4 tapes on the importance of the forest locally and how it affects the global environment, were developed as public awareness tools. The tapes took the format of drama and songs in the local language about the environment for the community to understand the message better. Radio programs on various thematic areas on environmental conservation were also aired on the local radio station to reach a wider audience.
Both men and women are exploiters of forest resources. It is thus vital for both sexes to have a voice in decisions regarding managing the forest. The Ngo partnered with Gender and Development committee of the Peace corps to better address the needs of both. CBO leaders in particular were sensitized on gender issues so as to mainstream gender in all decisions.
Capacity - Building Component
In collaboration with the forestry officers who provide technical advice, the following trainings were provided :
75 people including VDC members were trained on Forest policy and forest management best Practices.
75 forest resource exploiters received training on improved natural resource management techniques.
100 farmers trained on improved farming techniques.
100 women trained on energy efficient stove development.
100 CBO leaders received training on gender and development.
Project sustainability
The economic potentials of the forest and forest resources if used sustainably have been highlighted through out the project implementation period. An individual farmer who has already taken to beekeeping in his orchard is generating a lot of income from this and is serving as an inspiration to others.
The project is expected to succeed post implementation by the community remaining committed to protect the established forest and to practice the techniques acquired for exploiting resources. The VDC and FMC have the responsibility to enforce the bi-laws and to stop any illegal activities. It is envisage that now that the community realizes the full economic potential of the forest, and now that they have a better understanding of the linkage between forest conservation and improved livelihood, they will remain motivated and committed to protecting their forest for their own benefit.
Realizing the economic impact of using less wood fuel and health benefits of the energy cooking stoves would also serve as incentive for the women to continue using and making them.
Emphasis on Sustainable Livelihoods
The main goal of the project is to enhance livelihood of the community through sustainable utilization of forest products. The concept of beekeeping is just one such use and one project beneficiary has already started using his orchard for and generating income from beekeeping activities and is inspiring others.
Four vegetable gardens were set up for the community women. The women are benefiting from the vegetable garden and their stove making skills to generate income. It is envisioned that, the income generated can be further invested into other business enterprises to further improve the livelihoods of the community.
Notable Community Participation
Thorough community consultations with all the stake holders for needs base assessment, the community was fully engaged in the project planning. This project is thus community conceived and strategically, the community was given the lead role in implementing the project. The sensitization event brought together 135 representative stakeholder from 42 communities.The concept of the community forest was embraced and the community members turned out in large numbers for the live fencing events. A renewed sense of ownership was injected into the community as evidenced by their pledged determination for stricter enforcement of the laws regarding illegal activities in the forest. There was also a higher community demand than could be accommodated by this project for skills training in the energy efficient stoves.
Project Results
- one day project sensitization workshop held and it brought together 15 service providers, 120 project beneficiary members from 42 communities.
-25, 000 different tree species nursery established.
-47,375 seedlings planted in 12 communities.
-3 community forests established.
-3 individual farmers assisted in establishing orchards.
-100 farmers trained on improved agriculture and horticulture production techniques.
-75 VDC and FMC members trained on forest management best practices and forest policy.
-75 forest exploiters trained on improved natural resource management techniques.
-100 CBO leaders trained on gender and development.
-100 community leaders received senstization training on HIV/ AIDs and its impact o development.
-12 technical messages on best practices in exploitation of forest resources developed and aired .
-4 audio tapes on forest related messages developed into drama plays and local songs in the local dialect aired to disseminate the message.
-5 panel discussions around various thematic environment topics aired on the community radio.
-100 energy saving cooking stoves (Jambar stoves) constructed and distributed to the women of the community.
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