Community mobilization: Shared learning and direct exchange between farmers and with the PR
GIZ
Sustainability of the PR approach
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.
- The introduction of a certification process, tested in two pilot areas, guarantees official recognition of the PRs and their integration into agricultural systems.
- The development of Income-Generating Activities (IGAs) enables PRs to offer services linked to local inputs, thereby strengthening their financial autonomy.
- Access to funding mechanisms, notably via the regional agricultural development fund, supports certified PRs by subsidizing their services and initiatives.
- A national reference system and a certification process reinforce the legitimacy and effectiveness of RPs. These tools offer official recognition and facilitate their inclusion in funding schemes and local partnerships.
- Support for the creation of income-generating activities is crucial to ensure the long-term commitment of PRs. Opportunities such as input supply enable PRs to reconcile their responsibilities with direct financial benefits.
- Collaboration with local actors is essential to maintain the sustainability of the model after the end of the programs. These partnerships ensure a smooth transition and continuity of services.