Country-specific transformation initiatives

During the two international learning events, which took place from February to October 2024, participants were tasked with developing country-specific transformation initiatives to work on collaboratively as a team. This activity constituted the core working stream for action in respective countries and was part of the Academy’s Growing phase. The country teams were responsible for developing and implementing at least one joint project aimed at advancing agroecological transition. The nature and topic of the transformation initiative were intentionally left open. Participants reported their progress through a video presentation and shared their results at the second international learning event held in Hawassa. 
Participants expressed a profound depth and intensity of learning throughout these initiatives, particularly in areas such as leadership, teamwork, and agroecology. Most of the initiatives were highly successful and will continue beyond the conclusion of the Academy. For example, in India, a roadmap for agroecological transition was developed for a specific district. In Burkina Faso, a tour for journalists was organised, which helped to raise awareness of agroecology within the country.

  • The initiative provided a general inspiration and framework for the transformation initiatives without being prescriptive regarding their content or processes. This approach allowed participants to learn and self-organise, leading to a greater sense of ownership. Participants noted that this motivated them to develop ideas they felt they could achieve together.
  • Each country team received support from a local country facilitator throughout this period. Often, these country facilitators acted as a unifying force for the team and their work on the transformation initiatives. Being from the respective countries, the facilitators understood the local context and were able to offer flexible support to participants. They conducted three to five full-day workshops for each country team as needed, helping the group stay focused on their transformation initiative, addressing specific learning needs, fostering both action and reflection, and providing individual support to participants.
  • While the country facilitators supported their teams, they were also guided in their professional development and facilitation skills by the international facilitation team. This team held seven online meetings for all country facilitators during the Academy. Additionally, the lead facilitators conducted approximately seven one-on-one sessions with each country facilitator.
  • Some of the transformation initiatives were overly ambitious at the outset and needed to be scaled back. It is recommended to schedule group coaching session at the beginning of the work on the transformation initiatives to help participants assess the feasibility of their projects.
  • Including the country facilitators in the international learning events is also recommended, allowing them to collaboratively initiate and conclude the country work alongside their teams during these events. Alternatively, a day-long online onboarding session with the facilitators could be arranged at the beginning of the process.
  • Communication from the organisations organising the Academy regarding options for sustaining and funding the continuation of the transformation initiatives should begin early in the process and remain consistent and proactive. It is advisable to explore ways to actively support networking opportunities for participants with potential funders of their transformation initiatives from the outset.
International Learning Events and Online Sessions

Two international four-day learning events framed the Academy, occurring at its beginning and end. The first event took place in February 2024 in Kisumu, Kenya, as part of the Sowing phase of the Academy. The objective of this event was to bring all participants together for the first time in a spirit of collaborative learning and support. It aimed to introduce the participants to the key concepts of leadership and agroecology while laying the foundation for successful work and group cooperation. During this event, participants began developing stakeholder systems maps to advance agroecology in their countries and collaborated to create a vision for change. Additionally, a field visit took participants to a local demonstration farm (BIOGI) and a farm practicing agroforestry, supported by the NGO Trees for the Future. 
After several months of learning in country groups and meeting the global cohort online four times, the second event was held in November 2024 in Hawassa, Ethiopia. This marked the final official activity of the Academy and served as the core event of its Harvesting phase, transitioning participants into the Transforming phase. The key objectives of this event were to support country groups and individuals in taking and scaling up action, to deepen the learning from previous months, to discuss the potential for upscaling the initiatives developed during the Academy, and  to celebrate and strengthen the networks that had formed.
During this event,  participants reflected on and shared learnings with other country teams, exploring key topics such as personal ecology, individual leadership, habit formation, and communication. A field visit included a tour to a local coffee co-operative processing facility and a diversified small-scale farm. Participants also planned their next steps as transformation makers for agroecological change.
The two international learning events were complemented by a total of four online session, each lasting 2,5 hours, which took place in March, May, July and September 2024. These sessions provided participants with additional insights on models and tools for leading transformation initiatives and advancing agroecology, including effective communication, overcoming obstacles, and influencing political narratives. Thus, these online sessions constituted an important component of the Academy’s Growing phase. 

  • Both events featured a highly interactive blend of training and workshops, guided by a pre-set agenda while allowing ample opportunity for participants to influence the programme.
  • The translation services provided during both live and online events were seamless. Thanks to the excellent interpreters, particularly at the two learning events, language barriers were effectively addressed.
  • Participants appreciated the field trips, which were made possible by hosting the international learning events in cities that offer access to rural areas, rather than in capital cities.
  • While the focus between the two in-presence International Learning Events was on country-specific transformation initiatives, the international online meetings provided an opportunity for the entire group to reconvene, maintain collective momentum, and to share insights with one another.
  • Regarding the field trips, it is preferred for future events to concentrate on a single field visit per learning event, dedicating more time, ideally an entire day – to the farm. Effective and timely coordination with country partners is essential to ensure that suitable locations, logistics, and adequate facilities are available on-site.
  • The bilingual nature of the events necessitated translation services for all sessions. While this was highly effective during in-person international learning events, the quality of interpretation and the technical setup for translation during online events fell short, creating additional work for facilitators, such as repeating sessions. Therefore, it is recommended to utilise software with easy-friendly translation features (such as Zoom, if permitted by the organising entity of the Academy) and to provide participants with more thorough briefings on overcoming technical challenges.
  • Thorough logistical preparation is crucial for international learning events. Participants from various countries need to converge at an appropriate location. Important processes, such as obtaining necessary visas and exploring travel options, should be initiated well in advance.
Building Bridges: The Academy’s Multidimensional, Multistakeholder Approach

The purpose of the Academy was to support participants in developing the skills and experience necessary for leadership in navigating complex systems and fostering agroecological transformation.
A suitable concept to fulfill this purpose was developed over a span of three months (July – September 2023): 

Consequently, the purpose was distilled into three key objectives: Learning, Acting, and Networking. These objectives were reflected in the design of each session and supported at three levels:  individuals, country teams, and the global cohort.
The methodology of the Agroecology Leadership Academy was based on 7 principles:

  • A close connection between the topic of Agroecology (the “What”) and Transformation and Leadership (the “How”)
  • A clear focus on transformation skills and mindset
  • Transformation initiatives as core learning projects
  • In-Country facilitators to support the country teams
  • Linking Learning, Acting and Networking
  • Systemic, experiential and relational learning
  • The strong role of communication

The general structure of the Academy was organised into four phases: Sowing, Growing, Harvesting and Transforming. Various learning formats were implemented throughout these phases, including an online kick-off event, two international in-presence learning events, four international online sessions, and individual workshops for the different country teams. These formats concentrated on the aforementioned levels. While the meetings within the country teams emphasised teamwork at the national level, the international sessions facilitated mutual learning among the global cohort. 

After the concept development phase, the participant selection process commenced. The goal was to assemble a heterogenous group representing diverse stakeholder groups, skills, ages and genders. 
A call for applications was sent out to a pre-defined group of potential participants from agroecology-networks in the respective countries. Following the evaluation of initial applications based on predefined selection criteria, individual selection conversations were conducted to finalise the group composition, with five participants chosen from each country. 
In selecting participants, not only individual criteria were considered, but also the need for complementary skills within the group composition.  Each participant was expected to contribute something from their personal background that would benefit the group as a whole.
This selection process ensured that different levels of the agricultural and food system were represented - participants included, among others, farmers, founders of agricultural enterprises, university professors, and representatives of ministries of agriculture - as well as ensuring a balanced gender ratio within the group.

  • Utilising a core model developed during the concept development phase, which was introduced at the beginning of the programme and referenced throughout The core model for Agroecology Leadership was designed in a circular format with multiple rings. The centre of the model, Agroecological Transformation, was to be achieved by interweaving elements of the inner circle – leadership elements at various levels – with the outer circle – agroecological principles.
  • Implementing a communication action plan to ensure that all participants understood the planned communication tools and materials, alongside establishing frequent communication to share information and include modules on effective communication.
  • Involving country focal persons in the development and implementation of the Academy to provide context specific support for both the facilitation team and participants. 
  • Adapting the Academy’s curriculum based on participants’ needs to ensure those needs were adequately met. Regular feedback from participants was solicited for this purpose. 
  • The overall structure and duration of the Academy appeared appropriate. The 11-month duration, combined with a mix of live and online events and transformation initiatives, was beneficial for learning.
  • The participant selection process was effective, as invitations sent through agroecology networks attracted two to three times as many applicants as available spots. The application process utilised simple and streamlined forms, and requesting application videos proved helpful in assessing participants.
  • Country teams, with diverse representation from various sectors (public sector, start-ups, academia) were highly active and successful. It is essential to emphasise the critical need for farmer representation and participation in forums like this.
  • The facilitation team demonstrated adaptability in creating a programme that addressed participants’ learning needs.  Rather than establishing a fixed curriculum at the outset, topics were developed based on participant feedback, which proved to be effective.
  • Initially intended to focus solely on creating materials such as videos and factsheets, communication activities became integral to all aspects—from the application process and session preparation to facilitation, documentation, and participant management. Therefore, it is recommended to incorporate the strong role of communication consistently into future Academies from the onset.
Uso de cámaras remotas con carnada

De manera específica, una metodología del Protocolo para la recopilación de información y el ejercicio de monitoreo consiste en la instalación de estaciones en acero inoxidable con cámaras que registran una locación particular durante un tiempo determinado. Junto a la cámara se ubica un contenedor de PVC con carnada para atraer a especies carnívoras, pero sin ofrecerles alimento. 

  • Sin duda, un factor elemental es el recurso económico para la instalación de los equipos. El Protocolo sugiere algunas alternativas en caso de no contar con la financiación necesaria para esta técnica de monitoreo, como la ampliación del área de monitoreo de transectos de peces de arrecife. 

     

  • Al no implicar impactos sobre los hábitos alimenticios de las especies o sobre los ecosistemas en general, se reducen los sesgos y se garantiza que la técnica no es destructiva ni invasiva. 
  • La instalación de cámaras con carnada se ha posicionado como una metodología efectiva y estandarizada, que no atenta contra la integridad de las especies y que se desarrolla de manera independiente a las prácticas de pesca. Esto quiere decir que no implica un impacto ecológico. 
  • A diferencia de otras técnicas como los censos visuales, el monitoreo a través de cámaras genera observaciones más confiables y objetivas, y cubre mayores áreas en términos de profundidad y tiempo de observación. 
  • Es recomendable instalar varias estaciones de manera estratégica, con el fin de cubrir por completo áreas extensas de monitoreo. 
  • De acuerdo con investigaciones, esta técnica está siendo cada vez más utilizada para monitorear especies pelágicas y depredadoras, lo que ha posibilitado comparaciones a nivel global. 

Un aspecto importante para continuar incentivando el uso de esta técnica es la correcta disposición de las carnadas una vez que estas ya han sido utilizadas. 

Protocolos para el monitoreo de peces pelágicos y para el monitoreo de mamíferos marinos

Se trata de una herramienta para el monitoreo de grandes peces pelágicos y/o depredadores (especies focales) en Áreas Marinas Protegidas (AMP) del Sistema Nacional de Áreas de Conservación (SINAC) de Costa Rica.  Este protocolo cuenta con una selección de indicadores que permitirán evaluar el estado de conservación en el que se encuentran las especies focales año tras año con el fin de identificar cambios a corto plazo y proporcionar alertas tempranas a los tomadores de decisiones. Se proponen técnicas de monitoreo estandarizadas, efectivas y accesibles que no dependan necesariamente de personal científico especializado en el campo. A largo plazo, esta información servirá para evaluar tendencias poblacionales, identificar amenazas y fortalecer la efectividad de las AMP hacia la conservación de un grupo de especies cuya presencia es vital para el funcionamiento y salud de los ecosistemas.

Creación en el 2016 del Programa Nacional de Monitoreo Ecológico (PRONAMEC), con el propósito de generar y difundir información científica sobre el estado de la conservación de la biodiversidad en todo Costa Rica. Esto, como una herramienta para la toma de decisiones a escala local y nacional. 

  • La participación activa y el empoderamiento de los guardaparques son fundamentales para lograr un compromiso efectivo con el monitoreo.
  • Es esencial dar continuidad al monitoreo, garantizando las capacidades operativas necesarias y el financiamiento de las iniciativas, como una forma de promover la consistencia de los datos y la información. 
  • La falta de embarcaciones dedicadas exclusivamente al monitoreo es un obstáculo que limita la efectividad del programa, ya que depende de recursos que se destinan a otras actividades. 
  • Es importante seguir un método científico riguroso, que incluye observación, formulación de preguntas, generación de hipótesis y análisis de problemas.
  • Es esencial compartir y publicar los datos obtenidos con la comunidad científica, para asegurar que la información se analice y utilice adecuadamente.
  • Se presentan dificultades para realizar foto-identificaciones efectivas de las especies debido a su desplazamiento, por lo que es necesario aplicar métodos alternativos de recolección de datos como la obtención de muestras genéticas.

Es necesario hacer recomendaciones de manejo basadas en los datos recopilados para mejorar la gestión de los recursos marinos.

Drones in Conservation: Enhancing Monitoring and Resource Management

A key achievement of the project is the establishment of a new technological unit within the Ministry of Agriculture, which will leverage drone technology for more efficient monitoring of agricultural practices and their impact on biodiversity. This unit will also support environmental agencies and organizations in enhancing biodiversity management.

To operationalize this initiative, the project, in collaboration with Eco Fund, has secured the procurement of two drones and comprehensive training for the first-ever drone operator unit within the Ministry. Additionally, the project has established cooperation between this unit and Public enterprise for management of national parks (PENP) and managers of nature parks Komovi and Orjen, ensuring that relevant stakeholders gain access to critical monitoring data and analysis.

  • Strategic Intersectoral Collaboration: Coordinated efforts between ministries (ecology, agriculture, and forestry) and Eco Fund ensured a unified approach to biodiversity protection and natural resource management
  • Technology Integration: The procurement of drones, computers, and licenses introduced advanced tools for quality control, field monitoring, and transparent operations
  • International Support: The alignment with GEF 7 project objectives and funding provided essential resources and guidelines for implementing innovative solutions
  • Technology Enhances Efficiency: The use of drones and digital systems improves territorial coverage, reduces operational costs, and increases precision in monitoring biodiversity
  • Collaborative Frameworks Drive Success: Strong partnerships and interministerial coordination create synergies essential for tackling complex environmental challenges
  • Capacity Building is Key: Investment in modern equipment must be paired with training and institutional capacity to ensure effective utilization and sustainability
OPERATIONALISATION OF THE NATIONAL COMMISSION ON SUSTAINABLE DEVELOPMENT

The operationalisation of the National Commission on Sustainable Development of Togo within the framework of the AFR100 initiative was held in Lomé at Hôtel La Concorde. It was attended by 53 participants from public, civil society organisations, parliament, religious and traditional leaders and international institutions working in Togo.

The meeting was presided over by The Secretary General of the Ministry of Environment and Forest Resources. Representatives of all sectoral ministries attended the metting. The speech of the CEO of AUDA-NEPAD, Dr Nardos-Bekele Thomas was read by Ousseynou Ndoye, the AFR100 Regional Coordinator for West and Central Africa. The speech of GIZ-F4F was read by Simon Lange of GIZ-F4F. The Secretary General read the speech of the Minister of Environment and Forest Resources.

 

The CNDD is a decree signed by the President of the Republic of Togo, the Prime Minister and several sectoral ministries in Togo. This shows a very high level of appropriation and it is unique in the AFR100 initiative. Furthermore, there are other administrative orders creating committees at regional (CRDD) and communal levels (CCDD). The operationalization of the CNDD has been done through articles 3 and 4 of the government decree creating the CNDD. 

21. FLR ACHIEVEMENTS BY PARTNERS IN TOGO

  1. Political involvement in FLR by high level authorities.
  2. Green jobs are provided for women, youth, adult and minorities through FLR activities.
  3. Organization of an annual reforestation campaign in the Togo.
  4. Organization of a national campaign to fight forest fire and to sensitize the populations.
  5. Ambition to plan 1 billion trees by 2030 as recommanded by the President of Togo.
  6. In 2022, the Union of NGOs of Togo has planted 826,665 trees over a target of 1,412,740 trees (59 %) on 428 hectares over a target of 1423 hectares (30%). 
  7. 279 enterprise development plans (business plans) have been elaborated for communities.
  8. Consolidation of 30 value chains related to agricultural and agroforestry products.
  9. Evaluation of FLR opportunities at national level.
  10. In 2021, 3,303,024 plants were produced and 4500 hectares restored by the national reforestation program with funding from the government and involvement of national stakeholders.
  11. In 2022, 5,207,250 plants were produced and 8256 hectares were restored.
  12. Average revenue was increased by 25 % for households involved in honey, parkia biglobosa, shea butter and fuelwood value chains.

22. FLR CHALLENGES IN TOGO

  1. Tenure issues and conflict between smallholder farmers, pastoralists/herders, fishermen and managers of protected areas. 
  2. Degradation and reduction of forest cover due to increasing demand of fuelwood, timber and uncontrolled fires
  3. Lack of financial resources to carry out restoration activities at very large scale
  4. Mobilisation of stakeholders to monitor AFR100 implementation
  5. Sensitization and capacity strengthening on best FLR practices. 
  6. Elaboration of a national strategy on FLR in Togo
  7. Maintenance and monitoring of seedlings planted
  8. Water management in nurseries
  9. Integration of climate change mitigation and adaptation and forest landscape restoration in municipal development plans.
  10. Climate risks and forests fires;
  11. High dependence of communities on forests resources ;
  12. Weak competitiveness of NGOs in mobilizing trust funds ;
  13. Predominance of biomass as the main source of energy;
  14. Failure to materialize or respect transhumance corridors;
  15. Overgrazing and unsuitable agricultural practices;
  16. Uncontrolled urbanization and demographic explosion;

 

23. RECOMMENDATIONS FOR THE OPERATIONALIZATION OF THE NATIONAL COMMISSION ON SUSTAINEBLE DEVELOPMENT

1. The Ministry of Environment and Forest Resources should take the leadership in collaboration with the statistics department to collect all relevant information on FLR at the national level. That is to say that the Ministry of Environment will serve as a repository of all data collected at national level to inform the government on progress toward reaching the pledge of 1400000 hectares of degraded forests and lands to the AFR100 initiative. Those data collected at national level will then be transfered to the AFR100 Secretariat for a centralized repository which all AFR100 countries will follow.

2. To attract private investors and financial institutions investments on FLR, win-win business models need to be elaborated and disseminated at the national level.

3. To ensure a full success of restoration through tree planting, it will be very important for the Ministry of Environment and Forest Resources to ask the species prefered by communities and produce the planting materials to be distributed to them. This will increase the likelihood of successes because comunities will be taking care of all trees planted since they will be trees of environmental, social and economic values.

4. The Minsitry of Environment and Forest Resources needs to monitor all areas of Togo where trees have been recently planted in order to evaluate the survival rate and the reasons for failure.   

5. All sectoral Ministries need to designate their representatives to the CNDD/AFR100 initiative. 

6. The permanent secretary of the CNDD/AFR100 should stay the same as the permanent secretary of the CNDD at its origin.

7. The Ministry of Environment should take the leadership in the CNDD/AFR100 initiative.

Addressing Socio-Economic Needs Through Livelihood Alter-natives

This building block aligns Farmer Field School (FFS) activities with the economic needs of local communities by introducing sustainable livelihood options. By teaching agroforestry, diversified crops and other commercial enterprises, FFS help farmers improve soil health, increase crop yields and find alternatives to unsustainable practices such as charcoal production. This approach provides economic incentives to adopt sustainable practices, demonstrating that FLR can improve both environmental and economic well-being.

Financial and logistical support from project partners enables the initial implementation of agroforestry and income-generating activities. Training on alternative livelihoods through FFS demonstrates the economic value of sustainable practices, making them more attractive to farmers.

Aligning FLR activities with local economic needs is essential for long-term success. When farmers see improved yields and increased incomes, they are more likely to adopt sustainable practices. Ensuring that restoration efforts contribute to immediate livelihood improvements motivates community members to actively participate in FLR.

Integrating Traditional Knowledge and Sustainable Practices

FFS combines traditional land management practices with sustainable FLR techniques, allowing communities to build on their existing knowledge. This integration respects cultural practices and promotes acceptance, facilitating the transition to sustainable land management. This step is also essential when communities make comparisons between what they are learning and their own knowledge/skills/practices.

A key component of FFS success is the integration of traditional knowledge, achieved through open dialogue with local elders and knowledge holders. Facilitators and project leaders are encouraged to understand and respect existing land use practices, which helps to integrate these practices with modern sustainable techniques. This culturally sensitive approach facilitates the acceptance of new methods, while increasing their effectiveness by building on familiar practices. Support from project partners ensures that traditional methods are respected and combined with ecological restoration techniques, increasing both community buy-in and practical relevance.

Combining traditional and modern practices makes FLR more relevant to local contexts. When restoration techniques resonate with familiar practices, communities are more likely to engage in and adopt FLR activities because these methods feel accessible and practical. When local knowledge forms the basis of the restoration approach, communities feel that they are partners rather than passive recipients of aid. This sense of ownership is essential for the long-term management of restored areas, as communities feel personally responsible for maintaining and protecting these landscapes. Traditional knowledge also often includes time-tested methods that are well suited to the local environment, such as specific planting cycles or water conservation practices adapted to seasonal weather patterns.

Law enforcement

The NCW, in collaboration with local authorities, has implemented environmental regulations and established protected habitats to ensure the safety and sustainability of wildlife. These include a ban on hunting and the designation of protected zones.  Measures have also been taken to prevent the collisions of birds with high-voltage power lines.