To understand how different land uses affect ecosystem functions, the project applied InVEST modelling tools to map and quantify carbon storage, sediment retention, and habitat quality in three micro-watersheds. This allowed the project team and local stakeholders to see the “what” (the ecological state of the landscape), “why” (which land uses provided more benefits), and “how” (where interventions were needed). For instance, forest and shrubland areas were found to store significantly more carbon and reduce erosion compared to basic grain croplands. This modelling helped prioritize areas for restoration and agroforestry. The visual outputs and metrics supported evidence-based discussions with communities and decision-makers, integrating ecological science into watershed-level planning.

To measure the long-term effectiveness of training, monitoring and evaluation (M&E) processes are essential. Beyond collecting immediate feedback from participants, a holistic approach involves assessing the application of learned practices over time. 

Rather than merely counting the number of participants trained, the focus shifts to measuring the qualitative impacts of the training. This includes evaluating how the acquired knowledge translates into tangible outcomes such as increased productivity, improved resource management, and enhanced livelihoods. By systematically tracking these outcomes, the effectiveness of the training programme can be continuously assessed and improved.

Pilot testing of the training materials is an important step in refining and improving the content based on real-world feedback from various stakeholders, especially trainees and trainers. This process is enhanced through practical methods such as field visits and demonstrations, during which trainers showcase specific techniques. Trainees are then encouraged to apply these methods in real-life scenarios, allowing trainers to assess the applicability and relevance of the training content.

Through test training sessions, necessary adjustments and challenges can be identified—supplemented by anecdotal insights and direct feedback from farmers. This iterative approach ensures that the materials remain practical and relevant to local conditions, incorporate new knowledge, and adapt to changing environmental and market dynamics.

To guarantee the sustainability of the PR system, it is essential to ensure its institutional recognition and integration into national agricultural policies. This requires the establishment of a national training reference framework and a certification system for PRs. These standards define the skills and learning modules required to train PRs, covering both technical aspects (agroecology, soil conservation) and pedagogical skills (leadership, knowledge transmission). Certification, currently under development, will enable PRs to gain access to funding and strengthen their credibility with agricultural institutions and partners. In parallel, funding mechanisms have been put in place to support PRs and guarantee their empowerment. These mechanisms include :

• The Fonds Régional de Développement Agricole, which subsidizes the services provided by certified PRs.
• Income-Generating Activities (IGAs), enabling PRs to develop agricultural services (seed sales, compost production) to ensure their economic viability.
• Partnerships with farmers' organizations, to integrate PRs into local agricultural support structures.

A collaborative and participatory approach is central to the development of training materials. To ensure relevance, practicability, and ownership, a task force is typically formed—comprising representatives from ministries, academia, fish farmers, value chain actors, and researchers. Iterative processes, validation workshops, and stakeholder consultations are employed to refine the materials and ensure they reflect local needs.

Training should address not only the 'how' but also the 'why'. By explaining the rationale behind specific practices—such as reducing environmental impacts or promoting food and nutrition security—farmers gain a deeper understanding and are empowered to make informed decisions that align with sustainability goals. This goes beyond simply following instructions; it fosters critical thinking and adaptive problem-solving.

To build resilient and thriving enterprises, training should also incorporate elements such as business education, innovations along the value chain, and the use of decentralized renewable energy technologies. These components enable fish farmers to enhance their financial literacy, respond to market and environmental challenges, and implement innovative solutions for increased productivity and sustainability.

The initial step is conducting a thorough needs assessment and gap analysis by experienced technical team members from the project and partners. This process involves screening existing materials, consulting with stakeholders and actors in the fish value chain and identifying gaps in knowledge and practice. A field survey can be conducted to collect data on the needs of the beneficiaries and necessary framework requirements for training, e.g. technology availability, training duration, and intervals. 

During the implementation of this approach, collaboration with the Ministry of Agriculture was undertaken to train farmers who were members of partner groups to approve their seed establishments. Under the new certification system, the approval of a seed establishment can be carried out in parallel with seed certification. The standards applied in this system differ from those used in conventional seed production. The training course aims to clarify these differences and highlight the advantages of the new production framework. It takes place over four consecutive days, with three days of classroom sessions and half a day devoted to practical work in the field. Training is provided exclusively by specialists and qualified technicians. The main objective is to train farmers in all aspects of seed production, control, certification and marketing. The practical training was carried out on the premises of a farmer benefiting from the program. Participants were shown a simulation of the principle of field controls.

Any new variety can only be marketed if it is registered in the official catalog or in the register of seeds of declared quality. To obtain this registration, the variety must satisfy the criteria of two types of official test: Distinctness, Uniformity and Stability (DUS) for all species, and VATE (Agronomic, Technological and Environmental Value) for agricultural species. DUS verifies that the variety is distinct from varieties of common knowledge, uniform and stable, i.e. that it retains its phenotypic characteristics from generation to generation. VATE provides essential information on the variety's agronomic and qualitative characteristics.

In order to register a local, traditional or farmer's variety in the SQD Boeny Register, several steps must be followed according to the variety registration manual. The Register of species and varieties used in the SQD system contains the list of seeds and seedlings of varieties that can be produced under the certification system in the Boeny region and marketed on regional territory and, if authorized by the SOC, on national territory.