency, which directly contributes to the conservation of mangroves. By tripling the production of smoked fish, the stoves also boost local economies. The stoves were designed and built with community participation, ensuring that they meet local needs while reducing pressure on natural resources.

  • Community involvement: Full participation of the community in the design and construction process ensures that the stoves are culturally appropriate and fit for purpose.
  • Technical support: Access to experts for the design and maintenance of the stoves ensures their long-term functionality.
  • Economic incentives: The ability to increase fish production and income encourages widespread adoption.
  • Community buy-in: Involving users in the design process improves adoption and long-term use.
  • Sustainability: Without proper training, the stoves may not be maintained, leading to reduced effectiveness over time.
  • Ensure that ongoing technical support and follow-up training are provided to maintain stove efficiency and functionality in the long term.
Local
Mangrove reforestation and restoration

This building block involves the reforestation of degraded mangrove areas in Lokoundjé. Through the planting of 6000 mangrove seedlings across 4 hectares, the initiative aims to restore essential ecosystem services provided by mangroves, such as carbon sequestration, flood protection, and fisheries support. Local communities, particularly indigenous groups like the Bakola/Bagyeli, are actively involved in the planting and monitoring of mangrove health, reinforcing both ecological and social sustainability.

  • Community involvement: The involvement of local communities, particularly those directly affected, is essential to ensure the continuity of maintenance.
  • Availability of seedlings: Access to healthy mangrove seedlings and training in appropriate planting techniques are necessary for successful reforestation.
  • Government support: Legal support to protect reforested areas from exploitation also ensures the sustainability of restoration efforts.
  • Commitment is essential: Giving communities the means to replace damaged seedlings fosters a sense of ownership.
  • Resilience in reforestation: Regular monitoring and replacement of seedlings, particularly in difficult environments, is essential to the success of the project.
  • It is important to plan post-planting maintenance and to involve stakeholders early in the process to help avoid neglect of newly reforested areas.
Local
Community awareness campaigns

It aims to raise awareness among local and indigenous communities of the importance of conserving mangroves and adopting sustainable practices. The campaign uses a range of tools, including brochures, posters, loincloths and radio broadcasts, to reach various segments of the population. Awareness-raising activities aim to educate communities about the environmental and economic benefits of mangrove conservation, while promoting the adoption of improved stoves to reduce deforestation. The aim is to create a strong sense of local ownership, ensuring long-term commitment to conservation efforts.

  • Cultural relevance: The communication tools, such as pagnes, are adapted to local customs, increasing acceptance.
  • Media access: Radio broadcasts ensure that information reaches remote areas.
  • Local leadership support: Engagement of administrative and local leaders amplifies the campaign’s impact.
  • Effective communication:Adapting communication to the local context strengthens community involvement.
  • Consistency: Ongoing dissemination and distribution of materials are essential to reinforce the message.
  • Challenges: Ensuring that all community members, including marginalized groups, are reached can be difficult, and multiple platforms should be used to broaden outreach.
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
Mangroves in full regeneration
West and Central Africa
Regeneration of Mangroves and Mobilization of Local Populations, with a Particular Focus on Women and Indigenous Communities, in the Conservation of Ecosystems in the Lokoundjé District (Fifinda)
Nathalie Shérifa
MOLO
Community awareness campaigns
Mangrove reforestation and restoration
Introduction of improved stoves
Agroforestry systems for indigenous communities
Capture and Release of Vultures
Vulture Capturing Cage used for the capture and release operation
Vulture Capturing Cage
Dubai Desert Conservation Reserve
Vulture Capturing Cage with a camera trap infront of it to record vulture activity
Vulture Capturing Cage and Camera Trap
Dubai Desert Conservation Reserve
Lappet-faced Vulture, Torgos tracheliotus, recorded by camera trap infront of Vulture Capturing Cage
Lappet-Faced Vultures at Capturing Cage
Dubai Desert Conservation Reserve

Collecting data will be done by catching and releasing vultures by using a capturing cage. The capturing cage is progressively being built at a site where animal carcasses are regularly placed, this site is called "Vulture Restaurant". Vultures will then be fitted with GPS trackers, tagged, and released, allowing to record their movements and possibly locate their breeding grounds. Samples (blood, swabs, faeces, ectoparasites, and feathers) will be collected to assess the health of the individuals and check their exposure to diseases, environmental lead and possible NSAID contaminants. Samples will also be preserved for future conservation genetics.

At the current and initial stages, the important factors needed for a capture and release operation to work is by making sure the vultures are comfortable enough to enter the capturing cage and making sure the capture and release operation is done quickly on a day when it is cooler, such as in the winter season. 

  1. When establishing a capturing cage for vultures, the use of camera traps is very useful. Camera traps allow to record elusive vultures and their adaptation to a newly built structure, such as a capturing cage.

     

  2. Depending how skittish the vultures are, it is important to plan how the capturing cage door will close on the day where a capture and release operation will take place. These are a couple of possible options, remotely from a distance with a remote control or manually with a rope. It is important to implement a mechanism to ensure the capturing cage door does not slam down hard and quickly inorder to avoid vulture injury. 
Implementation
Local
Agroecological Kiosks: Community Information Centres & Satellite Centres
FPO office
Cluster Information Centre Sootea FPC, Assam
GIZ, SAFAL / Bettina Renner

Community/Cluster Information Centres (CICs) and Satellite Centres (SCs) in India function as Agroecological Kiosks and are established to provide access to information and communication technologies (ICTs) in rural and remote areas, particularly to bridge the digital divide. These centres aim to empower communities by providing access to information and digital services that can enhance education, healthcare, governance, and economic opportunities.

10 CICs and 20 SCs have been established under the SAFAL project which offer farmers access to knowledge, technologies, finance, and meeting spaces. The CICs are located in the office of the farmer institution where farmers can now find: 

  1. Information, applications and guidance on Government schemes and insurance, 
  2. Market information about input supply and market demand in the fish value chain,
  3. A knowledge hub containing training and knowledge products, digital services, printing or photocopying facilities, storage units and lastly a space to hold meetings, trainings. 

The SCs are extensions of CICs in remote areas and are situated within the residences of the CRPs in the villages. It likewise contains a selection of services such as the access to information, application and guidance on Government Schemes as well as access to smartphone with internet, small meeting, and training facilities, knowledge products and signboards. The primary purpose behind establishing SCs in remote areas is dissemination of information to rural residents who encounter challenges in commuting to the CICs.

To learn more about the CRP model see more in buidling block: Capacity Development & Extension Service: Community Resource Person Model

  1. Access to ICTs: CICs typically provide access to computers, the internet, and other digital technologies to residents of rural and remote areas who may not have such access otherwise.
  2. Training and Capacity Building: Through CICs many farmer institutions can offer training programs to help their members develop digital literacy skills, such as basic computer operations, internet usage, and software applications. This training empowers individuals to leverage ICTs for personal and professional development.
  3. Information Services: CICs often serve as hubs for accessing various types of information, including agricultural practices, government schemes, healthcare services, educational resources, and market prices. This information can be crucial for rural communities to make informed decisions and improve their livelihoods.
  4. E-Governance Services: Some CICs facilitate access to government services and schemes through e-governance initiatives. This includes services like online application submissions, payment of bills and taxes, and accessing government portals for information and services.
  5. Community Development: CICs play a role in fostering community development by serving as spaces for collaboration, networking, and collective learning. They can facilitate community initiatives, promote local entrepreneurship, and support social and economic development efforts.
  6. Government and NGO Initiatives: CICs may be established and supported by various stakeholders, including government agencies, non-governmental organizations (NGOs), and corporate entities, as part of their corporate social responsibility (CSR) initiatives or development projects.
Implementation
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Participatory Guarantee System: Quality and Sustainability in Freshwater Aquaculture

The Participatory Guarantee System (PGS) in India represents a grassroots approach to natural and organic certification, emphasizing community involvement, affordability, and transparency. By enabling small and marginal farmers to certify their products naturally and organically grown, PGS plays a crucial role in promoting sustainable agriculture and empowering farming communities in supplying certified fish to the domestic markets and local consumer.

PGS is recognized by the National Centre of Organic Farming (NCOF) under the Ministry of Agriculture and Farmers Welfare, Government of India and is designed to ensure that natural and organic products adhere to specific standards without the need for costly third-party certification. 

Guidelines for agricultural practices were already available, while under the SAFAL project a PGS Guideline for freshwater aquaculture from sustainable practices was co-created among stakeholder from government, civil society, and academia. 

Under the SAFAL project PGS is implemented with 500 women farmers in Morigaon district, Assam to promote natural farming of Indian Major Carb (IMC). 

This community-based endorsement approach offers farmers a low-cost certification system which enables them to achieve higher prices for their naturally grown fish, thus enhancing their income and improving their livelihood. 

  1. Formation of PGS Groups: Farmers form local groups, typically consisting of 5-20 members, who work together to implement and monitor organic practices. These groups conduct regular meetings, farm inspections, and peer reviews.
  2. Guideline and SOP Development: A guideline and standard operating procedure (SOP) were co-created by stakeholders and subsequently approved by the Department of Fisheries Assam, ensuring a standardized approach.
  3. Documentation: Farmers maintain records of their farming practices, inputs used, and crop yields. These records are reviewed during peer inspections to ensure compliance with organic standards.
  4. Peer Inspections: Group members conduct peer inspections of each other’s farms. These inspections are based on mutual trust and the collective knowledge of organic farming practices.
  5. Certification: Based on peer inspections and documentation, the group collectively decides on the certification status of each member’s farm. Certified farms are then allowed to use the PGS-India organic label.
  6. Marketing and Branding: PGS-certified products can be marketed using the PGS-India label, which helps consumers identify and trust organic products. This label also supports local and direct marketing channels, such as farmers’ markets and community-supported agriculture (CSA) programs.

One Health: Farmers focus on natural fish production, which improves the fish health and health of water bodies, lastly for both to hold benefits to human health, following the principles of One Health.

  • Empowerment: PGS empowers small farmers by involving them directly in the certification process and decision-making.
  • Community Building: PGS strengthens community ties and promotes cooperation among farmers, consumers, and other stakeholders.
  • Economic Viability: By reducing certification costs and facilitating direct market access, PGS improves the economic viability of organic farming for smallholders.
  • Sustainability: PGS promotes sustainable agricultural practices, environmental conservation, and biodiversity.
Implementation
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
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