Review current laws & policies and stakeholder mapping
Stakeholder mapping involves reviewing the diverse interests of stakeholders across various sectors at both local and national levels. This process should be as comprehensive as possible, mapping out existing influence and power structures to determine who to engage directly or indirectly. Prior to stakeholder mapping, a thorough analysis of existing policies is conducted to fully understand the issues and why they matter to the community. This understanding then informs the stakeholder mapping activity, making it clearer who to engage with.
A clear understanding of relevant laws and policies related to the issue
Identification of specific policy gaps that need addressing
Accurate identification of target government organizations and officers
Proper selection of partners and civil society organizations
Ensuring community support and representation in the process
Understanding stakeholder interests and the impact of legal changes on those interests is crucial for effective engagement
It’s important to identify ongoing processes related to specific laws and policies to ensure inclusive and thorough mapping
Consolidating efforts through coalitions is essential to avoid parallel efforts and enhance impact
National coalitions can align efforts for greater policy influence
Building and strengthening networks should be prioritized over individual program objectives to achieve broader policy goals
Participatory research to identify local environmental challenges
The first step involves identifying local environmental challenges at the community level, such as water shortages, diminishing grazing areas, food scarcity, soil erosion, landslides, or flooding. NACOFA gathers community input on possible solutions and explores the links between these challenges and forest or environmental degradation.
Next, NACOFA studies the existing laws and policies that could address these issues, identifying any gaps, or determining if enhanced implementation or enforcement is needed. This process allows NACOFA to pinpoint the responsible government institutions, key officials, CSOs, partners, and community groups to collaborate with.
Clear understanding of the local or national issue and its impact on people and the environment.
Centering community and environmental well-being in the research approach.
Engaging with local leaders to ensure full community participation.
Collaborating with research organizations to align with current research policies.
This approach fosters informed policy development that centers on community needs.
Broad stakeholder engagement is crucial for policy advocacy success and enhances government accountability in service delivery.
Community ownership of the process is vital, leading to higher participation and long-term success.
Capacity building through biodiversity survey training workshop
Biodiversity training completion
Fundacao Tartaruga
The biodiversity survey training took place for one month from Janury to February 2024 at the Ministry of Agriculture and Environment in Boa Vista. 11 participants from 3 different NGOs completed the training led by Dr Dario Cesarini which was further enforced by Professor Andrea Brusaferro who provided technical support and training in GIS. They provided extensive training on:
The monitoring of protected areas
Behavior and abundance of ravens
Fisheries Biology of Goat whelk
Tracking of introduced and potentially invasive plant species
Study of the population of Phoenix Atlantica and Ficus Sycomorus,
Recording of human pressures and impacts
Collection of atmospheric climate data in communities
Use of GIS
Sharing and managing data
Encouraging young national Cabo Verdeans to actively participate in workshops and lead sessions and presentations
Selecting a biodiversity consultant who had extensive knowledge of the country including the local language (Cabo Verdean Criole)
Adapting the original plan to conduct training for only one week. In the end, the training was given over one month, as advised by the consultant to ensure that sufficient time was dedicated to both theoretical and practical training, and allowing for time to troubleshoot in the field.
Cooperation with the local PA management authority
Trust and confidence in the trainer is very important.
Communication is the key to a successful workshop.
Livelihood Support through Public Private Partnership
Institutional strengthening & sustainability
Farmer-led irrigation development plans
Enterprise development through value chain enhancement to sustain tree cultivation and improve livelihoods
The tree farmers are encouraged to participate in different value chains/enterprises developed for alternative income sources rather than depending on tree and land sale cutting for income.
Access to arable land on farmers' private properties and within the central forest reserve enables farmers to cultivate various crops, raise poultry, and rear small ruminants, all of which are in high demand and have readily available markets.
Technical support from FAO on value chains development and the accelerator programs to support with making the farmers business ready and youth upskilling. In partnership with Rural Communities in Development(RUCID) designed skilling program for girls and women in the following enterprises; Bakery, Juice, wine, roots and cereal processing, Banana, coffee and organic input production and briquattes making for fuel energy all aimed at income generation for the women and girls.
Agribusiness practices that integrate mixed farming with tree growing offer a sustainable approach to restoration. This method enhances plant, crop, and soil health by leveraging the natural benefits that different species provide to each other. In turn, crops can support tree health by preventing soil erosion and enhancing soil structure. This complementary relationship promotes a more resilient and productive agricultural system, fostering long-term ecological balance and sustainability.
Farmers practicing mixed agriculture within an agribusiness framework benefit from diversified sources of income and food. This approach mitigates the risks associated with climate change, such as prolonged droughts or floods, by not relying on a single crop or enterprise. Diversified farming systems ensure that if one crop fails due to adverse weather conditions, other crops or agricultural activities can provide income and sustenance. This reduces vulnerability and enhances food security, allowing farmers to sustain their livelihoods despite environmental challenges.
For long-term sustainability, farmers must align their expenditures with various income sources. It is crucial to have a daily income source to cover ongoing expenses and manage financial risks effectively. Diversified income streams from mixed farming, including crops, livestock, and tree products, provide a steady cash flow that can support daily needs and unexpected expenses. This financial resilience enables farmers to invest in their land and resources continuously, promoting sustainable agricultural practices and improving overall economic stability.
Restoration of degraded land in both forest reserve and on individual private land
The communities living adjacent to the degraded Atigo and Angutawele Central Forest reserves were mobilized to participate in the restoration of parts of the forest under Collaborative Forestry Management approach in partnership with the National Forestry Authority and the community.
Degraded forests and privately owned lands that urgently require restoration to mitigate severe climate change impacts.
Farmers' enthusiasm to participate in tree planting and management as part of the restoration efforts.
Supportive government policies that encourage community involvement in restoration activities, backed by technical leaders from Alwa and Kaberamaido Sub-Counties in Kaberamaido District.
Technical assistance from the Food and Agriculture Organization through the Saw Log Production Grant III, which facilitated the creation of a 5-hectare community demonstration woodlot.
The community needed extensive sensitization and education to understand the importance of restoration.
We established a tree nursery to supply seedlings to farmers locally, reducing the costs associated with sourcing seedlings from distant locations.
Initially, we planted exotic species like pine and eucalyptus, but have now shifted our focus to promoting indigenous trees and avoiding monoculture.
When we integrated crops that provided short-term income and demonstrated cash flow for farmers, our pitch decks attracted significantly more attention, as evidenced by projects like the NSSF Hi Innovator Project and Land Accelerator.
