Land for Life CREATE WEALTH TRANSFORM LIVES Land for Life for Land

Home , Defaunation, Desert greening, Kubuqi Desert, Land

CREATE WEALTH —TRANSFORM LIVES

CREATE WEALTH TRANSFORM LIVES As a mother is Allowing us to cultivate her soil Mother Earth gives her land to us for our own bidding We must, in turn, Return the favor Nurture Mother Earth, as she nurtured us

Extract of poem, “Mother Earth,” by Yen Li Yeap (13 years old) © 2016 UNCCD and World Bank UNCCD Secretariat Langer Eugen, Platz der Vereinten Nationen 1 D-53113 Bonn, Germany Tel: +49-228 / 815-2800 Fax: +49-228 / 815-2898/99 Email: [email protected]

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ISBN 978-92-95110-22-9 (hard copy) ISBN 978-92-95110-21-2 (e-version) CREATE WEALTH, TRANSFORM LIVES

A Joint Publication of the World Bank/TerrAfrica and UNCCD Secretariat, with contributions from International Union for the Conservation of Nature, The Global Environment Facility, UNDP’s Global Policy Centre on Resilient Ecosystems and Desertification and the UNCCD Land for Life Programme.

Contents

Foreword...... v Preface...... vii Abbreviations...... ix Introduction to This Book...... 1 INNOVATIONS: INSTITUTIONS...... 5 Natural Resources Governance as a Tool for Rural Poverty Reduction...... 9 Promoting Resilience in the Community Managed Rangelands of Kenya...... 15 Community Participation Leads to Better Conservation...... 19 Value-Driven Land Rehabilitation in the Shouf Area of Lebanon...... 27 WEALTH CREATION...... 35 More Than Sustainable Land Management...... 39 Kubuqi Ecological Restoration—Reviving the Old Charm of Kubuqi’s “First City of Grassland”...... 47 Living Oasis: The Fight against Desertification in Morocco...... 55 HUMAN SECURITY, CLIMATE CHANGE, AND FORCED MIGRATION...... 71 From Yellow to Green: Building a Sustainable Regional Development Model...... 75 Restoring Hope in the Mountain Rangeland of Afghanistan...... 83 Climate Adaptation for Rural Livelihoods and Agriculture (CARLA)...... 89 A Holistic Approach to Harness Coping Strategies for Community Adaptation to Climate Change...... 93 SCALING UP SLM AND LAND RESTORATION INITIATIVES...... 97 Restoring the Resilience of Ethiopia’s Highland Peoples and Landscapes...... 101 A Programmatic Approach for Transformational Changes and Integrated Solutions...... 127 Advancing Towards Landscape Restoration through Innovative Solutions in the Horn of Africa...... 129 Improving Livelihoods in Uttarakhand in India...... 131 CONCLUSION...... 137 List of Authors, Story Contributors, Photo Credits, and Acknowledgments...... 143

LAND FOR LIFE iii iv UNCCD . WORLD BANK Foreword

he Global Goals of the United Nations But we do not need to imagine what that General Assembly mark a radical shift world might look like. The stories and pic- Tin the way the international community tures within this book provide us with the has solved land degradation issues in the picture of that tomorrow, today. Becoming past. For a start, there is a target on land. land degradation neutral is not simply about Goal 15, which focuses on the management restoring degraded lands. It is about self- of land resources, has a bold target: for every interest—making sure the land can still pro- nation on Earth to become land degradation vide food and fresh water for us, our children, neutral by 2030. In simple terms, it means and to the third and fourth generations. It is that in 15 years, we should put an end to the about giving every child, from Mongolia to past pattern of degrading more land than we Afghanistan and from Ethiopia to China, the are restoring back to health every year. By fighting chance for a better life. 2011, when this idea was first proposed, at least 169 of the 192 United Nations member If this all sounds too good to be true, read states had declared that they were affected this book. The pictures show the transforma- by desertification, land degradation, and/or tion and testimonies of families and com- drought. munities rising from ruin and thriving, and of a restored man-made desert spawning a The adoption of this target can inspire posi- millionaire after rehabilitating the land. The tive change. But it would blow our minds if achievements are phenomenal and the hero- we could really see what 2030 would look ism of the people is refreshing. The target to like if we took that target seriously. We would stop land degradation is not wishful thinking. create new jobs and pull nearly 2 billion poor Whoever takes it seriously can expect to reap people out of poverty. And we would live a meaningful reward! in beautifully restored environments that are not just resilient to climate change, but Monique Barbut whose productivity would soar and its people Executive Secretary thrive, in spite of climate change.

Preface

he livelihoods of the poorest people The initiatives described in this book in the world depend on land, water, have brought land degradation, climate Tforests, and other natural resources. adaptation, and resilient landscapes and Sustainable management of these crucial ecosystems to the forefront of many policy natural resources is at the heart of achieving and investment dialogues at national, the World Bank Group’s twin goals to end regional, and global levels. But addressing extreme poverty and boost shared prosper- these challenges will require heavy ity. Nowhere is it truer than Africa, a conti- investments and effective partnerships to nent that has contributed the least to the mobilize the resources needed. TerrAfrica, profound changes underway in the Earth’s which is led by the African Union’s NEPAD climate but whose people will suffer its with- Agency, has supported governments by ering impact the most. Africa’s climate and leveraging up to US$3 billion for sustainable development agendas are inextricably linked. land and water investments for the Great Green Wall, Sahel, and the Horn of Africa Land is life. In Africa, drylands make up Initiatives, among others. 43 percent of the continent’s land area, account for 75 percent of agricultural This year, 26 African countries and partners land, and are home to 50 percent of the will launch the Resilient Landscapes Initiative population. Frequent droughts accompanied to restore 100 million hectares of degraded by unplanned, unsustainable, and poorly and deforested land in Africa by 2030. The managed use of land and water has Resilient Landscapes Initiative will focus contributed to the deterioration of the on improving soil fertility, food security, natural resources base in these areas. access to clean water, creating green jobs, Investing in landscape restoration efforts and bolstering economic growth and livelihood in improved natural resource management diversification, and increasing the capacity for can help to strengthen the livelihoods of climate change resilience and adaptation. The those communities who are dependent on initiative is centered around people’s social, these fragile natural assets. economic and environmental welfare, and goes beyond single-sector interventions. Its The World Bank supports multiple regional success, however, will require the support and initiatives, as well as a large number of engagement of all land actors. As the stories projects, aimed at helping countries restore in this report invite us to do, let’s join forces to degraded lands, improve productivity, and help support the sustainable use of land for become more resilient to the effects of better lives. climate change. These actions are similar to those described in Land for Life, a collection of stories on communities’ and institutions’ Makhtar Diop contributions to enhancing the resilience of Vice President for Africa Region both ecosystems and livelihoods, creating World Bank Group wealth and transforming lives. The stories prove that land degradation is not inevitable.

LAND FOR LIFE vii

Abbreviations

AD Anno Domini (After Christ) IFAD International Fund for ASTOS Tourism Association for the Agricultural Development Southern Oases IUCN International Union for Nature BC Before Christ Conservation BIOTO Tourism Information Office MSP Medium-Sized Project CA Conservation Agriculture NGO Non-Governmental Organization CARLA Climate Adaptation for Rural NRM Natural Resource Management Livelihoods and Agriculture PES Payment for Ecosystem Services CBD Convention on Biological POS Programme Oasis Sud Diversity RAP Resource Advocacy Programme CBO Community Based Organization RMB Renminbi CCTV Chinese Central Tele-Vision ROWA Regional Office for West Africa CDP Community Development Plan RUA Rangeland Users Association CO2 Carbon Dioxide SBR Shouf Biosphere Reserve COAM Conservation Organization of SDF SEKEM Development Afghan Mountain Areas Foundation CORDAID Catholic Aid for Relief and SDGs Sustainable Development Goals Development SEKEM Vitality or full of energy COS SB Cluster des Oasis du Sahara SHGs Self-Help Groups Social Business SLM Sustainable Land Management DEG Die Deutsche Investition-und SLWM Sustainable Land and Water Entwicklungsgesellschaft Management DGCL Directorate General for Local UK-DFID United Kingdom Department for Collectives International Development EBDA Egyptian Biodynamic Association UNCCD United Nations Convention to ESARO East and Southern African Combat Desertification Regional Office UNDP United Nations Development GAN Green Asia Network Programme GEF Global Environment Facility UNEP United Nations Environment GHGs Green House Gases Programme GIZ Deutsche Gesellschaft für UNESCO United Nations Education, Internationale Zusammenarbeit Scientific and Cultural GmbH Organization GLASOD Global Assessment of Human- UNFCCC United Nations Framework Induced Soil Degradation Convention on Climate Change HOA Horn of Africa WFC World Future Council IEM Integrated Ecosystem WPI Water Poverty Index Management WUA Water Users Association

LAND FOR LIFE ix

Introduction to This Book

he title of this publication, Land for challenges. Each year, as many as 10 million Life: Create Wealth, Transform Lives, hectares of land completely lose their pro- Treflects the growing realization that ductive capacity due to unsustainable prac- land management underpins sustainable tices. More than 2 billion people, including development. This realization is now embod- some of the world’s poorest smallholders and ied in the Sustainable Development Goals. pastoralists, are affected globally. This degra- Goal 15 focuses on “life on land” to: Protect, dation is the result of land uses or a process, restore and promote sustainable use of ter- or combination of processes, including those restrial ecosystems, sustainably manage arising from human activities and habita- forests, combat desertification, and halt and tion patterns. The gradual loss of tree and reverse land degradation as well as biodi- vegetative cover, depletion of soil nutrients versity loss. Land for Life: Create Wealth, and organic matter, and decline in the quality Transform Lives shares real-life examples and quantity of water resources are pervasive of communities around the world that are symptoms of land degradation in the devel- already taking steps toward achieving Goal oping world. 15, and more specifically, this target: By 2030, combat desertification, restore degraded Land degradation reduces the capacity of land and soil, including land affected by the soil to produce goods and services, desertification, drought and floods, and strive such as providing nutrients for crops and to achieve a land degradation–neutral world. livestock, sequestering and storing carbon, safeguarding biodiversity, and supporting water and nutrient cycles. Severely degraded LAND DEGRADATION land ultimately becomes unproductive, and AS A CHALLENGE the economic cost of restoring such lands is often prohibitive. As a result, new areas are continuously opening up for agriculture and Land is an important livelihood asset for grazing to meet growing demands. Yet the millions of people across the globe. In the planet’s land-based assets are finite. We face developing world, land-based ecosystem a real risk of undermining future options if services are directly linked to human well- existing areas under production are not man- being. For example, about 1.6 million people aged sustainably. depend on forest landscapes for their livelihoods. They get their food, fiber, fuel, and Sustainable land management is critical for medicine directly from forests. Nearly 5 bil- ensuring the sustainable flow of ecosys- lion hectares of the planet’s land area are tem services to support current and future under crop and livestock production, which demands in crop and livestock production. utilizes natural capital — soil, water, and Projections of global population growth sug- genetic resources — to produce food, fiber, gest that the pressure to expand cultivated and biomass. Managing this land efficiently areas for food and feed production will and effectively is essential for maintaining the increase, especially in developing countries. planet’s life support system. However, there are limited options for major new expansions. Sustaining the productivity Unfortunately, sustainable land manage- of existing agricultural and grazing land is ment remains one of mankind’s greatest therefore essential to meet the current and

LAND FOR LIFE 1 future needs of increased food production or rear healthy animals. Their food secu- without compromising ecosystem goods and rity and food sovereignty are jeopardized. services. Consequently, such affected communities or individuals must relocate or migrate in search of more productive lands, often leading to THE PROMISE OF SUSTAINABLE the natural resource conflicts that we are wit- LAND MANAGEMENT nessing in some dryland regions.

Land degradation is also a factor in rural– Land for Life: Create Wealth, Transform Lives urban migration and, in some cases, in the covers two main themes, as its title suggests, loss of valuable agricultural skills that have that reflect the relationship and interdepen- been gained over millennia. With the deple- dence between environmental well-being tion of productive land, farmers and pastoral- and human welfare—wealth creation and ists in many parts of the developing world human security. can no longer afford to stay in agriculture. The forced migration and then return of the Creating wealth for human welfare through villagers in Mongolia, as well as the non- broadening livelihood opportunities and migration of communities in Afghanistan alternative incomes reduces pressure on land and in Egypt, in spite of living in some of the and related resources. The initiatives and would-be most inhospitable environments, projects demonstrate how institutions and show the robustness of sustainable land local governance support wealth creation management. through sustainable land management. The initiative on pastoral communities in Kenya shows how the cooperation of state and cus- TOWARD A LAND DEGRADATION– tomary institutions to manage land as a com- NEUTRAL WORLD mon property resource led to transformed lives. In India and Namibia, the projects include a careful consideration of gender as This publication is the third in the Land for a core priority for successful implementa- Life series for the United Nations Convention tion of sustainable land management. The to Combat Desertification (UNCCD). The institutionalization of gender needs, bridging books are geared toward sharing stories of gender disparities between men and women, successful sustainable land management showed a positive influence on the outcomes from around the world. Land for Life: Create of projects. Wealth, Transform Lives focuses on the links between socioeconomic and environmental With regard to human security, the publica- challenges and the efforts to address them in tion highlights how land degradation and a holistic manner. The initiatives and projects climate change are exacerbating extreme presented in this publication indicate that conditions in the drylands and leading to a land degradation–neutral world is pos- forced migration. A number of projects point sible. They also point to the fact that efforts to land degradation as an explanatory factor to combat land degradation can be linked in human and animal migration, as well as a directly to human well-being, as reflected in source of conflict among land users. As more the Sustainable Development Goals. land gets degraded and ecosystem services are lost, the impacts of climate change and Land for Life: Create Wealth, Transform Lives climate variability are greatly pronounced. is a useful compendium of initiatives and This reduces the size and value of the produc- projects demonstrating the benefits of sus- tive land that is the life support for millions tainable land management for livelihoods, of people, who can no longer produce crops in particularly harsh environments. Through

2 UNCCD . WORLD BANK the selected projects, the book highlights land degradation–neutral world will depend practices and technologies being used to on the extent to which these stakehold- improve and sustain land productivity. The ers collectively engage. Understanding the examples provide evidence that sustainable diversity of approaches for sustainable land land management can arrest or reverse the management will help to promote suitable degradation of biophysical elements of the policies for widespread implementation. It land, while offering opportunities to improve will also create investment opportunities to the well-being of communities that depend maximize impact potential. With this, there is directly on that land. It also shows that when reason to hope that a land degradation–neu- the socioeconomic conditions are improved tral world is possible. and livelihoods transformed, land resources are better managed. The text is not intended to read as one story with a central theme. Rather, it presents, in Land for Life: Create Wealth, Transform Lives unusual detail, the often underestimated or also offers a glimpse of how sustainable land under-acknowledged benefits of managing management creates synergies among the land sustainably that are particularly vital three Rio Conventions: UN Convention to for behavior change. Some cases provide Combat Desertification, the UN Framework detailed information about how to mobi- Convention on Climate Change (UNFCCC), lize communities, why communities resist and the Convention on Biological Diversity change, how to engage patriarchal and pow- (CBD). Land degradation releases green- erful groups in society to empower women or house gases above ground (through loss of how to use evaluations to learn and reinforce vegetative cover and biomass) and below positive change. The cases also give the ground (through depletion of soil organic individuals who are directly affected by the matter). Land degradation also leads to the projects a voice: from the 78-year old farmer loss of biodiversity through devegetation and Meresa Demts, from Merere in Ethiopia defaunation. Hence, the initiatives and exam- to Noura Nasser, a disabled girl in Egypt ples in this publication demonstrate bottom- working at a school for children with special up approaches that support synergies among needs. Activists, practitioners and consul- the three Rio Conventions. tants interested in making land degradation neutrality a reality by 2030 will benefit, as will The lessons and experiences should be of journalists looking for striking human interest broad interest to researchers, policy makers, stories that readers can relate to. and practitioners in the environment and development community. Progress toward a

LAND FOR LIFE 3

INNOVATIONS: INSTITUTIONS

ustainable land management (SLM) interventions or the assumption that rural has the potential to provide multiple communities are ‘people who do not know Sbenefits both to the communities that what they are doing’. directly depend on an ecosystem and others: neighboring rural communities, urban This section focuses on behavior change: centers, and the global society. SLM encom- from unsustainable to the sustainable passes approaches such as soil and water use of land in the drylands of Jordan and conservation, natural resources management Kenya. The change is particularly interest- and integrated ecosystem management. It ing because it happens among communities also involves a holistic approach to achieving that strongly resisted change initially. In the productive and healthy ecosystems by inte- end, they not only change and police the grating the social, economic, physical and resources themselves, but they also influence biological needs and values. But SLM also policy and regulatory change beyond their requires innovative solutions both to man- local regions. There are several important les- age the risks associated with climate change sons, but two are particularly striking. effects and to address the unique environmental features associated with different First, participation, through real and not ecosystems. cosmetic involvement of the communities in the dialogue, is indispensable. Resistance Such innovations are often diverse, wide- to behavior change is not due to the stupid- spread and at times even endemic to the ity, illiteracy or even backwardness of com- cultural practices of communities. However, munities, as is often assumed. Rather, it is a there is a risk of undermining these inno- governance issue. It is a fight for their demo- vations through development and policy cratic principles. Traditional norms and rules

LAND FOR LIFE 7 are the means by which communities live in in this book demonstrates, SLM adoption peace. However illogical they appear to be, rates rise exponentially when people see they have an inherent logical that is traceable evidence of the positive results. As the res- to the history of the community, as is evi- toration of the Shouf Region demonstrates, dent from the Dedha and Hima systems. To it is vital to find effective reward systems in change these norms and rules, genuine con- order to get public support for the conser- sultation and dialogue with the communities vation of ecosystems that provide essential is vital. Avoiding or overlooking that dialogue services but are not viable through private automatically compromises the sustainabil- payments. ity of the desired change. It will erode with time. Dialogue is the process by which new The other insights the chapter offers include norms are negotiated and agreed within the the process of marrying local norms and rules community. with government regulation to produce robust means to avoid land degradation. They draw Second, there is an economic logic to land attention to the agents of change and how degradation. Land is degraded because key opponents become the lead proponents people have needs they must meet either of change, and to the use of “visioning” as directly or indirectly. Land restoration and a tool for social change. The chapter also rehabilitation efforts that fail to find the underlines the importance of capacity-build- means to meet these livelihood needs will ing at the local level for the long-term sustain- not succeed voluntarily. But as every story ability of the new rules and norms.

8 UNCCD . WORLD BANK Natural Resources Governance as a Tool for Rural Poverty Reduction

rylands make up 84 percent of Kenya’s living in the drylands of Kenya are among the land surface and support over a third poorest people in the country. They have less Dof the country’s population of about access to social services and infrastructure 44.35 million people (Barrow and Mogaka compared to those not living in drylands. 2007). Drylands also account for 80 percent of the country’s eco-tourism and are home Traditionally, pastoral land in Kenya belonged to up to 75 percent of its wildlife (GoK 2005b to people of a clan linked by decent or cul- cited in Orindi et al. 2007). The potential tural affiliation. Land in these communities value of drylands in development and pov- is not usually regarded as private property. erty reduction is significant. But it is largely Rather, it is owned collectively by the entire unrecognized, if the lack of investments and community. Key pastoral resources such policy incentives targeting drylands is any- as water and pasture are often available to thing to go by. As a result, the communities all. Here, traditional or customary laws that

LAND FOR LIFE 9 protect the future productive capacity of the In general, livestock mobility allows pastoral- land are common. In many pastoral com- ists to use transient and scattered patches munities, they are used to govern resource of pasture at their peak nutritional value. A access and use. These customary laws are skilled herder, for instance, will maximize the used to negotiate and enforce dynamic and time that a herd is grazing on the best quality overlapping user rights, which enable herd- pasture. The herder relies on a deep knowl- ers to manage climatic uncertainty. edge of the local environment and manages herd mobility within the limits set out by the The community in GarbaTulla, composed Dedha. The main objective of the Dedha is mainly of the Borana pastoralists, use the to ensure that standing forage is preserved Jarsa Dedha (the Dedha council of elders) for the dry season. Therefore, grazing near to manage access and use of the pastoral permanent sources of water is restricted resources. The Dedha council enforces laws, when alternative grazing resources are avail- and they are governed by the Gada council able. Communal land tenure enables this (the supreme Boran governance structure). mobility by providing the overarching institu- The way this traditional system was set up tional framework within which user rights are enabled pastoral vegetation to regenerate applied and renegotiated as environmental in a natural way and ensured conflicts over conditions change. However, pastoral land the use of these resources was limited. This tenure today is still poorly understood and is because the system ensured everyone not respected. This has resulted in land poli- accessed and used the resources at given cies that undermine the pastoral production times. The Dedha system was also highly system. respected by community members.

10 UNCCD . WORLD BANK The International Union for Conservation arrangements; local communities are better of Nature (IUCN), in partnership with the able to capture viable economic and biodi- Resource Advocacy Programme (RAP), versity-related benefits from identified dry- a local community based organization, land ecosystem opportunities; and lessons and with funding from the UK-DFID and and best practices are captured effectively CORDAID, implemented the “Improving and disseminated to promote learning and Natural Resource Governance for Rural enable a scaling-up of the positive project Poverty Reduction” project in GarbaTulla’s impacts. District of Isiolo County. The four year project was implemented between 2009 and Strategies to Improve Natural 2013. The goal was to “improve governance in order to support better livelihood security Resource Governance and ecosystem management in the drylands of Africa.” The four main result areas for the IUCN conducted a strategic planning pro- project were: an increase in awareness and cess with RAP in order to determine the policy guidance among decision-makers changes to natural resource governance and stakeholders, based on identified that the project would support and the best practices for dryland management; strategies for achieving them. The process more effective participatory decision mak- involved a visioning process that brought ing in natural resource use and manage- out the prevailing governance challenges ment, based on strengthened institutional the communities in the district faced, and

LAND FOR LIFE 11 Figure 1. IUCN: Kenya, Water for Livestock

created a vision for change. To the extent traditions and value systems of the people possible, the project built on existing gov- they are intended to govern. While many of ernance mechanisms in the GarbaTulla the customs and traditions in this area remain area. In particular, the project built on the resilient and applicable, the institutional customary common property governance structures through which they were previously system of land and natural resource access, enforced have been progressively eroded. ownership and management, which has The challenge, then, was to find the means been in place for many years and is widely by which the local customs, traditions and understood and recognized by a large values could be institutionalized into formal proportion of the community. The project natural resource management regulatory worked extensively with local communi- frameworks. ties, their representative institutions and with local government partners to support By strengthening traditional rules on natural the development of stronger regulatory resource management and formalizing those systems, more robust and effective institu- into laws that guarantee fair access and gov- tions for natural resource management, and ernance, the resource tenure could be better improved planning processes to strengthen secured. More security over ones rights to a the governance of natural resources within resource base can encourage more appro- GarbaTulla district, and Isiolo County as priate investment, enables effective deci- a whole. The project approach involved sion making on use and management, and several interlinked strands. Some of these enhances the well-being of local people. included: The process of developing the local by- The idea of providing mechanisms through laws was highly participatory. It enjoyed the which local practices, cultures and innova- buy–in of the local community and govern- tions can be mainstreamed into official ment in order to ensure the sustainability of regulatory frameworks for natural resource outcomes and adherence to the law in the management in GarbaTulla arose from the future. The by-law development process fol- recognition that the compliance with laws lowed several systematic steps: and regulations is linked to the extent to which such systems reflect local customs,

12 UNCCD . WORLD BANK 1. The collection and collation of infor- A customary institution bill for natural mation on customary rules for natural resource governance and management was resource governance in consultation proposed which articulates: a) the roles of with key stakeholders, especially elders. elders, b) enforcement mechanisms and c) The by-law formulation process started regulations on water resources, pasture, and with the Ardha and Olla (which are the woodlands. The guidelines for the other smallest units for resource management process that the community needed to put among the Boran community). At this in place in order to have their regulations level, elders generate customary rules/ recognized by the statutory system were also regulations for certain resource man- developed. These included having the adop- agement issues. The proposed by-laws tion by the County government and their were discussed extensively in Ardha registration with the central government. meetings and then forwarded to the These guidelines also speak to the options Dedha, the highest resource manage- for strengthening customary systems in natu- ment unit, for further discussion and ral resource governance and management consideration. The Dedha elders are within the emerging policy context in Kenya. made up of representatives of the different Ardhas. Although the by-law proposed is expected to solve a number of resource management 2. The distillation of customary rules and issues, there are still outstanding challenges regulations into a language that will within this approach. These include: defin- permit for their enactment as regula- ing ‘community’ and delineating ‘commu- tions within the framework of relevant nity land’, scaling up the by-laws beyond laws including emerging County gov- GarbaTulla to the neighboring communities, ernment by-laws, the Environmental and harmonizing the formal and traditional Management and Coordination Act, institutions of natural resource governance. 1999, the Water Act, 2002, the Forest Act, 2005, the National Land Policy, and the Rangeland Users Associations (RUAs) and Constitution of Kenya, 2010. Water Users Associations (WUAs) were identified as priority local institutions, which were 3. A presentation of the draft by-laws to the supported in order to manage strategic community and the holders of customary grazing and water points. These institutions law for validation and approval. received capacity building training and support, and were assisted in operationalizing

LAND FOR LIFE 13 some of the governance strategies agreed discuss pertinent issues arising from the in the rangeland plan. In addition, the actors project. These dialogues helped to har- actively supported the capacity building of monize views and priorities across com- RAP, both technically and financially. The RAP peting interest groups in the drylands, was assigned the powers to convene meet- and to promote the adoption of common ings and to be the umbrella organization positions on governance matters in the for rallying other traditional natural resource drylands. These dialogues were also an management (NRM) institutions on com- opportunity to share knowledge about the mon issues. By working directly with NRM, IUCN approach to support natural resource institutions, new skills and knowledge was governance in the drylands. The dialogues imparted, drawn from the experience gained provided an opportunity to situate the les- from engaging with other stakeholders that sons from the project in wider debates that are also addressing NRM in the district. were emerging within the country due to changes to the constitution and the evolv- County level and national level dialogues ing devolution processes. were conducted to share lessons and

14 UNCCD . WORLD BANK Promoting Resilience in the Community Managed Rangelands of Kenya

he northern arid districts of Kenya are vulnerability to drought. The Boran custom- home to large pastoral communities. ary system sets out laws and regulations TBut the changing land use patterns, for the management of water and land population growth and the erosion of tradi- resources, based on a complex web of user tional land management systems are weak- rights. While these are legitimate among ening the resilience of the pastoral lifestyle. local communities, they lack State recogni- As drought cycles become more and more tion. Thus, the local system is often unable frequent, communities are losing large herds to control access and use of resources- par- of livestock, as their livelihoods become ticularly of water- by communities located more vulnerable to climatic events. outside the area.

Moreover, the emergency water develop- In 2012, IUCN initiated a project called ment undertaken often inadvertently worsens “Water for Livestock in Isiolo and Garissa the situation. The inappropriate siting of Counties, Kenya — Enhancing water resource water points encourages settlement, which is and rangeland management, community followed swiftly by a break down in the com- capacity through training and cash for work plex grazing patterns that have evolved over program”. The objective was to improve centuries. The end result is both water and livelihoods and resilience against drought land degradation. In addition, the tendency among targeted communities by: (i) improv- to focus on delivering hardware and technical ing access to water for livestock in ways that support often comes at the expense of build- promote sustainable management of range- ing the capacity and skills needed to effec- land resources and; (ii) strengthening the tively govern land and water resources. This resilience of local communities in times of project was driven by the demands by the drought and climate variability. local communities to eliminate some of the water points that relief organizations had set The starting point was to create a strategic up. According to the community, these extra water development approach based on com- water points were distorting the functioning munity needs and rangeland management of their ecosystem and they needed to be plans. The rangeland management plans shut down for the ecosystem to maintain its show the mobility patterns of pastoral com- resilience. munities during the wet and dry seasons. A specific concern for the project was to Traditional dryland resource management address the issue of water-rangeland balance is often built on synergies between land in order to extend the grazing period in the and water. Pastoralists use a flexible, adap- wet season grazing area. With community tive system based on mobility, to sustain needs at the centre of water development, healthy ecosystems and reduce the land’s

LAND FOR LIFE 15 the focus lay in balancing water needs and the livestock will stay permanently and this pasture availability. will cause heavy degradation of a potentially fragile part of the ecosystem. A key assumption was that during the wet season, communities are likely to move to Thus, the focus also turned to strengthening the wet season grazing areas in search of the capacity of local institutions to sustain- pasture. However, despite the abundance of ably govern and maintain water infrastructure pasture, the decline in the water availability in order to improve the lives of the commu- for their livestock would force them to move nity groups. Through sustainable and regu- away from these areas. The intervention was lated water management, the project also meant to enable the community to stay in expected to indirectly reduce the number of these areas long enough to utilize all the water-related conflicts. available pasture before moving on. Thus the idea evolved to develop sub surface IUCN envisioned three outputs by working dams to collect water to make it available with the community: (i) building up the tra- for livestock, which in turn, would encourage ditional systems; (ii) understanding the key communities to stay in the pasture areas for a role that water plays in the management of longer period. an entire rangeland; and (iii) allowing for the flexible use of the rangeland’s patchy, yet The process of developing the subsurface rich, resources. dams involved a social feasibility process. Adequate consultations are carried out with After years of working with the commu- communities and other relevant stakehold- nity, the infrastructure for water that was ers to agree on the location of these water set up improved access to water for live- points. Some of the key factors considered in stock. Livestock could graze for two to five the location of the water points are commu- months more before moving to the dry nity movements, proximity to communities grazing zones, which ensured the pasture and the relevance of these water points to was not exhausted. Simply put, it ended the the community needs. There is however a risk problem of overgrazing which drives land that if the wrong infrastructure is put in place, degradation.

Figure 2. Consultation Processes Undertaken to Manage Kenya’s Rangelands

Steering National level Committee governments, universities, civil society

Intermediate level Project (governorate/district) Governorate-Level Facilitation Teams Documentation Local government, line Technical support ministries, NGOs Capacity building

Range-Level Community level Committees Women, agricultural, domestic, CBOs

16 UNCCD . WORLD BANK The supply of domestic water now lasts because the water infrastructure has between two to five months. And the water enabled everyone to get an adequate quality has improved. Community members supply of water. However, this might not reported a change in the color and taste of have been adequate to quell the conflicts. the water. In some areas, the incidence of Capacity development trainings were car- waterborne diseases among children has ried out and well received by the different fallen. The distances community members are participants. The dialogues that took place travelling to find water have fallen, in some in this process led to the creation of multi- instances from 12 or 15 km down to 3 km. stakeholder platforms that have helped to reduce the friction between groups and to Community members report that there sustain the integrated water management are fewer conflicts over water resources plans.

LAND FOR LIFE 17 18 UNCCD . WORLD BANK Community Participation Leads to Better Conservation

arious studies have shown that the many rural communities, water is not the only western region of Jordan faces a mul- problem. With little to no proper infrastruc- Vtitude of threats to its biodiversity and ture, equitable shares of water merely exist natural ecosystems as a result of habitat loss and low environmental awareness and low and general land degradation processes incomes are the norm. associated with human expansion and economic growth. But by combining the tradi- Jordan’s demographics are potentially major tional Hima and integrated Natural Resource factors affecting its development. Jordan’s Management (NRM) approaches, this region population exceeds seven million, most of has recovered a lot of its degraded lands and whom live in urban centers. This fact poses has reversed biodiversity loss. a great threat in light of the many climatic changes and environmental challenges Naturally Disadvantaged Jordan faces. As one of the driest countries in the world, Jordan shoulders large burdens Jordan is well known for its droughts and in dealing with climate change impacts. water shortages. The northern mountains of Iraq, most of the Mount Lebanon and Despite great efforts by local governments to Anti Lebanon mountain ranges, as well as try to adapt to and manage climate change the southern regions between Jordan and impacts in Jordan’s rural areas, water Palestine are especially at risk of drought. In

LAND FOR LIFE 19 resources per capita are drastically falling as capital, and insufficient organization, are the a result of mismanagement and population factors that lead to unsustainable practices. growth. Jordan’s natural resources are under stress and are expected to be further aggra- Irrigation is marginal among the smallholders vated in the future. of the Southern Highlands. Some supplementary watering is provided to fruit tree Overall, Jordan’s Southern Highlands fall plantations through spring water-fed convey- within the “moderate” land degradation ance systems, or through water-harvesting severity class, which is characterized by devices such as cisterns. However, due to greatly reduced agricultural productivity water scarcity and insufficient investment (GLASOD 1990). This result is based on the capacity for adequate water-harvesting sys- use of field observations, focus group discus- tems and proper maintenance of field distri- sions with land users and other stakeholders, bution networks, this leads to water stress, and analyses of available documentation and low productivity, and even salinization. information during project implementation. The qualitative assessment of the major land The over-pumping of groundwater basins degradation types, as well as assessment and land degradation have also resulted in of the major causes and incidences in the negative effects on ecosystem diversity, ani- Southern Highlands has improved. Humans mal and plant diversity, and agro-biodiversity. worsen the situation. For instance, the average abstraction per year of groundwater from the renewable Rangeland degradation is driven by over- ground resources at Jafr basin currently grazing. The impact of overgrazing on the stands at 180 percent of its combined safe vegetation is evident from the excessive yield. Here, groundwater is used for domes- uprooting of the green matter such as grass tic, industrial, and agricultural purposes. and bushes which leads to reduced seed- Many of the springs are very small, and some ing, reduced regeneration, and consequent have dried up in recent years due to drought reduction in plant production the following and over-pumping of the aquifers. The year. Also, there is a change in the composi- springs are usually owned and operated by tion of plants and a decline in their volume small, traditional farmers. and frequency. In addition, during drought, there is a stronger decline in productivity Moreover, the water scarcity associated with compared to non-degraded rangelands. high poverty and population growth puts more pressure on the natural resources to Unsustainable land use and management, meet increased food and income demands. recurrent droughts, and climate change are In Ma’an, the governorate has a huge num- the main causes of biodiversity loss in the ber of Jordanian families that are associated Southern Highlands. Unsustainable land-use with tribal cultural customs. Its residents practices include improper plowing, inappro- are commonly known as pastoralists. They priate rotations, inadequate or nonexistent live on agricultural land that is known for its management of plant residues, overgrazing mountainous soil and mild climate. Ma’an of natural vegetation, forest cutting, inappro- has high poverty and unemployment rates. priate land use, random urbanization, land Pastoralism is one of their major income-pro- fragmentation, and over-pumping of ground- ducing activities. Losing almost 50 percent water. The root cause is the unrelenting of their livestock over the past ten years has population growth, which exerts excessive made it harder to keep their profession alive. pressure on the natural resources to meet increased food and income demand. Overall, Local community members have been unable the constraints facing deprived land users, to find alternatives or improve their manage- such as poor access to technology, lack of ment of natural resources mainly due to:

20 UNCCD . WORLD BANK • lack of grazing areas, either caused by collaboration across the individual sectors. overgrazing or lack of access to land; It also encourages stakeholder participation, transparency, and cost-effective local • poverty and high unemployment rates; management. The Hima traditional grazing system implies a sense of accountability for • lack of infrastructure and/or services; the actions undertaken for resource management. It emphasizes accountability to and • water shortages and drought; and ownership by the local people for sustainable land use and management. With effective • lack of education and environmental methods of participation and proper stake- awareness. holder engagement, natural systems have the ability to reverse degradation and restore bio- Generating Income Creates diversity. When the integrated NRM approach was combined with the Hima approach, a Sustainability powerful tool for both conservation and sustainable development was created. Planning is a key element of sustainable land- use management, particularly in areas that A novel approach to mainstreaming bio- are experiencing high levels of competition diversity was conceived in Jordan under for limited natural resources, such as water. a component of a Global Environmental Integrated NRM brings coordination and Facility (GEF) medium-sized project (MSP):

LAND FOR LIFE 21 Mainstreaming Biodiversity in the Sylvo- natural resources in their current state, Pastoral and Rangeland Landscapes in the including areas of degradation, followed by Al Sharah Agricultural Development Region mapping of the desired future states of each of Southern Jordan. It uses new approaches of these areas. Local people then agree on such as ecosystem management and more a plan of action for getting from the current effective capacity development. The specific to the envisioned state. There is a strong objectives of the project are to mainstream emphasis on defining the roles and responsi- biodiversity conservation in sylvo-pastoral bilities of the local community. and rangeland management activities, produce local economic benefits, and allevi- Local communities can only excel if certain ate poverty in a sustainable and replicable skills are gained through specific training manner. One of the major foci for the IUCN techniques that the government delivers Regional Office for West Asia (IUCN ROWA), through targeted trainings. Each governor- working in cooperation with the Ministry of ate has shown that different types of skills Agriculture in Jordan, the International Fund are needed to cope with the environmental for Agricultural Development (IFAD) and the degradation occurring daily. Governorates Hashemite Fund (for development of Jordan have also shown how to increase local com- Badia), was to improve government and community capacities toward sustainable land munity understanding of the economic value management. of biodiversity by demonstrating the economic benefits to livelihoods resulting from From these exercises, it became evident that rangeland biodiversity conservation. a key aspect required for all training courses is income generation. Integrating the local Making Progress: One Step at a Time community into the decision-making process helps achieve both proper natural resource management and local community income The first step in this initiative was to apply needs. a methodology that ensured the development of holistic planning. Here, the needs Subsequently, the training was formulated of end-users are brought to the attention of around three thematic areas: agriculture, live- intermediate-level land managers from the stock, and water management. Agricultural local governorate and natural resources- management training needs revolved around related ministries. Including the consider- specific knowledge and techniques in cul- ation of gender and different wealth and tivation, pruning, and irrigation. Livestock power groups in the planning stage ensures management focused on arid land manage- that the poorest and most vulnerable people ment techniques and income-generating get an equitable share of and access to the projects targeting food production. Grazing resources. Managers also exercise control techniques were not needed, but organized and ownership over land resources. The grazing was required. Water management planning process identifies and develops was key—therefore, water management tech- location-specific long-term visions and strate- niques and training needs were embedded gies for land resource management to fight in the other two themes, as well as address- desertification. These are based on a careful ing well construction, rainwater harvesting reflection of environment-related problems techniques, and maintaining spring water and the development needs of the com- consumption. munity. The process is supported by several participatory tools for collecting and analyz- A facilitation approach is used. Some of the ing relevant information, such as stakeholder most influential actors in rangeland manage- analysis and participatory rural appraisal. ment are challenged to come to a strategic Visioning exercises consist of mapping consensus on how to work together to tackle

22 UNCCD . WORLD BANK Figure 3. Successful Community Participation in specific local issues of shared con- Southern Jordan cern. The output from these local community exercises is used in meetings to highlight the need for innovation and policy revision.

The second step is to deliver relevant training. The objective is to help initiate proper rangeland management and to revive Hima to protect and conserve the land.

In the first year of the project, which started in 2014, 29 tailored training courses were provided to a group of local community members and government officials. This was made possible after a needs training assessment conducted in the governorate of Ma’an (areas of al Heesheh and Al Manshiyeh). Training courses and project implementation were conducted using a participatory approach built on increasing stakeholder dialogue and producing environmental action plans for the local community.

After building capacity to manage knowledge of the Hima communal manage- maintaining rangeland ecosystem services ment system in the area, incomes increased through small income-generating activities. from biodiversity-related livelihood oppor- In 2016, the partners foresee benefits arising tunities. The number of local people who from payment for ecosystem services (PES) are aware of their biodiversity areas and who from these projects. If the PES is fruitful, it support biodiversity mainstreaming in range- would further prove that community partici- land ecosystems has more than doubled. pation and stakeholder engagement are key factors in conserving biodiversity and reduc- A series of success stories show that ecosys- ing poverty. tem services can provide a unifying language to produce economic, business, and environ- However, in this instance, PES is not mental rewards. Beneficiaries are recognizing designed to reduce poverty. Rather, PES is an that they have a stake in conserving their economic incentive to foster a more efficient environment and reviving their lands. and sustainable use of ecosystem services. Biodiversity conservation becomes an implicit Lessons Learned and Going Forward objective of this approach. Biodiversity is not only viewed as a natural or cultural element, but also makes a vital contribution to the Increasing local capabilities offers future productivity of the ecosystem. In addition, by economic incentives, which are valuable for maintaining and strengthening the capacity

LAND FOR LIFE 23 of an ecosystem to cope with changes, bio- Um Enad diversity offers tremendous insurance value, especially for the groups’ most vulnerable to Um Enad has suffered the effects of land environmental degradation and disasters. degradation her whole life. With over- grazed lands, she couldn’t keep her family However, there are ways to design PES that afloat. Living in Almanshiyeh, Um Enad can help low-income families to earn money took the initiative to strive and succeed. by restoring and conserving ecosystems. After taking a couple of training courses This is a critical selling point, because many under the project, Um Enad has started rural people earn their living from natural producing homemade yogurt, butter, and resource–based activities, such as forestry jam. In less than three months, Um Enad and farming. In certain contexts, PES can made enough profit to send her three chil- present new incentives for sustainable man- dren to school. agement—in the form of regular PES. These regular payments could in turn promote long-term sustainable use and even conservation of the resource base by providing both a reliable source of supplementary income and additional employment in the community. Evidence from other sites in Jordan shows that a modest payment for drying herbs, for instance, can provide a meaningful increase in net incomes and also lead to the adoption of more sustainable land management.

A series of success stories in Jordan show that ecosystem services can bridge divergent economic, business, and environmental interests. The beneficiaries are recognizing that Um Enad Al Jazy: Homemade products for happiness they have a stake in conserving their environment and reviving their lands.

Testimonies

Firas and Fares

Firas and Fares, twin brothers who have greatly benefited from capacity building, took advantage of their resources and have increased their income from biodiversity projects. After the training, the brothers started bee keeping and sustainably grazing their sheep and goats. Firas and Fares have become positive models in their community by showing how biodiversity projects increase incomes. Firas & Fares Al Habahbe: Bees for biodiversity and conservation

24 UNCCD . WORLD BANK Salem Al Amareen: Cucumbers & tomatoes with a can do attitude

Salem Abdel Razak and Tareq Al Ghunaimeen: Making use of natural resources Every year, Salem lost his savings through unproductive agriculture. For years, he tried hard to break even, with little success. Living by IUCN-ROWA (www.iucn.org/ROWA/ in the Al Heashe, in southern Jordan, Salem Drylands) was one of the lucky people to benefit from the training courses offered by the project. Westerberg, V., and M. Myint. 2014. “An In less than three months, Salem is the proud Economic Valuation of a Large - Scale owner of four greenhouses and expects to Rangeland Restoration Project through the earn a net profit this season from his farming. Hima System in Jordan.” He grows cucumbers, tomatoes, and pep- pers with the knowledge he gained from the Nairobi. training courses in agriculture and irrigation. http://cmsdata.iucn.org/downloads/eld_ Abdel and Tareq iucn_case_study_jordan__web_.pdf.

Today, two brothers, Abdel Razak and Tareq, Haddad, F., 2014. “Rangeland Resource are using what was once an abandoned Governance - Jordan.” In Governance of spring. They use the spring to sustainably Rangelands: Collective Action for Sustainable irrigate their crops, applying drip irrigation pastoralism, edited by Pedro Herrera, systems inside their greenhouses. Jonathan Davies, and Pablo Manzano Baena, 45–61. London: Routledge. Resources

UNEP, State of Biodiversity in West Asia (2010). http://www.iucn.org/about/union/secretariat/ offices/rowa/iucnwame_ourwork/iucnrowa_ dl/video___media.cfm

Laban, P., 2015. Sustainably Investing in the Jordan Rangelands. Full report of a study on rangeland investment options, commissioned

LAND FOR LIFE 25 26 UNCCD . WORLD BANK Value-Driven Land Rehabilitation in the Shouf Area of Lebanon

he value of protected areas in promot- It is in this context that the Shouf Biosphere ing sustainable land management is Reserve (SBR) was established in 1996 to con- Tgrossly underestimated, as demon- serve and protect the standing forest—620 strated by the Shouf Biosphere Reserve (SBR) ha of Cedrus libani forest, the largest in Lebanon. expanse of this species in Lebanon and 25 percent of the remaining cedar forests in the According to the Global Forestry Resource country. The SBR also had three other goals: Assessment of 2011, forests cover 136,900 ha, or 13.3 percent of the total land area • restore the ecological integrity of the of Lebanon. These forests have played an ecosystem through high-profile, science- important role throughout the Middle East based research and fieldwork; because of their extremely wide range of forest species, habitat types, and landscapes. • support rural entrepreneurs and the weak- Long ago, Lebanese cedars (Cedrus libani) est sectors of villages (women, youth, and and other forest species were exploited for the unemployed) by boosting sustainable shipbuilding, the construction of temples and business practices and facilities linked to other major monuments. But more recently, tourism, agriculture, and traditional prod- the Ottoman Empire used the cedars to ucts; and construct railways. This long history of timber extraction and human intervention, includ- • boost the image of the SBR at the ing animal grazing, led to the degradation of national and global level and position forest resources and the loss of most moun- it as a leading destination for tourism, a tain forests. The civil war in the mid-1970s, showcase for sustainable land manage- uncontrolled urban expansion after the war, ment, and an example of ecosystem- and frequent fires have resulted in the total based adaptation to climate change in forest area declining from about 20 percent the region. of the country to only 13 percent. Today, the country is part of the Mediterranean basin, The SBR is considered important nation- one of the most vulnerable regions in the ally and internationally because it covers an world to climate change. Water constraints area of 50,000 ha, equivalent to about five typical of the Mediterranean climate and the percent of the overall area of Lebanon. It is location of the region between two markedly one of the largest protected mountain areas different zones, the humid/cold temperate in the Middle East. It is home to over 70,000 zone and the hot desert zone, may result in people, who live around the core and buffer dramatic changes if there is even a slight shift zones of the reserve. It encompasses 24 dif- in the climate band—even just a few degrees ferent municipalities that stretch over three of latitude north or south. muhafazat (districts). Government legislation, Law No. 532 of July 24, 1996, declared the

LAND FOR LIFE 27 “communal lands of Niha, Jba’a, Mrousti, as the Barouk Mountains, which is a south- Khraibe, Maasser, Barouk, Bmohreh, Ain Dara, ern extension of the Mount Lebanon Range. Ain Zhalta villages, in addition to the gov- The range runs parallel to the Mediterranean ernment-owned lands on the eastern side of coast. The Beirut–Damascus highway and Barouk Mountain” a nature reserve. The SBR the town of Jezzine define the northern and is under the authority of the Lebanese Ministry southern borders of the reserve. The western of Environment. In July 2005, the United slopes of the range face the Shouf region. The Nations Educational, Scientific and Cultural eastern slopes face Mount Hermon and form Organization (UNESCO) declared the Shouf the western escarpment of the Beqaa Valley. Cedar Nature Reserve a “biosphere reserve” and named it the Shouf Biosphere Reserve. When the Al-Shouf Cedar Reserve (SBR) was The SBR includes: established in 1996, a number of adverse practices had been largely uncontrolled: • the Shouf Cedar Nature Reserve (estab- wood cutting, overgrazing, and barbeque lished in 1996), located in the Shouf fires at the base of ancient cedars were all mountains of central Lebanon; rampant, as were the accumulation of trash and the carving of names and initials on the • the Ammiq Wetland, east of the Shouf in trunks. These activities led to the death of the Beqaa Valley—Ammiq is a Ramsar site many ancient cedars. But the establishment and one of the last remaining wetlands in of the SBR in 1996 put a halt to all tree cut- the Middle East; and ting and burning, charcoal production activities, and the uncontrolled grazing of goats. • twenty-four villages surrounding the biosphere from the eastern and western These changes in land use within and around sides of the Barouk and Niha mountains. the protected area produced a dramatic change in the vegetation cover of the area. The SBR lies between longitude 35º 28’– 35º The natural regeneration on the periphery 47’ east and latitude 33º 32’– 35º 48’ north at of the cedar forests and the rejuvenation of an altitude ranging from 1,200 m to 1,980 m. the oaks and pines throughout the area has It is located along a mountain range known since been well documented. In addition,

28 UNCCD . WORLD BANK the grassy meadows last longer in spring and connectivity of these activities. Restoration summer, giving young seedlings of larger is helping reduce the threat that high frag- trees a better chance to establish. mentation and isolation pose to the ecological and socioeconomic resilience of the Today, the Shouf Reserve is a model for Lebanese forests. It has also been effective promoting sustainable land development in in prompting the restoration of a mosaic the region. It is promoting nature conserva- landscape structure, which has a strong tion, the preservation of water catchment resilience to environmental constraints and areas, the protection of scenic areas, con- disturbances. trolled development, tourist facilities, and clean roads. The SBR and the municipali- Terrace restoration, along with the planting ties in this region are at the forefront of the and cultivation of wild fruit trees and aro- movement to improve income-generating matic or medicinal plants, is important for soil capacity without causing irreversible harm stabilization and for biodiversity within for- to natural resources. Moreover, the reserve est landscapes. The management of natural is reviving the economy of the local people forests, through practices such as thinning and is improving their livelihoods. Due to and reduction of the dry biomass, sustain- these activities, many jobs were created and, able grazing, temporary fencing and post-fire as a result, out-migration is minimal. Many management can represent an important people are coming back and living within the component in passive forest restoration. The reserve’s territory due to its natural wealth. It reforestation program also supports the test- is managed and organized so as not to cause ing and implementation of forest restoration harm to the protected areas and the whole techniques that are highly adapted to the environment. impact of climate change.

Rehabilitation and Restoration So far, the forestation/restoration work has been implemented in seven sites along the corridor, using a mix of techniques consisting Restoration of the degraded forest lands of direct sowing, planting of seedlings and within the SBR has provided evidence on the fenced planting, covering approximately 47

LAND FOR LIFE 29 ha. Regeneration of the relic cedar forest, to control the risk of forest fires, generate diversification of natural habitats, and the economic benefit, and contribute to local preservation of threatened species are top livelihoods. The results demonstrate the priorities. environmental and socioeconomic benefits of combining the use of forest thinning and The initiative designed adaptive forest res- pruning products with agriculture waste such toration and management plans that were as olive pomace and wood waste from fruit applied in a number of pilot sites over the tree pruning. This reduces carbon dioxide three years of project implementation. For emissions from fossil energy consumption example, sustainable forest thinning and and the burning of forests while also decreas- pruning operations were applied in 18.5 ing agricultural waste. Other benefits include: ha of Quercus calliprinos and Pinus brutia increasing the capacity of forest ecosystems forestland, and ecological restoration tech- to adapt to climate change, reduced com- niques were tested and demonstrated in petition for the scarce water resources in the 59.11 ha. Seeds and seedlings of about 35 thinned forest stands, and healthier forest plant species were used, with the objective of stands that can store higher quantities of restoring the forest habitats and ecological carbon. processes by which the species populations can self-organize into functional and resilient The SBR meets three goals. Socially, SBR communities well adapted to changing cli- promotes entrepreneurship in rural areas mate conditions while delivering vital ecosys- to create direct and indirect jobs, thereby tem services. reducing the migration of rural people to cit- ies. Environmentally, the use of wood waste Reaping Benefits from forests and fruit tree orchards for bioen- ergy reduces the risk of fire, pests, and forest diseases. Lastly, it has significant potential In 2014, IUCN, in close coordination with the to mitigate greenhouse gases (GHGs) if SBR team, conducted an economic valuation resources are sustainably developed and effi- study to assess the direct and indirect values cient technologies applied. of the ecosystem services from the reserve. The results show that the economic ben- Unlike fossil fuels, carbon dioxide from efits generated every year ranged between the combustion of biomass is equal to the US$16.7 and US$21.3 million. Most of these carbon dioxide absorbed throughout the benefits derived from water services, includ- plant’s life during photosynthetic activity. A ing grid water quality and bottled water. The net zero carbon balance is achieved. In addi- value of carbon sequestration services and tion, the use of agricultural and industrial production of biomass (that is, briquettes) is by-products generates a number of environ- also significant. Every year, tourism adds an mental benefits by reducing waste pollution. additional US$700,000 to the region, which Economically, the main savings will be for supports the local employment equivalent of customers who switch to biomass. about 100 jobs. Whereas some of the previous ecosystem services are intangible, the The SBR has contributed to rural devel- economic value of tourism activities in the opment through handicraft production SBR is tangible, and growing. and women’s employment. Handicrafts and other projects built in the SBR have The experience yielded several lessons. The enabled women to realize their potential forestation actions revealed new opportuni- and have helped them enter the labor mar- ties to inform forestation plans in the country ket, which has improved their living condi- and to regulate forest biomass harvesting tions. Through the program, a group of and its combined use with agricultural waste women with the potential for craft work was

30 UNCCD . WORLD BANK identified to start a craft sector that reflects Kamal Abou Assi the authenticity and traditions of the Shouf area. This group also promotes the importance of the reserve and biodiversity conservation, and its economic benefits to the area.

Through the cedar loan program, more than 70 applicants have received loans; 60 of the successful applicants were women. These loans have helped many women acquire the material and equipment they need to produce and sell rural food. fossil fuels such as diesel. And using wood Testimonies for heat produces lower emissions of sul- phur and nitrogen oxides than diesel. And unlike wind, solar and hydroelectric ener- Nizar Hani, SBR Manager, Biomass and gies, which respond to natural processes that Forest Fires can be interrupted; the supply of biomass is continuous.” “The total forest surface in Lebanon is highly vulnerable to fire risk. In 2007, forest fires Monzer Bou Wadi, SBR Field burned more than 2,000 ha in just a few days. Coordinator The proper use and management of forests can play a major role in the reduction of for- “The development of biomass can create est fires. We are removing agricultural waste up to 15 times more jobs than fossil fuels. and thinning forest trees for biomass produc- On average, it creates 135 jobs per 10,000 tion. This combustible biomass would other- consumers compared to nine jobs per 10,000 wise ignite fires and burn the entire forest. By consumers for fossil fuels. So biomass gener- thinning and pruning forests, the fire rate will ates 15 times more jobs than fossil fuels, and decline. At the same time, we will be using those jobs, which are in the briquette busi- renewable and sustainable energy.” ness, are located here in the rural areas.

Kamal Abou Assi, SBR Team, CO2 Briquettes have a lower heating value com- Emissions and Biomass pared to other energy sources. One kilogram of briquette provides 4.65 kwh/kg which is “The carbon footprint of biomass is generally equal to the heat produced by 1.255 kg of between three and 10 percent compared to oak wood or 1.5 kg of olive wood.”

Nizar Hani

Monzer Bou Wadi

LAND FOR LIFE 31 Lilian Njeim, SBR Coordinator for Resources Handicrafts Program Shouf-Cedar SBR Channel: http://www.you- “The crafts program has assisted more than tube.com/user/shoufcedarreserve 25 women living within the SBR region. Today, these women are working in green Al-Shouf Cedar Reserve—Ecosystem jobs to produce cultural and traditional Restoration: http://www.youtube.com/ crafts.” watch?v=xEp5HhwxThA

Byblos Bank/Shouf Reserve Bio-Corridor Reforestation Initiative: http://www.youtube. com/watch?v=3lcdO30MlPM

Shouf Biosphere Reserve Documentary: http://www.youtube.com/ watch?v=liHdAcdAY1A

SBR general pictures and Dropbox link: https://www.dropbox.com/sh/7qcpibsq4xdn6p4/ AADaG0L0NqHR0RkQ2wchAXMKa?dl=0

Lilian Njeim

32 UNCCD . WORLD BANK LAND FOR LIFE 33

WEALTH CREATION Before

After

36 UNCCD . WORLD BANK WEALTH CREATION

he 17 Sustainable Development Goals expand growth. SEKEM also borrows from adopted in 2015 provide a 15-year the public sector model the use of incen- Twindow of opportunity to eradicate tives to pay the contract farmers above poverty, protect the planet and ensure pros- market rates in order to induce the desired perity for all. Goal 15 on Life on land, has a change. In this model, the risks for failure are target aimed at ensuring the productive land assumed mostly by the visionary leader who available globally remains stable or increases is only able to do so by mobilizing interna- by 2030 and beyond. But this responsibility is tional support. for all actors, from governments, to the private sector right down to the small scale land Elion Resources Group in China demon- users in the world’s drylands where the land strates a private sector model for sustain- is most vulnerable. Is it realistic to expect able land management, which is driven by this level of change to happen in some of the company’s self-interest. By restoring the poorest countries or communities? This degraded areas, the company reduces its chapter provides evidence that the change is operating costs, creates new market ventures possible. to generate new income from the investments made into the environment, and by It is possible to create wealth among the contracting the local people to produce for poorest people on Earth. Governments the industry and to become consumers of can do it. The private sector can do it and the additional services created. A key to this still make money. Given the chance, poor success is the willingness of the beneficiaries communities can transform their own lives and government to take responsibility for through voluntary non-profit initiatives. In this some of the risk of failure that a company and the following sections, the case studies would not undertake otherwise. present different models and approaches to change. Programme Oasis Sud in Morocco showcases the third model – a public-private partner- SEKEM in Egypt introduces a non-state actor ship. The model approaches sustainable land model. It is built on one man’s powerful val- management as a massive public works initia- ues and his vision of turning a barren empty tive that is similar to any large infrastructure desert into a productive ecosystem with fer- project. The cross-sectoral scope of the proj- tile soils and teeming with plant and animal ect, the breadth of its reach from the house- life. The resources are mobilized through hold to the regional level and the rapid road voluntary support from local, national and to results are striking. The programme caters global partners. With growth, the approach to the needs of youth, women and other integrates market mechanisms that create groups, it creates a new service industry and employment in land-related activities and its it restores land. Individual households, wom- supply chain, and by developing the intel- en’s groups, small start-ups and development lectual and productive skills of the people to projects are all wrapped into the programme.

LAND FOR LIFE 37 Two of the models provide valuable informa- integrate SLM with income generating activi- tion on how behavior change is introduced ties and ensure sustainability. It also offers peacefully in some of the most conservative important insights on how to successfully rural communities. The Moroccan case pro- target and work with women in societies with vides a step-by-step discussion of how to deep-rooted traditions.

38 UNCCD . WORLD BANK More Than Sustainable Land Management

n the beginning, I thought that these are Population growth is increasing just as the some crazy ideas from Europe. There was land needed to grow food is degrading. Ialmost nothing around my hometown but And the Nile, which is polluted by waste desert and drylands. Today, we have green and agrochemicals, lacks enough clean fields, roads, and villages with schools water to irrigate the food crops. As a result, and medical care, exclaimed Aied Abdel Egypt relies heavily on food imports. Hamed, who has worked on the SEKEM farm for almost 30 years. But dry lands and The combination of rising world food prices, desertification are still visible elsewhere in limited water resources and agricultural land, Egypt. In fact, 90 percent of the country rapid population growth, climate change, is degraded, with the only natural fertile and desertification is making it increasingly soil located along the Nile River, and only more challenging for Egypt to feed its peo- six percent of that land can be used for ple, now and in the future. agriculture. All of these conditions might not be as This scenario is expected to further dete- overwhelming if the population could riorate in the face of climate change. The afford to buy food. But the Egyptian unem- Nile Delta is at risk of salinization from sea- ployment rate exceeded 13 percent at level rise. But Egypt also suffers from water the end of 2013. Two of every three young scarcity, and water availability per person Egyptians age 20 to 34 are unemployed. per year is much lower than the global The World Bank in 2011 determined that average (that is, a water poverty index 25 percent of Egyptians were living below [WPI] of 600m3/year per capita, which is the national poverty line. Poverty and below the standard [WPI] 1,000 m3/year income disparities are also putting pres- per capita). Agriculture alone consumes sure on the current economic and political 85 percent of the freshwater available situations. in Egypt. Rainfall is rare in Egypt, which makes artificial irrigation essential. The rise in global food prices only exacer- bates the situation and makes the country Pressure from Rapid Population especially vulnerable to external price shocks. The occurrence of food riots and Growth, Climate Change and social disruptions related to food security Degraded Land should come as no surprise, and the upris- ing against Egyptian President Mubarak’s regime in 2013 signals the depth of this Adding to these challenges is the rapid pressure on the livelihoods of Egyptians. population growth. The population in So, how does a nation turn around such a Egypt in 1960 was approximately 30 mil- dire situation? lion. Today, it is more than 90 million.

LAND FOR LIFE 39 Before

After

40 UNCCD . WORLD BANK An Idea Once Thought Impossible “SEKEM feels like my home—even more— like my second soul. I was born to be a SEKEM, the winner of the 2015 Land for farmer, and I think it’s a gift from God that Life Award, is fighting these odds and I got the chance to work for SEKEM. It was changing Egyptians’ livelihoods one hard to find work during that time. SEKEM household at a time. It is combating gave me a chance. I didn’t have any idea desertification through a holistic business about biodynamic agriculture. I attended model that integrates human develop- lots of training sessions with Dr. Ibrahim ment, fair opportunity and income, and Abouleish, who was very good in explaining ecological and cultural development in its the biodynamic farming methods. daily operations. Leaders of SEKEM also believe this approach offers a long-term When I look 30 years back, it is really unbe- competitive advantage. lievable how everything changed around SEKEM. Back then there was almost nothing After returning to his home country of Egypt around my hometown except desert and in 1975, Dr. Ibrahim Abouleish introduced the dryland. Today, we have fields, roads, and vil- idea of integrating societal, economic, and lages with schools and medical care. cultural life into the everyday business operations in 1977. He started by using biodynamic After 29 years with SEKEM, I also realized agricultural principles to rehabilitate 70 ha that something changed in the way I live my of untouched land in the Egyptian desert. life. I started paying more attention to the Abouleish used biodynamic methods to beauty of my hometown. I collect any rubbish grow local medical herbs and spices. Shortly that I see lying around wherever I find it. I thereafter, he founded LOTUS, the first com- understand litter is a huge problem in Egypt. pany of SEKEM, to process and market the products locally and internationally. Later, But most of all, the biggest benefit from he established the ISIS Organic Company to SEKEM is the awareness I have gained about process and distribute organic crops among the importance of a good education for my the other activities he introduced to support children. They have the opportunity to go to agriculture. SEKEM school. One of my sons is studying now. He is the first member in my family to Today, SEKEM Agriculture manages all the do so. That makes me really proud!” activities linked to agriculture, such as graft- ing plants through El-Mizan, cattle manage- More Jobs, Secure Incomes ment, and composting. SEKEM owns 500 ha of biodynamic farms and has recently started three land reclamation projects that encom- In addition to applying the biodynamic prin- pass more than 2,000 ha of degraded land in ciples throughout SEKEM farms, SEKEM other parts of Egypt.

TESTIMONIES

Aied Abdel Hamed

Aied Abdel Hamed is a 53-year-old father of four children. He is a farmer and has worked for SEKEM for 30 years.

Aied Abdel Hamed

LAND FOR LIFE 41 promotes this form of sustainable land man- Nile Delta, in northern Egypt. He cultivates agement across the country, and it was one vegetables and herbs on his Demeter-certified of the founders of the Egyptian Biodynamic farm and then sells the produce to SEKEM. Association (EBDA). The association has helped more than 400 farms covering more “Since I have contracted with SEKEM, my than 325 ha of land to adopt organic farming family and I feel more secure. We have a practices. reliable and also increasing income that enables us to make plans for the future. EBDA was also a global pioneer in growing Now, I can buy new land to grow more and producing biodynamic cotton. Today, crops because I am sure about the price after adopting sustainable agriculture prac- that SEKEM will pay for my harvest. I also tices, Egypt uses 90 percent less chemicals in feel much better because I am working its textile industry. EBDA also trains farmers, in a healthy environment without using helping to raise their awareness of sustain- agrochemicals. able agriculture practices. In addition, EBDA helps land users obtain certification for their Also, my family is happy that we have a organic products, opening new market chan- contract with SEKEM. Two of my kids are nels for the producers. studying at university, which they are only able to do because I have a secure monthly Through EBDA, SEKEM has contracted more income. than 400 farmers and producers, offering them a fair income or a fixed contract with I like the regular events, such as the trainings fixed prices for their produce. SEKEM pays and workshops that are organized by SEKEM, the farmers 20 percent above the prevailing because they are really useful for exchanging market price. This has contributed directly to experiences and maintaining a relationship better incomes and more job opportunities with colleagues and managers.” in farming. Giving Back to the Community SEKEM’s group of companies has created over 1,500 jobs that benefit the local communities directly. Only 25 percent of the produce SEKEM’s work goes beyond sustainable land from SEKEM is exported. The organization management. Today, it also covers social has kept its commitment to produce and sell and human development. SEKEM has estab- about 75 percent of its produce locally to lished a nursery, a kindergarten, schools, and reduce Egypt’s heavy reliance on imported a vocational training center to enable those food products. The local residents thus who have little opportunity to get an educa- also benefit by consuming its high-quality tion. In 2012, the Heliopolis University for produce. Sustainable Development was established to provide more opportunities for national and international students to deepen their knowl- TESTIMONIES edge in sustainable development technologies that integrate societal and cultural value. Hesham Mahmoud SEKEM also has a medical center to pro- Hesham Mahmoud is a beneficiary of the vide health care to its employees and their socioeconomic integration system that families as well as to residents at SEKEM SEKEM initiated. He started working as a project sites. These facilities were estab- SEKEM-contracted farmer in 1994. With the lished through the SEKEM Development help of EBDA, he was able to own a 20 feddan Foundation (SDF). (8.4 ha) organic farm in Kafr El-Sheikh in the

42 UNCCD . WORLD BANK Mohammed Berry Noura Nasser

Noura Nasser comes across as a petite and inconspicuous woman. She uses crutches to get around and is not much taller than the children she cares for at the SEKEM School for Children with Special Needs. But appearances can be deceptive. Nasser has an impressive personality. Physically handi- capped since birth, Nasser has faced many setbacks in her young life. When given the opportunity through a friend of her father to attend SEKEM School for Children with TESTIMONIES Special Needs, she was overjoyed.

Mohammed Berry Nasser turns 25 this year. When she finished studying at SEKEM school, Nasser continued Mohammed Berry, a beneficiary of the her tertiary education. Every day she traveled SEKEM societal initiative, describes his expe- two hours by public transportation to her uni- rience and life with SEKEM. As a young man, versity. She graduated from university with a Berry was often teased by friends who called degree in psychology, and is now in charge him, “Made in SEKEM.” However, he took of a group of disabled children at the SEKEM this as a compliment and often replied that School for Special Education. In addition, SEKEM is his destiny and fits in the puzzle of Nasser is continuing to study while support- his life. ing her six siblings. She boasts about having an exceptionally strong will. Berry attended the SEKEM kindergarten and later graduated from the SEKEM “In the past I had no crutches, and I tried school. He returned to work for SEKEM’s getting around using wooden sticks. The Environmental Science Centre after com- teachers and my classmates helped me a lot. pleting his tertiary studies in mathematics If we had a place to visit, they carried me or and physics. At the centre, he organizes put me on a bike so that I could accompany projects for its pupils and young people them wherever they went. from other schools to explain and relate theories with practice. Berry also works with I was often approached and asked why I was the Sustainability Team at the SEKEM farm on the road traveling and not at home. In in Wahat Al Bahareyya, where he is coordi- Egypt, it is still a common practice for young nating new solar energy projects and water irrigation systems.

Berry is not only proactive in his country, but also in Uganda. He is supporting a friend who is starting a charity to help establish a school, a medical center, and an orphanage. “I am convinced that organic farming is the biggest opportunity to handle a lot of the global and local challenges that we are facing today. I call it the ‘glocal’ solution,” said Berry.

Noura Nasser

LAND FOR LIFE 43 girls to stay at home and not normal for “Without SEKEM, it is unlikely that I would physically disabled people to participate in have had a chance to study. I was lucky that societal life as equals. SEKEM also offers children, whose families can’t pay school fees, the opportunity to The work is quite demanding, but I love the receive a holistic education. I especially enjoy kids very much, and they give me lots of joy the artistic subjects and learning instruments. and gratitude. One day, I hope to lead an institution that offers psychological therapy. I Most of my classmates at university are not would like to help people better understand used to the core program’s activities, such as themselves and assist them in healing their movement, painting, theatre, or languages. emotional wounds.” But I see how they start to like it and how it helps us to develop skills beyond the subject Afdal Farid of our study.

Afdal Farid was born in Galfina, a small vil- I love studying at Heliopolis University lage on SEKEM farm. This former SEKEM because it offers us a lot of practical experi- pupil studied business and economics at ence. We have the chance to meet a lot of the Heliopolis University for Sustainable interesting people from all over the world Development. She was awarded a scholar- and participate regularly in conferences. ship from the SEKEM Friends Association in Soon I will travel to Germany for an intern- Germany to continue studying at Heliopolis ship. This is something my family and I would University with a focus on Sustainable have never dreamt that I would be doing.” Development. She is grateful to SEKEM for giving her a chance to receive an education. Dr. Ayman Abouhadid

Farid is very active at the university. With her Dr. Ayman Abouhadid, the former Minister classmates, she established the Heliopolis of Agriculture of Egypt, was impressed and University Balance Club to empower women proud of SEKEM’s work: “SEKEM is well by promoting awareness about gender and known in Egypt for pioneering the organic gender equality in the local communities, movement. After visiting the mother farm with the goal of creating a balanced society. near Belbeis, I was deeply impressed. I can The 20-year-old student organizes exchange see that SEKEM also stands for a whole new visits between female farm employees and development paradigm for Egypt and the university students as a way to raise aware- world. With all its institutions from differ- ness about different working and living con- ent spheres of life, it represents a healthy ditions on the farm and to learn from each other.

Afdal Farid

Dr. Ayman Abouhadid

44 UNCCD . WORLD BANK community that is able to integrate business practice, research and innovation, human capacity building and education, and sustainable land reclamation in a unique way—like a symphony. I wish Egypt had many more such initiatives.”

Chérifa H. Rachad

“SEKEM is part of our supply chain and we have learned a lot from our friend Helmy Abouleish. SEKEM, for us, is not just a way of doing business—it is a life philosophy,” Rachad said of SEKEM.

Rachad and her husband, Hussein A. Fakhry, own A. Fakhry & Co., a company that crafts aromatic raw materials from Egypt. The company has produced and exported organic products for over ten years, and is recognized worldwide for its organic essential oils. It also owns two organic farms of 60 ha. Both farms integrate botanical and husbandry Dr. Ibrahim Abouleish farming. pioneering the whole organic movement in “We believe that in order to have a truly Egypt.” balanced ecosystem, one must adopt a holistic approach that integrates all aspects Dr. Ibrahim Abouleish of farm life. Besides owning farms, we also contract organic farms, which account for “About 40 years ago, when I returned from an additional 200 ha. When we got to know Europe, where I had lived for over 20 years, Mr. Abouleish, we learned a lot about the I carried a vision deep within myself: In way sustainability can be integrated into the the midst of sand and desert, I saw myself core of our business. Since then, our produc- standing at a well drawing water. Carefully, tion has used more organic raw material, I planted trees, herbs, and flowers and wet and we also aim to produce high-quality, their roots with precious drops of water. Demeter-certified biodynamic products. We The cool well water attracted people and would like to credit SEKEM, whose initiative animals to refresh themselves. Trees gave started more than three decades ago, with shade; the land turned green; fragrant flowers bloomed; and insects, birds, and butter- flies showed their devotion to our creator, as if they were reciting the first Sura of the Qu’ran. Humans, perceiving the hidden praise of God, care for and see all that is created, as a reflection of paradise on earth. For me, the idea of an oasis in the middle of a hostile environment is like an image of dawn, after a long night’s journey through the desert. I saw it in front of me like a

Chérifa H. Rachad and her husband Hussein A. Fakhry model before the actual work even started.

LAND FOR LIFE 45 And yet I still desired even more. I wanted Partnerships (IAP); a group of entrepreneurs the whole world to develop. Thus, the promoting biodynamic agriculture and fair SEKEM vision has developed: Sustainable trade, as well as the World Future Council development toward a future where every (WFC), and participated worldwide in events human being can reach his or her individual on sustainability and organic farming. Without potential, where mankind lives together all of these friends, SEKEM would not be what in human dignity, and where all economic it is today. It would not have had the chance activity is conducted in accordance with to employ about 2,000 people, nor would it ecological and ethical principles. have been able to offer holistic education in the SEKEM schools or the Vocational Training While studying in Europe, I noticed changes Center. Without our partners such as GIZ, taking place within me. I became thoroughly DEG, GLS University, Triodos, OikoCredit, involved with European culture, getting to and many more, SEKEM would not have been know its music and studying its poetry and able to prove that land reclamation using philosophy. But even though almost every- biodynamic farming methods is not only thing inside me developed a new, I did not possible, but is quite effective, efficient, and leave the Egyptian culture and Islam entirely improves health. I am grateful that I was given behind. I was living in two worlds, both of the opportunity to build SEKEM together which were essentially different: the orien- with the community and that it has become a tal, spiritual stream I was born into, and the role model, contributing to a better, cleaner, European world, my chosen course. healthier, and more sustainable world for all of us.” When I returned to Egypt in the 1970s, I found that Egypt was in a very bad way. The societal, Resources cultural, ecological, and economic systems appeared as dry as the desert itself. With the ATOS Pharma: www.atospharma.com vision of sustainable development in mind, CEDARE, Green Economy: Egypt Success I decided to buy desert land and cultivate Stories, Egyptian Environmental Affairs it using biodynamic agricultural methods. Agency, United Nations Environment Almost everyone called me crazy. There was Programme (2013), www.unep.org/ no support by the government, and even my greeneconomy/Portals/88/Advisory%20 own friends were not convinced that my vision Services/GE-ESS-Report.pdf. had promise. After struggling against much Egyptian Biodynamic Association (EDBA): opposition, and undertaking protracted nego- www.ebda-egypt.org tiations with public entities and the indig- Hatem, T. , SEKEM: A Holistic Egyptian enous people, I finally saw a small miracle Initiative, United Nations Development taking place. We built a community in the Programme (2007), www.growinginclu- desert, striving for sustainable development in sivemarkets.com/media/cases/Egypt_ Egypt, and benefiting the whole world as well. SEKEM_2008.pdf. Heliopolis University: www.hu.edu.eg Soon, SEKEM became surrounded by an ISIS Organic: www.isisorganic.com international network of partners, friends, SEKEM Health: www.sekemhealth.com supporters, and like-minded people. These SEKEM Initiative. Introduction to SEKEM, people carried the SEKEM idea and started to available at https://youtu.be/5zzRtFCvI0I. build bridges connecting people, countries, SEKEM videos available at www.sekem.com/ and continents. Projects were developed videos.html. together with international and national SEKEM: www.sekem.com partners, SEKEM Friends Associations were founded, and our partners joined SEKEM. We cofounded the International Association of

46 UNCCD . WORLD BANK Kubuqi Ecological Restoration—Reviving the Old Charm of Kubuqi’s “First City of Grassland”

The Green Plateau That Once Was Dune of Death, Kubuqi now attracts 200,000 visitors annually. he Kubuqi Desert is the seventh largest desert in China. It lies to the north Miraculous Transformation of Ordos Plateau in Inner Mongolia, T 2 covering 18,600 km . Kubuqi dates back to the Qin (221 BC–207 BC) and Han (202 This spectacular change was driven by the BC–220 AD) eras and was once a fertile land vision and innovation of Wang Wenbiao, a covered by dense forests and thriving grass- Kubuqi native. As a salt factory manager in lands. However, during the Qing Dynasty Kubuqi, Wang faced challenges in transport- (1636–1911), population growth, years of war, ing salt to other parts of Inner Mongolia and the unrestrained conversion of forests due to the sandstorms. He knew he had to into farmland led to the desertification of a overcome Kubuqi’s dunes before his salt vast area of land, which was buried under business would become profitable. In 1988, vast sands. he established Elion Resources Group and began his journey of land restoration. “In the In the 1980s, over 100,000 herdsmen and beginning, [land restoration] wasn’t my goal. farmers suffered from the Kubuqi’s harsh But we were forced to control the sand,” weather and sandstorms. Kubuqi Desert Wang told the Global Times. “Salt had to be was one of the three major sources of sold, and we had to build roads. Over the sandstorms that would engulf the Beijing, last two decades, it went from one road to a Tianjin, and Hebei areas. A strong wind network of roads in the desert. With the sup- in Kubuqi would blow the sandstorms to port of the government, Elion has not only Tian’anmen Square overnight. Sandstorms often made the roads impassable, exacerbating the poverty in Kubuqi. Many communities lacked access to basic public services, such as schools, hospi- tals, electricity, and roads. Kubuqi Desert was locally known as the Dune of Death.

However, 20 years later, the desert has been transformed into a scene of vigor- ous, vast greenery, home to approximately 100 species of plants and wild animals, including swans, hares, and the Euphrates poplar tree. Far from being a degraded

LAND FOR LIFE 47 connected with the outside market, but also tolerant that have helped restore the desert’s controlled the sands along the way.” ecosystem. Another breakthrough was the development of water-jetting for watering Elion’s initial investment in road construction freshly planted trees, which boosts the trees’ to transport the salt production was then survival rate from 20 percent to 85 percent. extended to tree plantings in over 10,000 km2 Elion also implemented a sand barrier tech- in Kubuqi and the establishment of licorice nology, adopting a grid pattern of bundled and other Chinese medical herbs for the salix (willow) stems, which has helped to sta- pharmaceutical industry in Kubuqi, a green bilize sand dunes. energy production park, and many more initiatives. Today, Elion’s investment is esti- Licorice is a local, drought–resistant, medici- mated to value over RMB 100 billion (US$15 nal plant in Kubuqi, which Elion has exten- billion). The restoration project has benefited sively planted in efforts to turn the barren over 100,000 farmers and herdsmen, with Kubuqi land into a thriving medicinal produc- annual local incomes increasing from RMB tion center. Today, over 200 km2 of medicinal 500 (US$74) in 1988 to RMB 30,000 (US$4,500) plants and herbs are grown in Kubuqi. In today. Public infrastructure, such as roads and addition, an ecological-based industrial chain schools, were also built. The desert’s nick- has been introduced by planting forage and name has changed from the Dune of Death to the Golden Dune.

Innovations Hold the Key

A number of technological innovations by Elion have been critical to the desert restoration process. For example, with the integration of local knowledge, Elion introduced over 1,000 germplasm resources that are cold-drought resistant and saline-alkaline

48 UNCCD . WORLD BANK feed crops to expand the livestock indus- Testimonies try. Manure from the livestock is collected as organic fertilizer to use in tree and herb Gao Maohu, Herdsman and Farmer planting as well as for biogas power generation. Elion also takes advantage of Kubuqi’s “Planting trees helps accumulate virtue,” ample sunshine and space and has invested said Gao Maohu, a local herdsman who has in solar and renewable wind energy, supply- planted trees for years. The years of hard- ing electricity to the local population as well ship in the Kubuqi Desert are reflected in the as the factories. deep lines on this 54-year-old man’s face. Before becoming a tree contractor for Elion, Elion’s “ecology + business” model has Gao was a village head and farmer. Every yielded a positive cycle of mutual benefits, year, he worked for two farms and for Elion’s demonstrating the profitability of land salt fields in the summer and winter. In the restoration. past, Gao had only 13,333 m2 land, and the harvest was not enough to feed his family. The Chinese administrations at all levels have prioritized ecological restoration, “In the early 1990s, Elion started the affor- especially in desert lands such as Kubuqi. estation project and many elders said that The government has given incentives and the trees will die. After much consideration, I support for this restoration project. For decided to take up the tree planting project example, the financing framework support as I still could tend to my farm,” Gao said. provided by the central and local govern- “Elion then contracted out tree planting and ments underwrote Elion’s financial loans those who took the contract were responsi- from state and commercial banks. Awards ble for the trees’ survival. I became the main and recognition of private enterprises and contractor a year later, and I have hired 100 individuals were a dominant driving force to 200 workers each year to plant trees over for private-sector engagement in desert millions of square meters. It was a risk at first, restoration. but I learnt new tree planting techniques, and the trees survived. In the beginning, my One of the project’s driving successes has annual income was RMB 20,000 (US$3,000). been its active engagement with locals, as Then it went to RMB 50,000(US$7,500), then well as its creation of additional local jobs, RMB 120,000 (US$18,000), and I earned RMB spurring the economic growth in Kubuqi. 200,000 (US$30,000) in 2011. I never thought Through its strong community partnership, planting trees would make me rich.” Elion successfully mobilizes thousands of people for its annual seasonal tree and This year, Elion plans to open over 2.3 km2 of grass planting. International partnerships experimental forest, graft plants to increase with such agencies as the United Nations their resistance, and develop a new desert Environmental Programme (UNEP) and the United Nations Convention to Combat Desertification (UNCCD) have raised awareness about the importance of local participation in restoration. Elion’s close collaborations with scientific research institutions have helped drive innovation in improved techniques to control desertification.

Gao Maohu

LAND FOR LIFE 49 green economy industrial chain. This new project. Today, his family’s annual income has approach has been a great success in the Ala increased from RMB 100,000 (US$15,000) to Shan Desert. RMB 300,000 (US$45,000), and he has been able to support his 15-year-old son’s second- Gao himself is planning to plant 1,000 km2 ary school studies. of dunes and to graft desert plants. When someone asked him whether he was afraid of Zhang Xiwang, Herdsman big losses, Gao replied, “Over the years, we have made money from Elion. Do you want “We are like the salix tree, which will not to be the one who only joins when you earn die due to thirst or hunger, and we live well money and then who turns back because of with a bit of sunshine!” said Zhang Xiwang fear of the risk?” In his view, Elion’s invest- proudly. Zhang grew up as a herdsman and ment of planting trees in Kubuqi for over 27 is considered a local celebrity in Kubuqi. His years is not only a project, but a way of accu- salix planting was filmed on CCTV. Back then, mulating virtue, by providing for the locals Zhang had no idea about tree planting meth- and future Kubuqi generations. ods, but his courage and determination led him to success. In the beginning, many who Mengkedalai Meng, Herdsman contracted for salix planting quit, but Zhang took the leftover land and planted about 5.3 Mengkedalai, who comes from a nomad fam- km2. No well could be drilled, and the land ily in the Kubuqi Desert, herds sheep, cattle, was dry. Even providing water for the workers and camels to sustain his family. His family was tough. also operates a farmhouse restaurant. In addition, he took on contract projects from Zhang was well known for his efficiency in Elion, such as off-road visitor tours, irrigat- tree planting. For instance, he completed the ing trees, and working at a tree conservation planting of salix across 4 km2 within 17 days.

50 UNCCD . WORLD BANK Soon he was given responsibilities over the “Twenty years ago, in Kubuqi Desert, there Populas conservation project and the two was no road, sand flew everywhere. When the grasslands at Seven Star Lake. wind blew, you couldn’t even open your eyes, sand blew straight into your face. Compared From zero knowledge of tree planting, within to today, the difference is like winter and three years, Zhang had planted many differ- spring, such big changes. Green is every- ent species of trees over 13.3 km2. “This year, where. Where there is green, there is hope.” I will plant one square kilometer of a new tree Last year, Zhang’s son went to college and his species beside the road in the Seven Star daughter went to technical school. Lakes Resort. I would like to try my new planting method,” Zhang said eagerly. Aotegenghua Huang, Herdswoman

Aotegenghua, known by the locals as Sister Hua, is a Mongolian ethnic tribe nomad who Zhang Xiwang lives in Daotuliushe. Hua spent her childhood as a nomad, moving from place to place. Her livelihood depends on herding cattle and sheep. Her biggest dream was to turn her hometown into an oasis, giving her community in Gacha a stable life that no longer bears the harshness of the desert. Her dream came true. Now, Sister Hua’s annual family income has increased from a few thousand yuan to several hundred thousand.

Twelve years ago, after learning of Elion’s tree and grass planting project, Sister Hua joined the team as a united worker. In 2009, with her accumulated planting experience, Sister Hua organized the Gacha herders to establish their own united worker team and mobilized them to take on a tree planting project.

LAND FOR LIFE 51 field. Her eagerness to learn new things and her affection for the desert restoration project have yielded rewards.

Dalengqiqige recounted, “At first, we made mesh sand barriers with salix on both sides of the road, fixing the dunes. We then planted trees and grass on a large scale. In the desert, learning advanced technological methods like water-jetting is important for ensuring a high survival rate for the trees. Creativity is crucial. For example, the mesh sand barrier prevented quicksand from invading the highway. The trees guarded the dunes and gradually turned the desert Aotegenghua Huang green.”

Sister Hua also led her team to participate Nie Haiwang, Herdsman in a pilot project on cultivating water-saving herbal plants. Walking into the field of lico- “In the past, there was only a barren desert rice planted by her team, Sister Hua smiles here. There was no pasture at all and noth- and says, “My team members and I love this ing could be raised. But you see, through the land; we love our home. We are very happy transformation work, we now have a high- to support these greening activities. All these quality pasture. I can raise geese and sheep years we haven’t just been planting licorice, and make some money,” said Nie Haiwang, herbs, grasses, and trees, we’ve been plant- a herdsman living in Sharizhaogacha. He now ing love and hope for our hometown. To boasts an annual income of RMB 150,000 make the sands green, the herders rich, and (US$22,500), compared to his past income of our home beautiful are our biggest dreams at only RMB 10,000 (US$1,500). Gacha.” Nie raises geese and other livestock in the Dalengqiqige Qian, Herdswoman ecological zone that shares its space with a

Dalengqiqige, known as a desert greening Dalengqiqige Qian “self-taught expert,” won Elion’s recognition in 2014 for her 100 percent survival rate of trees. She was once poor and went through hardship like many other herdsmen and women in Kubuqi. She comes from Duguitala, a town located in the middle of the Kubuqi Desert. Back then, Dalengqiqige did not have any professional background of desert greening, but she knew deeply that “all roads lead to Rome, and everything is about technology.” To compensate for her lack of expertise, she cooperated and learned from engineers and technical super- visors, studied books about desert greening technologies and management methods, consulted experts, and experimented on the

52 UNCCD . WORLD BANK Nie Haiwang are young people. Over 400 local farmers have also been trained in using new technology for tree and grass planting.” Han added that the local farmers and herdsmen have also benefited from the restoration projects by earning dividends from land pooling, labor income from afforestation, and income from the tourism industry.

Fu Xiaomin, Reception Manager, Elion Desert Ecology Group

Fu Xiaomin has noticed a big reduction in the number of Kubuqi sand storms compared 110 megawatt photovoltaic project, which to 27 years ago. More rainfall has also been produces 650,000 watts of clean energy per recorded. Many different animals and plants day. Besides the energy production, alfalfa are reappearing and residents are more and other high-quality pasture produce are aware of the value of ecological restoration. grown in this area. Nie and other herdsmen She also sees that through Elion’s invest- can also opt to clean and maintain the 5,000 ment in building schools, kindergartens, and photovoltaic panels in the green energy zone vocational training centers, increasingly more to earn additional income. Such private com- young people in Kubuqi have the opportu- munity partnerships have motivated more nity to get a proper education. local people to engage in desertification control activities. Gao Ke, Project Director, Elion’s Desert Ecology and Health Company’s Work Han Meifei Safety Department

“Over the past 20 years, about 10,000 people “There are many youths who are unwilling have been directly involved in tree planting to leave the desert, and after leaving, they activities every year, of which approximately have a great longing to return to their land. 40 percent are female and about 60 percent After graduating from university, my friends and I contacted Elion to get a contract for tree planting. We failed in our first tree- Han Meifei planting attempt because we were inex- perienced and lacked knowledge about desert geology. But we have not given up. We want to start over, and so we have joined Elion to learn from its successes. We believe that after accumulating experience and learning from Elion, we can start our own company in desertification control activities.”

Wu Manping, Employee, Elion Green Land Technology Company

Wu Manping, a local woman who works for Elion Green Land Technology Company, undertakes project feasibility surveys and

LAND FOR LIFE 53 legal risk prevention and control. Wu said My female colleagues have all benefited in that Elion has helped assure her family’s this way.” quality of life. “I feel I’m contributing to creating a green world. I’m valuable, and Resources I’m happy. We, the women of the ’80s generation, assume the important respon- Elion Resources Group: http://english.elion. sibility of caring for the elderly and raising com.cn/ children, and at the same time we can realize our dreams. Thanks to the Kubuqi http://igongyi.cntv.cn/2014/06/11/ Desert control project, we do not need ARTI1402466526867272.shtml to do what many females in other remote areas do—leave their homes to make http://www.56.com/u56/v_MTE2NTc1ODQ1. money and sustain their families. Instead, html we can work here and sustain our families.

54 UNCCD . WORLD BANK Living Oasis: The Fight against Desertification in Morocco

orocco is bordered by the sea on the processes, exacerbated by deep socioeco- north and the ocean on the west. nomic and institutional changes. MThe rain coming from these two mar- itime coasts is either stopped or very strongly The Oasis, Miracle of Toil And Water diminished by four mountain ranges, particularly the Atlas Ranges arc. To the east and south, the drylands of the country unfold. Oases are havens of greenery, and quiet witnesses to human solidarity and labor. A string of more than 180 oases lines up in They were built patiently over millennia by the south of the country in the provinces humans. They represent real victories over an of Guelmim, Assa-Zag and Tata, which austere environment. Through their excellent together cover over 100,000 ha. These agro- knowledge of the territory, their exceptional ecosystems at the desert’s door have had management of scarce water resources and ecological, social, and economic significance their agricultural know-how, the oasis people for centuries. But the cumulative effects of invented this green archipelago at the edge recurring droughts and climate change have of the desert. They knew how to take advan- turned these oases into a theater for vari- tage of the shade, sun, earth, and water to ous desertification and land degradation extract fabulous treasures of life from any

LAND FOR LIFE 55 plot of land. They were able to plant crops this chapter) is the pioneer and leader of the such as alfalfa, tubers, vegetables, henna and POS, which was launched in 2006 in partner- cereals at ground level, and they even cre- ship with the United Nations Development ated shady living areas with fruit and palm Programme (UNDP). trees. Since then, POS has been actively address- But oases are threatened by desertifica- ing the challenges posed by climate change, tion today. They suffer from continuing drought, and desertification in Southern and increasing degradation, mainly due to Morocco and it has made tangible improve- the irrational exploitation of their natural ments to affected ecosystems and the lives resources. The situation has led to acceler- of their inhabitants. POS presents a beauti- ated desertification, loss and abandonment. ful Moroccan experience of sustainable and Because of their role as natural plant and equitable development in the fragile terri- microclimatic barriers to the advancing des- tories of southern Morocco. The knowledge ert and their strategic economic, social, and and practical know-how developed by POS ecological roles, saving the oases is crucial to can be adopted and adapted to other oases win the fight against desertification in south- at the national level and across the entire ern Morocco. Sahel.

Launched in 2004, the National Planning and POS was initially designed as a modest Development Strategy for the Oases empha- program in a marginalized area. In 2011, sizes that “the oasis is a matter of national it evolved into a comprehensive program interest; a priority that affects the essential for sustainable territorial development. Its nature of the national identity.” Based on this budget exceeded US$34 million. By 2014, it strategy, Programme Oasis Sud (POS) was had created an estimated 5,500 jobs. POS is designed as an environmental intervention, active across an area of 81,230 km2, covering placing the fight against desertification at the five provinces—namely, Guelmim, Tan Tan, center of its objectives. Tarfaya, Assa-Zag, and Tata—that comprise 11 urban and 45 rural communities. Programme Oasis Sud (POS) Elements of Success The Agency for the Promotion of Economic and Social Development of the Southern POS’s success can be attributed to both the Provinces (referred to as Agence du Sud in development process facilitated (the means)

56 UNCCD . WORLD BANK and the results (the ends). Six main elements most spectacular result of POS’s capacity to contributing to POS success are: promote inclusive growth at the local level.

1. Strategic planning and the participatory In line with the country’s guidelines for stra- path taken to develop it. tegic planning, POS adopted community development plans (CDPs) as the main tool 2. Combating desertification and enhancing for the participatory planning and implemen- adaptation to climate change. tation of development interventions. POS followed bottom-up, collaborative approaches 3. Sustainable and equitable water resource and mobilized a wide variety of development management. actors from the local to national levels. Top- down logic alone is sterile and counterpro- 4. Promotion and development of sustain- ductive for the POS. Past experience has able tourism. shown that top-down interventions are particularly unsustainable and do not benefit the 5. Creation of efficient and effective value- ecosystem nor its communities. adding and marketing structures. In the first phase, during the design of CDPs, Strategic Planning, an Exemplary a comprehensive territorial diagnosis is conducted with the collaboration and strong Participatory Process involvement of local communities. Various formats for discussions and information The elaboration of municipal development gathering are used—including, interviews plans for 46 communities is probably the and questionnaires, open and semi-open

LAND FOR LIFE 57 interviews, workshops, meetings, field visits, late 2007. Since then, these issues have been and tours. The objective of the approach is addressed comprehensively and in an inte- to use all practical means to best capture grated manner across the entire territory to the perceptions of the local communities promote sustainable development. regarding their own development needs, constraints, opportunities, and potential. A From the lessons learned through the vari- comprehensive territorial diagnosis is then ous pilot actions aimed at territorial cohe- completed that reflects the reality on the sion and the studies performed by POS, a ground. new approach was adopted to design and implement the development interventions. CDPs are designed with the active involve- As a result, biodiversity conservation and ment of young, unemployed graduates. The sustainable management of natural resources CDP has two major objectives; to mobilize have become essential elements of every local potential to drive the local develop- CDP aiming to promote inclusive sustainable ment process; and to create a skilled devel- development. Thus, a territorial planning opment nucleus through an appropriate approach became a key component in the training program that would then assist in second phase of POS. The upside is a new CDP implementation. generation of CDPs that reconcile conservation and development imperatives. The Based on the territorial diagnosis, a frame- intercommoned projects and initiatives for work for local development is outlined with sustainable national resource management various lines of action. Thematic, issue-based have been developed and implemented on workshops bring together representatives the basis of these CDPs. of decentralized departments of relevant institutions, municipality and local authori- Sustainable and Equitable Water ties, NGOs, key local people, animation experts, and thematic specialists. The CDP Resource Management is then approved by the Commune Council and becomes the framework document driv- Sustainable management of scarce water ing the local development process. During resources is a crucial development issue CDP implementation, extensive consultations for the oases in southern Morocco. POS are organized with affected communities to was able to implement comprehensive ensure harmony and collaboration and to approaches to water management that promote efficiency in the use of labor and consider the catchment as a whole and resources. Inter-communality or collaboration revive traditional knowledge and water between communes for CDP implementation management practices. Water manage- is facilitated to promote synergy and effi- ment cannot be conceived at the plot or ciency. Consultative, collaborative meetings palm grove scale only. Upstream of the that include up to 20 municipalities are orga- well is the catchment area, which must nized at the provincial level. be included in water resource management for interventions to be effective. Fighting Desertification and Management has to account for the scope of the catchment area and its characteris- Enhancing Adaptation to Climate tics (soil type, slope and vegetation, and so Change forth). Demand for water is highest downstream in the dry zones. POS interventions in the water sector were comprehensive, Fighting desertification and sustainable integrated, and took account of the entire management of natural resources became watershed. They involved water supply priorities after the first reframing of POS in as well as demand management; they

58 UNCCD . WORLD BANK complemented other interventions imple- gravity-based irrigation system into a mented by the Agence du Sud in the water drop-by-drop system. This system is more sector, which involved diversion and pro- respectful of the water resource. Following tection of water canals and construction of the territorial logic, in the areas located dams and of hillside storage reservoirs. outside the oases, wells were dug along the transhumance axes and equipped POS reinforced the customary ancestral with solar pumps to supply drinking water practice of allocating water. In the pro- to pastoral families and their livestock. cess, water towers and channels were Together, these actions promoted sustain- rehabilitated and traditional usage rights able, equitable water resource manage- revitalized. The khettaras—a traditional ment in the oases. underground system that channels water from the piedmont to the palm grove— Promotion and Development of were cleaned, maintained, and renovated. Other actions included the refurbishment Sustainable Tourism of springs and irrigation canals, digging of wells, and construction of water-harvesting The promotion of sustainable tourism in the basins. Another beneficial intervention is Southern Oases was a major development the progressive conversion of the classical intervention of the POS that continued to evolve over the lifetime of the program. The first phase of the POS included a strategy for the promotion of sustainable tourism in the oases; however, its implementation on the ground was limited to pilot activities and ad hoc experiences, such as the development of the bed and breakfast concept in Tighmert, thematic training in Asrir, and the production of some marketing material.

During the second year of implementation, POS expanded its operations to include new oasis communities. The tourism component started developing new products such as tours and a tourist signaling system across the whole of the Southern Oases. Tourist accommodations, including 30 bed and breakfast facilities, inns and camps, became scattered across the three provinces of Guelmim, Assa-Zag, and Tata. Thematic training sessions for community members and stakeholders were also multiplied and generalized.

LAND FOR LIFE 59 These efforts aimed to increase accommoda- The main challenge was how to keep their tion facilities in the whole territory and to put originality while improving their taste. Some in place several ecotourism thematic circuits. of these products were also new to local pop- POS then invested in the rehabilitation and ulations. Public access to these discoveries development of several heritage sites. For demands distribution and marketing logistics example, the restoration of the Ksar in Assa in tune with their production. This has led to made room for tourist accommodations, as the establishment of the Cluster des Oasis du well as religious and community spaces. Sahara (COS), a platform bringing together up to 100 cooperatives and associations from In the third phase, POS set out to harmonize the entire region, adding value to their prod- the touristic products offered with the intrin- ucts, enhancing their production standards sic wealth of the territory. Through this cre- and quality control procedures, and support- ative approach, for example, artistic events ing the marketing of their produce through were linked to the discovery of a variety of the creation of a unified brand “Nadweyya.” local products to provide an added value Two Nadweyya marketing outlets were of authenticity, thus building on the power opened in Guelmim in 2011 and in Rabat of attraction for these destinations. The cul- in 2014. These outlets are witnesses to the tural/folkloric activities, the diversity of local success of COS. The plan for the future is to products—mainly food, cosmetics and crafts, widen the range of products offered with the astonishing desert honeys, smooth olive and addition of new products such as meat and argan oils, delicious date jams and pastes, dairy from camel, royal jelly, propolis, essen- refreshing prickly pear juice, diverse dairy tial oils, and aromatic and medicinal plants. A and meat products, and rich multi-cereal further step will be to expand the Nadweyya couscous—made these ancient caravan stops brand to include cosmetic products pro- a wonderful destination within a perfumed duced by POS member cooperatives. atmosphere of bkhour in the shade of a Saharan khayma. Handicraft makers were also organized into dedicated clusters. Designer artists were This wealth of local potential and heritage hired to support new, creative, and functional was brought together under one unifying designs. The development of the souk or concept, Oasis du Sahara, or the Oases of market in Tata met the hosting needs of hun- the Sahara. Eight oasis clusters were defined dreds of ambulant craft merchants. These based on territorial reach and resource diver- clusters coordinate closely with ASTOS, sity. The Tourism Association for the Southern the network of tourism professionals in the Oases (ASTOS) was created and put in region, to promote the establishment of a charge of managing the Tourism Information nested branding for the oases of southern Office (BIOTO), also supported by the POS. Morocco, or Destination Oasis Sud. ASTOS brought together all tourism stakeholders, including bed and breakfast owners, The success of these initiatives encouraged local guides, handicraft and food-processing the development of larger-scale produc- cooperatives, music and folkloric troops, hike tion structures including the Ouaaroune organizers, as well as travel agencies. Cactopole in Asrir. The Cactopole derives its name from the cactus, a unique natural Efficient and Effective Value-Adding resource that is present in large quantities in southern Morocco. The Cactopole and Marketing Structures was conceived as an industrial area of excellence to add value to cactus pro- POS was active in the promoting, value-add- duction, locally referred to as the “green ing, and marketing of local products. It iden- gold.” It is strategically located along tified dozens of marketable local products. the main national road, supports applied

60 UNCCD . WORLD BANK experimental research, and includes an The results were instantly tangible: Parity and activity zone covering over 25 ha. Equality of Chances Commissions became operational on a pilot basis in three commu- Empowering Women: The Mother, nities (Asrir, Oum El Guerdane, and Tata). In 2009, 12 women representatives won in com- The Wife, The Daughter munity elections.

POS was initially conceived as a program POS created about 2,000 jobs for women and to address environmental problems. In a girls between 2006 and 2014. The scope of closed society, where women were never its gender-based interventions is extensive. involved in community decision-making They include, among others, capacity build- processes, it was challenging to talk about ing and training in agro-food production and gender equity and women’s empowerment. tent-weaving techniques; facilitation of expe- However, with the development of the first rience exchange including inter-cooperative CDP in Asrir, gender equity became a prior- exchange visits; participation of local women ity objective for POS. Starting in 2009, the cooperatives in national and international income-generating activities and micro- exhibitions; support to the creation of new entrepreneurial initiatives primarily targeted associations, economic interest groups, and women and women’s associations. In 2009, federation units that bring together various POS launched a project for “enhancing women cooperatives for their mutual benefit; women’s roles in local governance,” with a provision of daycare; and establishment and budget of US$460,000 for two years. equipment of multimedia classrooms wel- coming women and youth. Following the launch of an awareness cam- paign, there was increased interest in involv- These actions transformed the lives of ing women in local development processes. hundreds of local women. As women’s

LAND FOR LIFE 61 conditions improve, so do the conditions adaptive management capacity enabled for their families, communities, and the POS to respond efficiently to development ecosystems in which they live. Increasingly, demands in an ecologically and economi- women are debating about the future and cally vulnerable zone. are involved in local development processes. The Network of Elected Women Testimonies from Elected Officials Officials was established to bring together locally elected women to build their capac- and Local Authorities ity and strengthen their role in local governance and decision-making processes. Abdellah Addouz, President of Fask Membership in the network is open to any woman with an elective function within a “I have been president of the rural commu- local authority. nity of Fask since 2003. I was reelected for a second term in 2009. That year, we held an POS catalyzed huge strides toward gender agreement forum under the tent forum for equity and women’s social, economic, and two weeks to discuss local development with political empowerment. It made a continu- the community, but the forum had limited ous evaluation of the local dynamics to results. Then, we established an emergency meet the evolving expectations of women program with a budget of three million dir- and men and to reconcile the urgent liveli- hams (US$308,500) with the Agence du Sud hoods needs with those of sustainability and entrusted its implementation to the and resilience building. The combina- association For a Green Morocco; the startup tion of a comprehensive approach and was difficult.

62 UNCCD . WORLD BANK A territorial diagnosis was then conducted, Mohamed El Kholty, President of Oum for which POS succeeded in mobilizing El Guerdane community interest and participation. Despite difficulties during the planning “The adoption of the gender-sensitive phase, the training meetings with POS approach was a real revolution for our com- experts were successful and consultation munity policy and planning process. Initially, meetings succeeded in capturing every- we underestimated both the number of one’s views. The resulting CDP was then women and of young people in our actual approved by the members of the Municipal demographics and hence marginalized their Council. Today, we are mobilizing funds role. to implement it. I believe that progress in Fask will come by developing the resources The partnership with the POS opened up for tourism—hot springs, sand dunes, exceptional paths in programming, participa- camel hiking trips—and through intercom- tory planning and project implementation, munal networking with the neighboring based mainly on women’s empowerment and communities in Tiglit or Asrir.” gender sensitivity. I’m myself surprised by the results. I’m from this territory and I can assure Moulay Mehdi HABIBI, President, you that women’s strong involvement in pre- Municipal Council of Tata paring our CDP was unexpected.

“In 2011, with the support of the If I have any advice to give to the presidents DGCL (General Directorate for Local of the rural communities of Tata, I would Collectivities), the Agence du Sud, and the tell them not to hesitate in this regard. The AfDB (African Development Bank), we initi- gender-sensitive approach is not only ben- ated the local development planning and eficial in terms of enhancing local democracy governance process in the urban munici- and governance, it also helps in mobilizing pality of Tata. additional funds to finance local development and reduces the poverty pockets in The Municipal Council, with the support of communities affected by desertification and its partners and some experts, was able to drought.” involve all the local actors and civil society. At the start of this process, we agreed with M’barek Nafaoui, President of Asrir our technical partners to make the Tata CDP a model in terms of building resilience and “We started the planning exercise by defin- adaptation to climate change. Thus, during ing the local context and conditions with an the early stages of defining the local context in-depth diagnosis in early 2008. Then, we and the participatory territorial diagnosis, organized and hosted, with the POS, a series vulnerability of the community and natural of forums and action-oriented workshops resources to the effects of climate change throughout 2008. The result of this policy dia- was taken into account. logue and consultations was a first draft CDP that was submitted and validated by the local The Municipal Council is proud to have a community during a Validation Forum in May comprehensive CDP that is responsive to 2009. local needs and promotes economic development, while considering climate change Following participatory, inclusive planning, the mitigation and adaptation aspects, as well most important step remains implementation as the management of risks and natural of the CDP. In this regard, the fundamental disasters. contribution of inter-communality should

LAND FOR LIFE 63 be acknowledged. It facilitates experience implementation of the CDP, which com- exchange and promotes synergy and the prehensively addresses all aspects of local pooling of resources in support of CDP imple- development including environmental mentation and to advance economic, social, conservation and women’s empowerment. and cultural development. Inter-communality Large-scale projects are still being designed falls within the promising logic of territorial and scheduled. The promotion of a social solidarity and territorial development and can and solidarity economy in Fam El Hisn initiate a sustainable dynamic of economic revolves around the development of eco- growth that can, in turn, reduce poverty and tourism and the creation of an Agropole as social misery and enhance the sustainable a postharvest, packaging, value-adding, and management of natural resources.” marketing platform for agricultural produce in the region. Some of the CDP projects are Mohamed Oudor, President, Municipal ambitious and are pioneers at the regional Council of Fam El Hisn and even national levels. Innovative ideas are proposed for the monetization of local “Since 2006, Fam El Hisn has been one of assets and potential, including revealing and the first municipalities to subcontract a mod- restoring the architectural heritage, install- ernization program with the POS. Within the ing a Saharan animal park, and establishing a framework of this program, POS rehabilitated value-adding unit for dates. A starter budget infrastructure, such as highways, and initiated has already been agreed with the POS, and several modernization projects that facili- additional funds will be mobilized from vari- tated a local development dynamic. ous departments, institutions, and national or international donors.” But the real change in the scale of development came after the development and Testimonies from Entrepreneurs and Beneficiaries

Sadik Idrissi, President, PCM Company

“The inventory of local products from the provinces of Guelmim, Tata, Assa-Zag, Tan Tan, and Tarfaya has revealed a rich and diverse range that is fragmented and opaque to the national market. We have identified ten sectors, seven of which have development potential, as well as 36 local products and a dozen aromatic and medicinal plants. The approach adopted was based on quality, linking the product to its origin, and integrating and pooling a number of products and services. This was followed by upgrading the production units, supporting the development of quality and origin labels, and developing the “Nadweyya” brand name.

64 UNCCD . WORLD BANK Networking between small producers was cherished the idea of creating a travel facilitated with the creation of Social Business agency. The 3S Travel Agency became a real- (COS SB). It is a consortium that is respon- ity thanks to the POS, which gave me a start- sible for adding value and promoting local up credit of 200,000 dirhams in 2009. This products. Its objective is to optimize returns helped me to pay the deposit required to for local producers while ensuring an equi- obtain the travel agency license for Guelmim, table distribution of benefits along the entire issued by the Ministry of Tourism. supply chain.” My communication and promotion work Karim Anegay and Abderrachid thereafter helped me to earn the trust Boutouba, Coordinators, POS Cactus of almost all the administrations of the Subprogram Guelmim–Es Semara region. After five years of working in the tourism field, 3S Travel “From 2008 to 2011, the cactus develop- opened a branch in Marrakech. Now we want ment and valorization subprogram involved to tackle another part of the tourism indus- eight communities in Guelmim that had try, tourist transport. Today, we have four large prickly pear plantations. Several actions permanent jobs. To find out more about the were implemented to assist them. A coop- tours that we offer, please visit our Web site, erative was created and equipped to add www.3s-travel.com.” value to cactus production and its derivatives including cactus nectar, jam, cosmetic seed oil, nopal, and edible young cactus leaves. Recently, POS established the Cactopole, an industrial district dedicated to value adding and the marketing of cactus and its various products. It is located in Ouaaroune, in the community of Asrir, and as such creates an economic link between the oases communities and the cactus-producing communities.”

Hamza Louali, President, Cactus Commodities (Ouaaroune)

“The Cactus Commodities Company was created in May 2012. We were the first company to set up shop in the Cactopole. In the first 15 months of our operation, we have exported 320 liters of prickly pear seed oil, mainly to the United States, Japan, and Asia. Our turnover is much higher than our initial forecasts.”

Fatima Rachoy, Director, 3S Travel Agency

“Before, I was an employee at a hotel in Guelmim. But I have always

LAND FOR LIFE 65 Ahmed Fiddi, President, Tazerzite (steam room) on our parents’ land located Association (Fam El Hisn) in the center of the village of Taghjijt. We were helped by the Assadaqua Association “My surname is “Fiddi,” which literally means for Development and Cooperation that pro- silversmith in Arabic. It’s not for nothing; my vided us with access to a Mouqawalati loan, family has worked in the silver sector here in and has mobilized additional funds from Fam El Hisn for generations and has created the municipality, the DGCL, and POS. The the reputation of the oasis and the village. association and POS convinced us to equip Together, with four other recognized crafts- the hammam with an improved thermal men, we created the Tazerzite Association, boiler. Equipped with solar panels, this boiler and the Rural Commune with the support saves 60 percent of the firewood otherwise of POS has built and equipped a dedicated needed; this is why it is an ecological ham- building, the “House of the Artisan” com- mam. We contribute to the community health monly referred to as the House of Metal. We and well-being, we save energy and reduce are much more efficient working at the house the pressure on the limited wood resources because of the space and the facilities, includ- in the area and provide a good practice on ing the adapted furnace for melting the metal. how young women can fit into the economic All steps of the production process are now and social fabric of the village. Forced migra- done onsite; before, we were obliged to go tion is not inevitable. Today, the hammam is to Tiznit to complete some stages of the pro- frequented by 50 to 100 people a day. It’s a cess. Today, we receive orders from Tiznit! business that is working.”

There is also a showroom that you can visit. Bouchra Janah, President, Al Mountada And thanks to POS, we are working with Nissoui Cooperative (Assa) designers from Rabat and Casablanca to create new jewelry models. The jewelry we “We are 10 women in the cooperative that make generates income for several men and was created in 2009 with the help of POS women from the village, who resell it across and the Japanese Cooperation. As in many the region.” places in Morocco, we used to only make goat cheese. Southern Morocco is, however, Hicham Aoud, Head Chef, The the country of the camel. POS brought in Workshops of the Chef experts who showed us how to make cheese from camel’s milk. The process is difficult “The local products from Saharan Morocco because camel milk is fatty, and thus quite have allowed me, these past years, to assert difficult to curdle. The other problem is that my expertise as an Executive Chef. They have the milk comes from migratory herds that are fueled my imagination to develop original not always nearby, whereas the cheese must recipes such as “the Argan Oil and Chocolate be sold fresh; it cannot last for more than five Macaroon,” or even “Couscous Khoummasi days. Still, we succeeded in making a soft with a creamy camel’s milk cheese and can- dough cheese that is much appreciated and died vegetables.” The development of these sold immediately in Assa and in Guelmim, products has been a great source of inspira- despite its high price.” tion, a constructive challenge, and a source of great pride. I would like to thank POS for Brahim El Joumani, President of COS SB its confidence.” “Initially, the mission of the COS SB was to Mohammed Oummane, Owner and bring together the small producers to share Manager of the Ecological Hammam resources and work together in a network. (Taghjijt) For instance, I have provided my experience and my address book. This is how the COS “My sister Fatima and I came up with the SB system works. idea of building a traditional hammam

66 UNCCD . WORLD BANK Given the encouraging results achieved was not very good. By replacing it with by the COS SB, I am confident that we can a modern gas oven, POS provided two move to the next step which is international solutions: First, it increased the volume marketing. But to do so, we need to develop of the oven, allowing for faster and larger the members’ skills and professionalize the production as well as less damage during production network further. In this regard, we the baking process. Second, women were would like the government support to con- liberated from the drudgery of collecting tinue in order for us to succeed in overcom- wood; the environment is rid of smoke ing future challenges.” pollution. As a result, some young people have returned to this traditional craft and Maalem Blal, Potter at Jhalak Douar people now buy quality traditional prod- (Tata Province); President of Tighmert ucts much cheaper despite the competi- Association tion from plastic and aluminum.

“At the Tighmert douar in Tata, we are The products from the Tighmert oven are proud of our expertise in pottery. It is a no longer just simple pots for the traditional common heritage for several families of kitchen. Some of the products are used for artisans. Before, the artisans shared a tra- decoration. All the mud-bricks used in the ditional wood oven. This meant a lot of rehabilitation of ancient mosques, old attics, wood collecting chores for women. It also and many vestiges of the Saadian splendor created air pollution. And the efficiency are baked here.”

LAND FOR LIFE 67 Testimonies from Women

Mbarka Aouissa, President, Casamar Cooperative (Tarfaya)

“Tarfaya has six cooperatives and associations that make couscous, with nearly 40 women involved. At our place, we only make moukhamiss or khammasi, which is the couscous of the beydanes, a mixture of five cereal flours. It is five times better than the couscous made in the north! We are always at someone’s home to roll the grains together. POS gave us aprons and all the production equipment.” Salka Momo, President, Lamta Women’s Cooperative for the Production of Hafida Ouknou, President, Tifaouine Marni, Asrir Cooperative (Kasbah Sidi Abdallah Ben M’Barek) “I would have never thought that you can make money from megli (roasted barley) until “At the Tifaouine Cooperative, there are POS created a cooperative to produce and 20 women from Kasbah Sidi Abdallah Ben package it. Today, we sell megli to coopera- M’Barek. We had always made couscous at tives that make khoumassi couscous; it is home, with very simple utensils, by precook- one of its ingredients. The COS SB even sells ing it on a wood fire. With POS, we organized it in an individual package so that people ourselves in a women’s cooperative because can buy it to make their own lemriss (a drink by producing together, we had a larger sup- made from a mixture of megli, sugar, and ply and started attracting customers beyond water) or beloghmane (a megli paste made family members. POS built us a facility, gave with hot water and goat fat). Encouraged by us equipment, trained us, and even installed POS, I transformed the basic megli flour into an electric dryer. Today, together with coop- delicious pastries with the addition of honey, eratives from other douars, we are part of an dates, olive oil, almonds, and spices. We call Economic Interest Group, and all of Morocco these cakes halawiat salka. We just offered eats our couscous!” them at a fair in Rabat and sold everything—60 dirhams (US$6) per kilo and the Mahjouba Bidar, Sounboula Cooperative people are asking for more. There is demand (Assa) from faraway places such as the Canary Islands and Mauritania. We are seven women “When our cooperative of ten women joined in our association; some were in difficult eco- the Economic Interest Group (GIE), we viewed nomic situations, but now, thanks to God and the other cooperatives as competitors. Today, to POS, we are able to make a living.” they are our partners, because together we agreed on the quality standards to follow. We Lalla Fatma El Merini, President, went all the way to Laâyoune to discuss the Network of Elected Women Officials ingredients of the khammasi couscous. Now we all produce it the same way, and then the “I always wanted to help my fellow citizens COS SB sells it for all of us. There is a standard living in rural areas, especially women. When recipe and we keep it secret because now it it was announced that a quota for women has a Protected Geographical Indication over would be introduced for the 2009 elections, all the southern provinces!” I did not hesitate. Before, there were no

68 UNCCD . WORLD BANK women on the Municipal Council of Asrir, province told me that when they used to now there are two. arrive at their Community Council, they [would] find their chairs moved away from But becoming a member of the council is those of the male members and [they] were not enough. Fortunately, the POS funded starting to get used to being marginalized and coached us to create the Network of and not heard. We encouraged them and Elected Women Officials, of which I am the told them that it is their right to express president. Today, we are five from Guelmim, themselves and to give their opinion; that four from Tata, two from Tan Tan, and two they should not be intimidated. If they are from Assa at the office. The network pro- unable to express themselves in a good motes experience exchange and learning classic Arabic, they can use the dialect. with the organization of several thematic The important thing is to make their voices training workshops. We just got back from heard. Now, they feel confident to sit at the the one held at Tan Tan last week. Some table with men, eat, speak, and listen.” women elected officials from another

LAND FOR LIFE 69

HUMAN SECURITY, CLIMATE CHANGE, AND FORCED MIGRATION 72 UNCCD . WORLD BANK HUMAN SECURITY AND CLIMATE CHANGE

nvironmental degradation impacts The up side of this fundamental link between human welfare and affects the basic humanity and land is that it also works in the Econditions for peace and stability. opposite direction. Protecting land produc- Because of its strong linkages with food tivity could trigger peace, stability and eco- security, economic development and human system recovery cycles. The benefits would rights, the state of the land is at the core extend far beyond the use of the natural of the most fundamental positive feedback resources. Inspiring examples exist, as shown loops of our times. Mankind could use these in the following pages. feedback loops to multiply the quality of life or neglect them with uncertain and poten- Sustainable land management, thus, is a cru- tially devastating results. cial, yet underestimated solution for many of the world’s most pressing challenges, includ- The ecosystem is challenging human organi- ing forced migration and climate change zation with its ever swifter modifications. The adaptation. A first implication is the need to fundamental question is whether humans will improve direct land use. But the stakes are stay united in order to restore the balance of now so high for food security and human well- the key ecosystems in a rational way, or they being that preserving the healthy lands left is will turn to irrationally competitive behavior not only necessary, but the most cost-effective that may continue feeding the ecosystem’s way to address the growing vulnerability of disruption. people living in resource scarce areas. It is also vital, if we are to prevent land degrada- The commonly feared and condemned sce- tion becoming a threat in other areas. nario is the “business as usual”, with a continued neglect of the natural balance. The fact The current trend is one of a constantly is, a worse turn may be looming and could expanding human population and produc- be more catastrophic. If the impairment of tion. From this perspective, the responsibility ecosystem services is pushed beyond a given to protect the health of productive land is a threshold, it may exacerbate competition over priority strategy. We must take action on the scarce resources and trigger some systemic causes of environmental degradation – fos- insecurity, societal and institutional fragility, ter renewable energy, prevent and repress instability and conflict. In turn, these changes poaching, monitor timber markets and so on. could paralyze the international community’s But we must also be aware that we may reach willingness to unite and manage the ecosys- or are reaching the point at which the heavy tem rationally. This negative feedback loop is consequences of ecosystems failure might be far worse than the ‘business as usual’ scenario. unavoidable. Defusing this loop is imperative and is con- tingent on granting sufficient and fair access Individuals and communities both need to to thes ecosystem services essential for an resist and adapt to the changing circum- orderly economy and social cohesion. Most of stances by taking responsibility for natural these services are rooted in healthy soils, for a resources. Cooperative approaches towards majority of the global population.

LAND FOR LIFE 73 conservation, the sustainable management In the stories that follow, land emerges as of common goods and land rehabilitation the first and foremost asset of value for are key resilience strategies. The stories livelihoods for a great portion of human- from Bayannuur (Mongolia) and those of the ity. Land needs to be nurtured, if we are to Green Revolution (Ethiopia) show that creat- avoid being embroiled in local and regional ing jobs and revenue opportunities around conflicts, or even global instability. The good ecosystem restoration are decisive factors in news is that, by restoring ecosystems and offering people the chance either to tackle degraded lands to solve the consequences the drivers of forced migration or to find of environmental imbalance, we will also somewhere else to survive. solve the knotty issue of poverty.

74 UNCCD . WORLD BANK From Yellow to Green: Building a Sustainable Regional Development Model

etween 1999 and 2002 in Mongolia, streams, 2,069 springs, and 1,166 lakes and severe winters known as dzud killed ponds have disappeared. The effect on the B11 million livestock and turned more rural population, which relies heavily on ani- than 12,000 households into environmen- mal husbandry, has been substantial. After tal migrants. But this was not just a sudden losing their livelihood due to climate change development. It was a disaster waiting to and desertification, a significant number of happen. nomads had no alternative but to move to another city. Over the last 20 years, the urban Mongolia, due to both its innermost loca- population in Mongolia increased by approx- tion and its extreme continental climate, is imately 70 percent, which led to a peri-urban especially vulnerable to climate change. Dust slum issue. One example is Ulaanbaatar, sandstorms plague many areas in Mongolia, where people who live in these peri-urban especially around villages, indicating that slums often lack clean drinking water, sanita- activities in the villages are a factor that may tion, and basic public facilities. relate to the occurrence. From 1991 to 2009, due to sandstorms and desertification, nearly In 2000, in response to the unraveling disas- threefold of fertile grassland in Mongolia has ter in Mongolia, the Green Asia Network gradually disappeared. (GAN), a nongovernmental organization from the Republic of Korea, started tree Man-made factors such as overgrazing and indiscrimi- nate mining development accelerated the process of desertification. The number of livestock increased from 9.6 million in 1918, to 39 million in 2007. The animals needed to support families’ livelihoods are now becoming the main source of land degradation.

The increase in the annual average temperature by 1.92°C over the past 60 years has exacerbated the situation. Some 887 rivers and

LAND FOR LIFE 75 Engagement with Local Residents, Key to the Success

The key success factor in the GAN model is active engagement and participation of the community. GAN recruited the affected local residents to attend its orientation and sen- sitization programs. The residents received training and the necessary skills required to manage afforestation and land rehabilitation projects. Active participation, such as discussion and idea exchanges, was highly planting activities to help to curb the effects. encouraged so that participants could clearly GAN developed a sustainable regional learn and understand how the model works. management model that integrated three Additionally, advanced training programs in key elements: environment, society, and the afforestation, sustainable agriculture, greeneconomy. This model was then scaled up and house management, and organization opera- replicated successfully across six project sites tion were offered. in Mongolia. After training, GAN hired the participants. Integrating the Environment They earned an income for implementing and managing the projects over a limited period of time. This empowerment process enabled Within 15 years, 500,000 trees were planted the local residents to be self-reliant and to on 500 ha of land in Mongolia, lead- manage the agriculture and tree planting ing to increased grassland production of activities independently in the future. approximately 3.2 tons per ha, a reduction of dust sandstorms in the nearby region, Building a sense of belonging to a commu- and improved land fertility as well as water nity as well as solidarity among communities retention. GAN’s restoration project also remains critical. A sense of community and expanded from one to five other sites in cooperation help foster cohesion while main- Mongolia. Residents living near the afforesta- taining active participation among the local tion sites observed fewer occurrences of dust workers who were environmental migrants storms and no longer face the destruction coming from different regions of Mongolia. left by these storms. A successful example of a GAN restoration project is in Bayannuur GAN’s SLM model was also adapted to the District, where GAN planted 120 ha of trees needs of the communities and environmen- in a village. Villagers reported that they did tal conditions of its sites. For example, in not see dust sandstorms occur in the approx- Bayannuur, the major activities were lake imately 1,200 ha of land surrounding the site.

In addition to the reduction of sand storms, the formation of root nodules up to 0.5 cm in size were observed in the rehabilitated land. Root nodules directly increase the productivity of the grassland.

76 UNCCD . WORLD BANK rehabilitation, installation of a solar plant residents also earn income from their harvests system, reforestation and fruit tree cultiva- and from selling meals to tourists. A commu- tion, while in Bagannuur and Songino, urban nity fund was established to collect income models were adopted, and activities focused earnings from the activities or services to sus- primarily on urban afforestation. In Dondgovi, tain their future activities. The local residents the barren land model was employed and are encouraged to actively contribute ideas local residents were specially trained in affor- for improving their living conditions by partici- esting techniques for barren land. pating in monthly meetings.

Integrating the Economy for Power of Raising Awareness Long-Term Sustainability GAN runs a variety of educational programs Fruit tree cultivation and agriculture activi- throughout Mongolia, and Korea as well. ties that could generate income for the local One of the most innovative programs uses community were initiated to sustain the ecotourism. It is a powerful mechanism for livelihood of the local residents. This was an raising awareness about the challenges essential step for ensuring project sustain- of desertification, land degradation, and ability and community self-reliance. The drought. profit from the harvest is then saved in a collective fund that is managed by an informal GAN organizes eco-tours that attract locals cooperative. This money will then be used to and international visitors to affected areas to establish and operate a community coopera- show them the impacts of climate change, tive that is responsible for managing commu- and how SLM can improve livelihoods in nity activities at a later stage. other parts of the world. The participants learn about climate change and desertifica- Creating a Model Village tion and are given the opportunity to work with the local people on forestry projects. Every year, more than 600 Koreans and over In 2010, GAN built a pilot sustainable village 3,000 Mongolians take part in this eco-tourist in Erdene, named Sky Village. This village is awareness program. located near Ulaanbaatar, in the middle of a broad field suffering from desertification. Sky Testimonies: Local Participation Key Village was created to attract the participation of environmental migrants seeking a better livelihood in Ulaanbaatar City. Tsognamsrai Damiran

At first, these migrants were employed by Tsognamsrai Damiran, a senior-level GAN to implement afforestation activities. employee at the United Nations They also participated in a training program which focused on project know-how and other income-generation activities. GAN also facilitated the organization of various income- generation activities, such as eco-tours and the cultivation of fruit trees and vegetables to help the community sustain their livelihood. Within two years, the community, which started with nothing, built a village park- ing area, a store house, an improved waste dumping site, and a fire hydrant system. The

LAND FOR LIFE 77 Development Programme (UNDP) excellent model in sustainable land manage- Community Outreach and a rural conserva- ment that can be replicated to get active par- tion development expert, was impressed with ticipation from the local people.” GAN’s sustainable model. Dulamsuren Badarch “As an ecologist, my career at UNDP Mongolia started in 2008. Between 2008 Badarch is a 52-year-old woman who is a resi- and 2012, I worked on the Sustainable Land dent of Sky Village and a staff member at the Management for Combating Desertification Erdene site. Project in cooperation with the Ministry of Food, Agriculture, and Light Industry of “Before, I was a meat retailer at a market in Mongolia. I was responsible for capacity a nearby region, but the business didn’t go building and trainings with regard to com- well so I quit. I started working here in 2011, bating desertification. During that time, doing afforestation work. Currently, I am in I became familiar with GAN activities in charge of cooking in the ecotourism team, Mongolia, as we were doing similar activities. and of accounting for the community fund. Because local participation is key, I learned The Erdene staff started selling meals to the from GAN how to get active involvement eco-tour team visitors in 2014. The profit from the local people, a challenge we faced goes to their community fund. in our own project. This is why I want to introduce GAN’s model to the local community in Since I started working here, I feel rewarded the UNDP project. by harvesting fruit and earning [a living] by selling meals to the eco-tourists. I have The principal objective of GAN’s projects is learned how to plant trees, to maintain the to restore and strengthen the environment sites, and to make fruit jam. In the meantime, through SLM by building local capacities my two daughters were admitted to the uni- through an integrated approach that works versity in the city. One will graduate this year for sustainable environment, economics, and the other one next year. and society. This is done in a comprehensive way by working with communities to Before the afforestation program, this land generate income from selling agricultural was covered by sand and had just a few grass products, educating local residents, and patches due to desertification. Now there are raising awareness on environmental protec- trees and grass, and we even earn money by tion. Based on my experience in Mongolia, selling the fruits and vegetables we grow. I know this is an appropriate and effective model of creating change that also helps My future plan is to manage and maintain communities. the afforestation activities in order to keep

Also, it’s important to connect NGO work with government plans to have the biggest impact. GAN has done this by partner- ing with other international NGOs and the Mongolian government. By building these relationships, it can work not only at the local level, but also nationally. This has helped GAN scale and expand its projects to different areas in Mongolia.

As a person who has worked on the ground, I know GAN’s strategy and activities make an Dulamsuren Badarch, on right

78 UNCCD . WORLD BANK producing and harvesting more fruit to save Buyandelger Dashdondog money for the community fund and improve our livelihoods.” Dashdondog, 42 years old, is the agricultural manager of the Bayannuur site. Ankhbold Dorlig “Back in my hometown, I lived a nomadic life. Dorlig, 32 years old, is the local manager of I lost my livestock in the 2002 dzud. I started the Erdene site. After migrating from another working here in 2010. At first, the work was village, Dorlig is now a member of Sky challenging for me because I had no knowl- Village. edge about afforestation. Tending saplings and agriculture were all new to me. But now, “I was born a nomad in the Hovd Aimag I am the manager of a nursery and have region in the western border province of learned agriculture. Mongolia. But it was hard to make a living even with more than a stock of 100 goats, so I love the feeling that I get working during in 2009, I moved to Ulaanbaatar city with my the changing seasons. In spring, I am happy family and stock. Then the dzud arrived the because the work cycle for the year begins. same winter and my entire stock died. Then In autumn, I enjoy harvesting various vegeta- in 2011, the local Erdene government offered bles. I am learning a lot of new things here, me the information job at GAN’s site, where I including how to work as a team. am now the site manager. In this region, we had frequent sand storms It hurts me to see trees we have worked so and the streams and the lakes were dry. But hard to grow weaken during the drought. as the trees that we have planted grow, the But when the trees finally survive, well, I am land of red sand is turning into green, fertile so proud of what we have done. By working land. I also can see that environmental aware- here with my wife, we earn a salary to support ness is growing among us. Even my children our livelihood, and we also get to see and are interested in agriculture and afforestation learn how nature restores a desertified area. now. My children also love nature. They proudly tell their friends, “My parents are planting Now I have a dream—to establish a local trees.” agriculture cooperative with my colleagues.”

I tell my friends what I have learned here and Buyandelger Dawachereng appeal to them to plant trees. I hope I can plant trees in my hometown one day.” Dawachereng, 29 years old, is a manager at the Uggi nuur site and is full of enthusiasm.

Buyandelger Dashdondog Ankhbold Dorlig

LAND FOR LIFE 79 Neil: “I found My Club through Facebook, and joined it five years ago. Through My Club, I have learned to plant and manage trees and to work as a team.”

Munkhsaikhan: “GAN and My Club have worked together since 2009. GAN set up afforestation sites, which creates jobs for the local communities. My Club members volun- teer for the afforestation activities on GAN’s sites and raise awareness among the youth in Mongolia.” Buyandelger Dawachereng

Altanzul: “Hundreds of My Clubbers appreci- “This year, GAN’s project started in my ate GAN sincerely. We support each other, region of Uggi nuur soum. There is a big lake and I believe we will cooperate further on there called Uggi. The name of this region, various works.” Uggi nuur, comes from the name of Uggi Lake. The lake was drying up and the vegeta- Park Shin-Yeol, participant of eco-tours tion in the region was disappearing. “I participated in GAN’s eco-tour in July this I had no job before joining GAN to do the year, volunteering for afforestation work at afforestation work. It was exciting to set the Erdene site, learning what we can do for up the fence and plant trees on our land. the earth through environmental education Digging a hole is hard work. But by far, the and forums, and flash mob campaigns for hardest thing for me is to see our trees die. environmental protection.

One of the immediate changes that this After the eco-tour, I am making the effort to project has brought is an income for my share my experience with my friends about household. Since I became a manager, I what I saw, felt, and learned from Mongolia. I have learned how to lead my colleagues. In hope this will lead to change in my surround- addition, I am learning new ways to relate to ings, however small or big the change may be. nature. Restoring nature will be a long process, but I believe that our site will contribute In addition, I started a regular donation for to the fight against the desertification of our GAN. Currently, I have regular meetings with region, and make our region an eco-region. other friends in our eco-tour team. We did the flash mob about recycling and plan to I have a plan. I hope to grow more trees save money for afforestation work through a and vegetables like in the project site in Bayannuur. In the future, I hope to run a cooperative to manage and sell the harvest we have.”

Narantsengel Munkhbayar (Neil), Munkhjin Munkhsaikhan, and Tuguldur Altanzul

These three young people are members of My Club, an environmental club in Mongolia. Neil is 22, Munkhsaikhan is 23, and Altanzul is 27. Park Shin-Yeol

80 UNCCD . WORLD BANK bazaar. I will make a video clip of our efforts Global Asia Network, “SLM Integrated into in order to share with others and lead the Sustainable Regional Development,” in The change for more people.” Green Line: Focus on Land Degradation. http://www.thegef.org/gef/greenline/sep- Resources tember-2011/slm-integrated-sustainable- regional-development

Green Asia Network Web Site: www.greena- sia.kr/eng

GAN project site 2004

GAN project site 2012

LAND FOR LIFE 81

Restoring Hope in the Mountain Rangeland of Afghanistan

fghanistan once had a rich culture and rangelands and the growth in rural settle- diverse environment. But decades of ments. Conflicts between Kuchis and settled Anear-constant warfare has led to the farmers over land rights have become neglect of natural resource management, increasingly prevalent, as publicized recently. which has left this country with a devastated landscape. Grasslands are degraded. Forests Attempting to change this situation, COAM have been cut down. Rich, productive soil has began a multifaceted endeavor with two been blown away by harsh winds and pre- goals: first, to stop the degradation of cious wildlife is vanishing rapidly. Afghanistan’s environment, and second, to concurrently ensure a sustainable future for These scenarios are evident in the range- the local communities that live off these natu- lands that cover an estimated 45 percent of ral resources. Afghanistan land surface area. These lands are essential for the socioeconomic develop- Keep it Simple and Practical ment of the country, providing the main feed supply for some 22 million small ruminants, and the byproducts (meat, dairy, wool, car- COAM set up five practical projects in the pet, and leather) account for more than 50 Koh-e-Baba mountain area, where the upland percent of Afghanistan’s export revenue. watershed catchment zones are home to over They are also important ecosystems that 3,500 people living in 21 communities. The support services such as water catchment five projects include a design lab, a design areas and natural control mechanisms for school, tree nurseries, an irrigation system, soil erosion and flooding. These rangelands and the clean cook stove. These simple tools are a unique habitat for wildlife and a glob- have transformed the state of this mountain- ally significant “sink.” The Conservation ous environment and improved the liveli- Organisation for Afghan Mountain Areas hoods and health of the local communities. (COAM) set up five practical projects: a design lab, a design school, tree nurser- For instance, two new cook stoves, ies, an irrigation system, and the clean cook designed and manufactured by the design stove. These simple tools have transformed lab, have reduced smoke leaks signifi- the state of this mountainous environment cantly to yield about a 40 percent carbon and improved the livelihoods and health of dioxide emission. With these cook stoves; the local communities. the carbon that is trapped in the house is less than 60 percent of previous levels of Kuchi, the dominant group of nomadic pas- trapped carbon. Inhaling carbon poison is toralists in Afghanistan, is one of the most one of the greatest threats to the Afghan affected communities due to the degraded people. Over 54,000 women and children

LAND FOR LIFE 83 The local irrigation system that COAM introduced moves water that is not being used to areas where it is needed. COAM introduced a locally designed ram pump that is powered solely by hydropower. The system is simple, but it is a cost-effective technology. It has improved the irrigation in mountainous areas that were previously unreachable by digging the widely used traditional channels, locally known as joi. This irrigation system has helped enhance the agriculture productivity and reduce soil die each year as a direct result of indoor air erosion. pollution, according to the World Health Organization. The improvement in the Trees that Create Wealth quality of indoor air has directly contributed to better health for the local people, especially women and girls. Women who COAM’s community tree nurseries are an have cooked with these improved stoves alternative, sustainable, environmentally claim that there is no more trapped smoke friendly source of income for the commu- in the kitchen, the kitchen is cleaner, and nity. The nurseries specialize in producing that they save time as the stove can per- fruit trees that are adapted to the harsh form multiple tasks at once. local climate. Not only are there economically valuable tree species, but there are

84 UNCCD . WORLD BANK also native shrub species that help to conserve the rangeland and reduce soil erosion. The income from nursery trees per area of land is much higher than income from any other agriculture crops currently being grown in the area. For example, a jerib (2,000 m2) of wheat or potatoes generates about US$1,000 per year, whereas the trained for 12 months, under an internship same area of fruit trees generates US$6,000 program, in green technology design and per year. In just two years, COAM has metal work. These men have graduated established 13 nurseries covering over 2.33 as green technology designers and metal ha of land, and more than 2,100 people workers and are in the process of develop- have directly or indirectly benefited from ing their own businesses within their com- the nurseries. Many residents acknowledge munities. They will go on to educate others that they can now purchase these fruits in technology, creating further employment locally at a cheaper price, and they are opportunities. fresh. In addition, the nurseries also serve as a means of revitalizing and conserving Empowering Community Women the landscape by preventing erosion and introducing both new and native plant species. The roles and contributions of women in Afghan communities are often neglected, Knowledge and Technology Transfer and women often are unable to obtain a proper education. COAM has emphasized for Sustainability the role of Afghan women and women- managed enterprises in the implemen- In 2011, COAM set up a design school and tation of green technologies. COAM an internship program. These two initia- provided training on operations and main- tives are unprecedented in Afghanistan. tenance to women to increase community COAM offers different kinds of training ownership. to the local people, including women. It includes training participants in sustainable land management. COAM hopes the programs will contribute to a future of green technology innovation throughout Afghanistan. The design programs are set up to ensure that local youth have the capacity to learn, adopt, and further expand the low- cost green technology in their communities. So far, eight previously unskilled, unschooled young men from disadvantaged societies were

LAND FOR LIFE 85 Testimonies Fatima Hossaini & Narjees Jafary

Abdul Ghani Fatima Hossaini is 55 years old. She and her five children were exposed daily to the long- Abdul Ghani, the head of Jawkar village in term health risk of carbon monoxide poison- Bamyan, donated his land for use by the ing through the use of their mud brick oven, community. After the land was left idle for which produces a large amount of smoke some time, it was agreed that trees should and dirt indoors. Hossaini has to make a fire be planted on the land because they would whenever she needs to boil water, cook food, benefit both the villagers and the owner in make bread, or heat the house during the many ways. “We plant trees in areas where winter. there is a risk of an avalanche. The trees helped with the greenness of the environ- Hossaini says that since the clean cook stove ment and weather. In the past, there was was introduced, there is neither smoke nor no shade or trees for the local people to sit dirt around the house, and she can cook, boil under while working on their lands in the water, make bread, and heat up the room at summer. Now we can enjoy our rest under the same time. The clean cook stove not only the trees,” says Ghani. saves Hossaini time with her tasks, but it also allows her to take better care of her health Most of the fruit trees planted have and the health of her children. “This cook increased Ghani’s stove has a good result, and it costs less. Last income. He sells night, we only used five pieces of wood to fruits and seed- make the fire!” lings to other villagers. The vil- In the past, Jafary also cooked on a mud- lagers also bene- brick oven. These ovens are unsafe and many fit as they get the young girls like Jafary risk burning them- fruits and seed- selves. Sometimes she had to take turns to lings locally at cook, boil water, or make bread, which was

Abdul Ghani a cheaper price time consuming. “The clean cook stove has than those from many benefits. It is clean and there is no other markets. smoke spreading around. It does multiple jobs at the Haji Abdul Qadeer same time, and it uses less fuel wood and saves money. Haji Abdul Qadeer lives in Qabr-e-Zaghak More importantly, it is good village. He farms in the rain-fed areas, known for our health. This is a good locally as Lalmi, and has suffered the effects Narjees Jafary program, especially for of flooding. Lalmi are located at the feet of women,” said Jafary. the mountains and hills. “Whenever it rains, the floods run directly to the land in the val- Hassan Rahmadullah leys,” Qadeer explains. Hassan Rahmadullah’s life is moving in a posi- Nurseries and plantations were set up to tive direction. This was not always the case. prevent major floods, reducing the damage The one piece of land that he took care of to his land. In addition, COAM helped to all year round earned him only USD$600 a build walls around areas that have a high risk year. Then, he introduced the ram pump for of flooding and help prevent floods for the irrigation, set up fruit nurseries, and started residents. selling his plants in the market. Today, he has more work, and he earns the equivalent

86 UNCCD . WORLD BANK of US$10,000 per year. Rahmadullah is just to take care of my family. I am married and one of many people in Khushkak Village who have two children, both of them boys. After have benefited from the COAM project. completing COAM design school, I want to make a workshop in the bazaar and teach Mohktar Awazzawar the people of Bamyan design skills. Before I joined the COAM design school, I was a “I am Mohktar Awazzawar. I live in Shibar Bamyan tour guide and an English teacher District in Bamyan. Before I joined the COAM for five years.” design school, I farmed my own fields. I helped my father and brothers in their fields Resources too. I have not been to school. After I graduate from COAM design school, I will go back to my village. My village is very mountain- COAM video: www.youtube.com/ ous and cold, so I intend to open a shop watch?v=CIFWQ_kFby8 and make good stoves for the people. If the people want to learn the skills I am learning, I COAM, Finland Embassy–funded work: www. will teach them those too.” bbc.com/news/world-asia-20038511

Hussaindad Muhammad Kazim www.myafghanmountains.org

“I am Hussaindad, son of Muhammad UNEP, Women, Natural Resources, and Kazim. I graduated from Center of Bamyan Peacebuilding: www.unep.org/disas- High School in 2006. I could not study fur- tersandconflicts/Introduction/ECP/ ther because my father was old and I had WomenandNaturalResourcesinPeacebuilding/ tabid/131156/Default.aspx

LAND FOR LIFE 87 88 UNCCD . WORLD BANK Climate Adaptation for Rural Livelihoods and Agriculture (CARLA)

alawi is one of the poorest countries In the long run, the goal is to embed a sys- in the world and the land is nearly tem that is built on the sustainable use of Meveryone’s source of livelihood. natural resources, livelihood diversification, Agriculture is the source of 37 percent of and increasing land and economic produc- the nation’s gross productive output and it tivity so that communities are cushioned employs 80 percent of the labor force. But against the impacts of climate change. for every three people in Malawi, one lives in extreme poverty. The country’s poor infrastruc- A livestock program that offers an alternative ture, transport, health and education services stream of income has been particularly suc- are not only critical obstacles to develop- cessful. It is built on a “pass-on” system. A ment—they make Malawians even more vul- beneficiary receives a goat and then the off- nerable to climate change, and the poorest spring of the goat is passed on to new ben- communities are always the hardest hit. eficiaries. In 2014, the first set of beneficiaries received 989 goats. The focus of the Global Environment Facility (GEF) was to help Malawi’s agricultural sector Growing fruit trees is not only another new adapt to the effects of climate change and income stream in the districts, but is a tech- reduce poverty in the three highly vulnerable nique aimed at reducing nutrient runoff districts of Karong, Dedza, and Chikwawa. during heavy rains. Breeding fruit trees can The array of sustainable land management control flooding. By 2014, 615 farmers had activities undertaken to strengthen commu- been trained in methods to breed fruit trees. nity resilience ranged from afforestation to Mango, banana, and lemon trees were suc- fish farming, livestock rearing, conservation cessfully adopted in various districts. agriculture, as well as introducing drought-tolerant crops and fruit trees.

Access to water in a changing climate is critical. And in these districts, the main focus was on better water distribution, more efficient irrigation, capturing groundwater, recycling water, and revitalizing the water system. Each of the communities selected the measures to be taken based on local needs.

LAND FOR LIFE 89 Several villages are also experimenting with it has provided. As you are aware, this area irrigation. Using a treadle pump irrigation of Karonga District has continued to suffer system that is powered by solar pumps, from severe drought conditions this season. agricultural productivity has, on aver- Thanks to CARLA, which has allowed me to age, increased from 1 to 3.5 tons per ha. plant my own orchard, I don’t expect to feel Boreholes are used to meet the water short- the impact as much. I can sell bananas and ages, and six of them are already in place. paw paws to generate income to cover basic household needs. In appreciation of the proj- While these investments have not yet borne ect, I have set aside part of my garden as a visible financial benefits, the farmers report nursery for issuing out free seed materials to that they have a new understanding of the other interested farmers in the area. So far I climate change concepts, which has led them have issued banana suckers to 15 farmers to to create short- and long-term strategies to plant in their own orchards. After issuing the address its challenges. fruit trees, I follow up with training in their gardens using skills that officers from CARLA Testimonies taught me. I have little doubt that within the next few years, most farmers in this area will have fruit trees on their homesteads.” Abraham Simkonda, CARLA Lead Farmer (Karonga District) Moses, Farmer (Chikwawa District)

“As one of the beneficiaries of the CARLA “Our family has been vulnerable to climate project, I feel very grateful for the assistance change variability because we had no quick

90 UNCCD . WORLD BANK way to generate alternative income to help us to adapt to the harsh realities of the new weather patterns. In our area, every year we experience droughts and floods, which have resulted in our family having food for only three months in a year. We did not even have the financial capacity to buy maize, which is a staple food in our meals. As a result, some family members are seeking ganyu [temporary labor]; reducing the Ferista Meki, Farmer (Chikwawa District) number of their daily meals; and some are even resorting to begging. This has often “This year I have seen firsthand that using impacted our integrity and standing in the different farming methods can alleviate the community and caused us shame. Since the effects of climate change. Despite erratic beginning of the CARLA project, we have rainfall, this sorghum crop has done very received two goats and we have already well. It does not require a lot of rainfall and is given the offspring to other members of the drought resistant. I expect to have a bounti- community—there are now seven goats in ful harvest. The bountiful harvest will benefit our community in Khola. By the end of the me and my family. I will be able to pay my project, we expect to own at least 20 goats, child’s school fees. I want to buy livestock for which we will be able to sell in the case of an rearing. CARLA’s new farming methods have emergency or rough times.” helped me.”

Stewart Mwangulu, Secretary, CARLA Samuel S. Kamanga, Field Technician, Project (Karonga District, Mwawanga Ministry of Agriculture, Water & Village) Irrigation (Karonga District)

“We have faced some challenges here in “We have a number of interventions that we Mwawanga Village in relation to the climate are carrying out in the project area to pro- changing. In the district of Karonga, where tect communities against climate change: Mwawanga Village is located, the rainfall irrigation, horticulture, forestry, fisheries, agri- pattern has not been consistent and reliable. culture production, and soil and water con- There are instances when, in the middle of servation. For example, in forestry, we have preparing the fields, the rain stops abruptly. engaged the community in planting more The rain pattern has been changing and it trees along the main river bank. The water is is erratic, which has lowered our yields. If it washing away the maize and cassava fields had not been for the CARLA Project and the downstream, causing havoc to more than 500 irrigation, we would have experienced low households.” yields during harvest.”

LAND FOR LIFE 91

A Holistic Approach to Harness Coping Strategies for Community Adaptation to Climate Change

amibia is highly vulnerable to climate Self-help groups (SHGs) were created to change impacts. This is due to its arid provide a mechanism to build awareness of Nlandscape, variable climate with fre- climate change and nutritional issues. The quent droughts, low economic growth, high groups also created the means for a bot- poverty level, a high dependence on climate- tom-up project planning, coordination and sensitive natural resources, and the agricul- implementation approach, as well as stake- ture and fishery sectors. Historical trends holder self-reliance. Each SHG had a Cluster from 1960 to 2006 show an increase in the Coordinator, chosen by the community, who number of maximum temperature days and received training in community mobilization, an increase in the duration of dry seasons. In social needs, finance, enterprise creation, the future, Namibia is expected to face tem- and sector-specific climate change training. perature increases of up to 2°C. Evaporation They also received training on the UNDP rates will increase by five percent per degree Climate Change Toolkit and nutrition. The of warming. Namibia can also expect an coordinator’s role was to share this training increase in the frequency and intensity of with the SHGs. both floods and droughts. Irrigated vegetable production was designed In this context, the Global Environment primarily to support HIV/AIDS (human immu- Facility (GEF) supported the implementa- nodeficiency virus/acquired immunodeficiency tion of a project in north-central Namibia. It syndrome)–affected families. A micro drip focused on interlinking strategies designed irrigation system was used to harvest flood to improve the stakeholders’ adaptive capac- and rainwater. This improved soil quality and ity to current and future climate change risk enabled households to save water. Its mobile through a holistic risk-transfer approach. The capability allowed farmers to switch the loca- pilot project also aimed to develop sustain- tion of vegetable production during floods. able models that can be replicated on a large scale. The target was 12,600 beneficiaries The project also focused on improving dry- in 2,075 households in eight villages. The land crop production through soil conserva- stakeholders were primarily female subsis- tion techniques such as composting, bio char, tence farmers and youth who depend highly crop rotation, and conservation agriculture on agriculture and natural resources for their (CA). Through ripping and furrowing the soil, livelihoods. Youth stakeholders included CA retains crop residue and ensures minimal orphans and vulnerable children. The total disturbance of the soil, provides permanent project cost was USD$250,000. soil cover, and supports crop rotation.

LAND FOR LIFE 93 Flood- and drought-resistant crops were also introduce underground water-harvesting introduced, as well as new crop varieties such tanks. This has resulted in a more water as mushrooms and sweet stem sorghum to secure household. improve human nutrition and provide fodder for livestock and fish. These crops increased The soil’s fertility and water-holding capac- household income levels. ity have improved. This land was restored through sustainable land management Local, energy-efficient stoves designed by practices that included the installation of women were promoted to reduce indoor pol- irrigation systems from harvested rain and lution and improve health. They also reduced flood water and the use of natural fertilizers. local deforestation and desertification, as Large-scale composting ensured green mat- well as the household income spent on fuel, ter was not wasted in larger-scale farming Green House Gases (GHG) emissions, and operations. improved household cooking efficiency. Food security in households is improving The project used the UNDP Vulnerability after the introduction of flood- and drought- Reduction Assessment tool linked to GEF resistant crops. Sweet stem sorghum, in par- criteria of global environmental benefits, ticular, has come with multiple benefits. It is which helped community-driven planning used for livestock fodder during drought, as and participatory monitoring and evaluation composting material, and to produce biogas of project results. The project has produced for green stoves. many benefits: Households are also more energy secure. There are rewards at household level. Solar power sources have been installed Traditional water wells have been restored. at all sources needing electric power. Traditional knowledge has been used to

94 UNCCD . WORLD BANK Energy-efficient wood stoves have reduced deeper and stronger. We sell surplus crops firewood usage by up to 75 percent. By pair- to others so my income has increased a lot. ing this with the dissemination of sustainable Before using CA in 2009, I used to sell one agroforestry techniques, such as intercrop- silo of pearl millet for 3,000 Namibian dollars. ping, the community’s leadership of local In 2012, I could sell three silos for a higher plant nurseries has grown and has ensured price of 5,000 Namibian dollars each. Using the availability of large amounts of tree disc plowing, I could get four silos of crop seedlings. from five ha of land. Using CA, I now get four silos from three ha. If five ha of land are all Through facilitated exchanges of experiences ripped by CA methods, two ha will provide and coping strategies between regions, enough household food for a year, with three awareness increased regarding climate to five ha providing surplus food.” change, coping strategies, global warming, and nutrition. Titus NasHima and Freda Uunona, farmers from Omusati region, visited the farmers who Testimonies have already implemented CA. They were in awe. “There are no words to express what we’ve seen. I could faint right here! Johannes Johannes Keshongo, Farmer (Okakoto has to give this information to other farm- Village, Omuntele Constituency, ers based on his talent. Our fields don’t look Oshikoto Region) like this. We have nothing. We use disc har- rowing and animals for plowing. We want to “I started CA with a demonstration plot three start CA. There is no rain here, but still there years ago. My neighbors told me that I’m is enough food. We will share what we have wasting my time and I’m wasting my land seen with others in our area.” as I wasn’t planting crops on all parts of the ground. But I told them “just wait.” I called Resources my neighbors when my crops were starting to grow. They now want to do CA and the ripping system. At harvest, I get a much greater Project report: https://www.thegef.org/gef/ yield when using the rip and furrow system pubs/taking-effective-community-based- compared to the traditional disc plowing adaptation-to-scale approach. If we can receive land preparation service early, we will meet government half Project Web site: http://www.adaptation- way; they won’t have to distribute drought undp.org/projects/spa-community-based- relief. adaptation-namibia http://www.undp-alm. org/projects/spa-cba-namibia-harnessing- I have shared my knowledge with other farm- coping-strategies-holistic-approach-commu- ers on CA by showing them my farm. I have nity-adaptation-climate showed 170 farmers, including my whole village and all members in our local sav- Project YouTube video: https://youtu.be/ ings group, who are based all over the area. aSQZ-DNN4_o They are spreading the message to others, as it is our duty to share information on how Project pictures: https:// to reduce poverty and increase crop yield www.flickr.com/search/?user_ through CA. id=40412379%40N02&sort=date- taken-desc&text=namibia%20 The best impact of CA is good germination, adaptation&view_all=1 good healthy plants that give good quality seeds. In the CA system, plant roots are

LAND FOR LIFE 95

SCALING UP SLM AND LAND RESTORATION INITIATIVES 98 UNCCD . WORLD BANK SCALING UP SLM AND LAND RESTORATION INITIATIVES

and degradation, desertification, and Ethiopia’s Sustainable Land Management drought are challenges of a global Program gave women a prominent role in Ldimension, but they are more pro- development activities, encouraged children nounced in sub-Saharan Africa (SSA). There to attend school rather than herd cattle, rein- is global recognition of the economic and forced social cohesion in rural areas, reduced social significance of good land manage- migration levels, and brought a sense of ment, including soil, particularly its contri- security. In less than ten years, 15 million ha bution to economic growth, biodiversity, have been restored and at least 30 million sustainable agriculture and food security, people have benefitted. improving water availability, women’s empowerment, and eradicating poverty. The story of Ghana, located in the heart of Impacts and multiple benefits such as these West Africa, is an interesting example of the are the result of perseverance and strategic evolution in innovative interventions—over long-term engagements in the countries. three generations of investment projects. What started with a sole focus on agricul- The stories in this section from Ethiopia tural lands evolved into sustainable land and demonstrate how to proceed step-by-step in water management (SLWM) on a broader mobilizing communities to achieve change landscape. Today, it encompasses resilient at scale. Ethiopia is no longer known as landscape management allowing for an a land of famine. Today, it is the fifth larg- ecosystem-based approach to addressing est economy in Africa. Tens of thousands land degradation, climate vulnerabilities, of people living in the Ethiopian highlands and food insecurity. Ghana’s Sustainable have stories to tell about how their lives have Land Management Projects showcase the been transformed by sustainable resource country’s strategic planning, government management. commitment, and long-term engagement in natural resources management. Ghana’s A green revolution backed by official support SLM Projects underscore the importance of and community participation has produced planning SLWM projects from a long-term benefits on a scale never experienced before. perspective.

LAND FOR LIFE 99 find photo

100 UNCCD . WORLD BANK Restoring the Resilience of Ethiopia’s Highland Peoples and Landscapes

nly a few generations ago, the financing from the World Bank, GEF, Norway, Ethiopian highlands were abundantly Canada, Germany, IFAD and other partners Oendowed with forests, wildlife, grass- cooperating under the TerrAfrica partnership lands, fertile soils, and springs. Communities and led by the Ethiopia Government’s Rural lived in harmony with their environment. But Economic Development and Food Security when the military government nationalized platform. The program supports the govern- the rural lands and distributed land parcels ment’s ambition to achieve a climate resilient in the late 1970s, misuse of natural resources green economy by restoring watersheds and accelerated. The expansion of state-run improving tenure security for more resilient farms led to a growing population struggling livelihoods for millions of people on hun- to meet its food needs. Affected by droughts dreds of thousands of hectares of degraded and famine, residents turned forested com- land. The program has enjoyed a recent munal lands into subsistence farming plots, upscaling after joining the US$1.1 billion without using proper land-management regional WB/GEF Sahel and West Africa practices. This process triggered unprec- Program (SAWAP) for the Great Green Wall edented soil erosion and land degradation. Initiative.

Restoration efforts started in the 1990s with The approach targeted micro-watersheds. food-for-work programs that tied soil conser- It connected communities having common vation efforts to food distribution. The efforts interests and involved communities fully in were mostly imposed from the top down. decision making. At every administrative Predictably, most failed. A sustained, inte- level, the government provided policy and grated intervention to reverse the highlands’ technical support, and requested its develop- environmental and economic slide was badly ment partners to support and implement the needed. program. Government support came through incentive-based policies, benefit-sharing A big step forward came in 2006 with the measures, mass campaigns and mobilization, introduction of a landmark national initiative: as well as through the wide dissemination the Sustainable Land Management Program. of technologies through community-based It was supported by the World Bank, the learning. GEF, and other donors including Canada, Germany, Norway, the International Fund for Many farmers initially resisted this program, Agricultural Development (IFAD), and the but then readily joined in once they saw their European Union (EU). interests were being respected, and that their livelihoods and livestock would benefit from Ethiopia’s Sustainable Land Management conservation actions. Soon, the highlands Program has been under implementation started to turn green and the program was since 2008 with almost $300m in coordinated

LAND FOR LIFE 101 nicknamed “father of the land.” The vicious These trees also feed the animals, and the cycle was broken. A virtuous cycle has taken stones used to build the terraces create hold. water reservoirs. The SLM project also built a drip-irrigation system. The SLM project gave Testimonies from Amhara Region us high-quality seeds and fertilizers. Since building the terraces using the trees, Teje Gelaw, Farmer we are able to find water within seven meters of the ground level. We used to struggle “I am a farmer. I till my plot of land to earn a to find water at 20 meters. I now produce living. SLM gave me this plot of land to farm. a higher quality crop, with two to three It used to be eroded, but now you can see times the yield. As the terraces hold plenty how fertile it is. Since the terraces were built, of water, my crops do not dry out so easily. the grass is well protected and we cut it for The seeds grow so well that I can use fewer use as animal feed. The terraces are built seeds. This means I don’t have to spend so such that grass grows on the sides, while the many hours weeding. My farm produces seeds grow in between. So, we are able to more crops, and of a higher quality than ever produce enough for ourselves and for the before. cattle. The training I was given by the SLM project, Before the terraces were built, the cattle along with 300–400 other farmers from dif- would destroy everything and the grass had ferent areas, taught me a lot. I also learned no chance of growing. Our crops are much a lot about SLM through the radio programs better than they were before. We produced a transmitted for us. We farmers discuss our lot last year—about nine quintals per 900 kg. knowledge at every opportunity, in church or I grow enough grass to feed my cattle and at social gatherings. I myself am a religious to sell at the market. My family’s livelihood leader, and in my sermons I make sure that depends on this plot. people know about the benefit of preserving the resources of the earth using scientific Benefits come when you own your own land. methods. I tell them that the earth cannot I was given this land, and a certificate which support life if we do not protect it. prevents the land from being given to someone else. It guarantees that it is only to be What has also made a difference is that now used by my family. In the future, I want to I own my own land. I have a certificate that keep producing more high-quality seeds and guarantees that these pieces of land are to improve my livelihood year after year.” owned by my family. Now that I know the land is mine, I take good care of it. Before, Meri Geta Hulgize Nurelgne, Farmer

“I am a farmer, and I also do traditional handwriting on goat skin. SLM has changed my life completely. The land here used to be barren and dry. No trees grew and the soil kept washing away down the hill into the Nile. Large rocks would often roll down and drop on our villages. It was very sad and dangerous.

To trap and hold the soil, SLM trained us to build terraces and plant trees along them. Meri Geta Hulgize Nurelgne

102 UNCCD . WORLD BANK anybody could claim the land that I tilled; there was no guarantee of ownership. Planting permanent things was a waste of energy—but now I plant apple trees and I own a cow. The SLM project gave her to me as a calf, and now she is grown. I sell her milk at the market. I have also been able to raise an ox, a donkey, and a horse that I have sold for good money. I plan to grow seedlings and grass on my land to make the soil richer.

I can now send my children to school. I have three daughters at university—one just finished her master’s degree. I also have a son at school, and I send my grandchildren to school too. Making the most of my small farm, I want to educate my children and field, while their mangers are cleaned. The make sure they can join professional indus- grass that grows in the protected areas is col- tries. SLM has made a very big difference to lected and split among the groups, who then my life.” divide them between the households.

Chernet Sinte, Kebele Administrator Before the project began, all the mountains and fields were open for grazing. Now, we “I am the chairperson of Zegora. Before the have narrowed the grazing area and protect SLM project was launched, the problems the rest of the mountain and fields. At first, here were quite vast. We never understood forbidding uncontrolled grazing was met with our problems before, so we struggled to a strong resistance by the community. Some change anything. Now we understand the wanted to protest. But after they saw how damage that has been done so far, and how fat the restricted cattle were, they agreed to to heal the land. We can answer our ques- keep their cattle at home and in the desig- tions. The farmers never thought this area nated areas too. The fields where the cattle could be turned into such a fertile place. used to graze are now growing a surprising amount of grass, which is cut to feed the We got support with the supply of quality cattle at home. There are still some farmers seeds and better methods of cattle breed- who don’t understand the benefits of feeding. This enabled us to give our produce ing their cattle at home, but the change is and experiences to other kebeles. Rotating coming. loans are given out from kebele to kebele, which support farmers in other kebeles. Facilitating community dialogues was the The SLM project has created ways of reach- project’s first step. Change was brought ing all the neighboring kebeles, so we all about gradually through continuous discus- equally benefit from the project. We have sions with farmers. To promote the project been able to rehabilitate and protect the in 2001, a few farmers were persuaded to try mountain around us, and use its grass to out some new methods of preserving the feed our cattle. land. This was very successful, so these farmers then went to the other farmers to spread Most of the land here is mountainous, so the knowledge they had acquired. the few flat areas are used as a resting place for cattle in the mornings. All the cattle then With regard to development, I think that go into a dedicated field, called the mother women are the primary agents in making it

LAND FOR LIFE 103 possible. However, there are still some cul- Before launching the project, the SLM rep- tural barriers that limit women’s participation resentatives and the leaders of our district in community dialogues. When we try to decided which parts of the SLM project organize the women in ways so they can ben- would succeed if implemented. They then efit from the mountain’s rehabilitation, they held a council with us and discussed how refuse to take part in the decision making. we would benefit from it, and how it would So we have begun organizing the women change our lives. After a clear understand- so they benefit from the natural wealth. We ing was reached, the project was launched in haven’t yet been able to find a way to do this 2001. on a larger scale though. While our efforts have not been as successful as desired, we To involve the community in the SLM project, are doing everything we can to equally ben- we first talked to the kebele water steering efit the women here. committee. Several water streams are targeted by the project. Each committee tells We have helped a number of youths to man- the kebele officials about the benefits of this age their own bee hives and fatten cattle. Ten project. Then, committee members persuade youths organized last year are now successful individual farmers to take part in the project. in cattle fattening. There is a great opportunity to obtain wealth from developing The community gets many benefits from and maintaining the natural resources here. this project. The project does many different Everyone is happy now.” things. It gives capacity-building training to farmers and introduces various technologies Gedefaw Tesfaw, Kebele General that enhance crop productivity and irrigation. Manager It also supplies higher-yielding seeds and modern beehives. The project provides us “I am the chairperson of the water steer- with the best breeds of cattle, chickens and ing committee in the kebele. As a member bees, and supports farmers with technology, and chairperson, I work closely with the SLM quality seeds, and the best farming practices. project. My job in this project is to facilitate Farmers here have the capacity to produce better working environments for the farmers. a lot, but this has been limited in the past This involves providing specific training pro- because of financial difficulties. These all help grams and advising them how to best make to improve our livelihoods. use of this training. I also advise them on whom they should pass their new knowledge The SLM project is also carrying out activities to. In addition, I facilitate the provision of in building awareness about using and pro- high-quality seeds. tecting natural resources. This creates awareness about improving fertility of farmland and improving farming skills. The project taught us how serious soil depletion is to the lives of farmers. It provided farmers with indigenous seedlings and hired workers to help them to rehabilitate the soil with different plants. This will maintain the soil’s fertility.

The plots of farmland are held by the community in common. Farmers grow grass and feed their cattle together. These pieces of land are not owned by any particular person, and anyone who is a member of the water

Gedefaw Tesfaw catchment area can farm there. Some breed

104 UNCCD . WORLD BANK cattle, and some take their share of the grass small tasks and in giving moral support and and sell it at the market. Others use the trees advice to the younger people. Men and for beekeeping. women have equally participated in the activities and the building of the terraces and the Before, the common land was used without water reservoirs, thus, they have benefited any guidelines or rules. The cattle were free together. to graze on the mountains, which depleted its resources. The cattle would roam the The people of this community are very happy. depleted mountain, but there was little Before, we lived in such disadvantage. Now, food to find—only rocks. Since the project our cows are well fed, and even cows that came into effect, the farmers can only use never gave milk before are now producing the green area agreed on to grow grass for quality milk that we can sell. The change here their cattle. They gather the grass from the is very tangible.” protected forest to feed their cattle, instead of grazing them in the forest. The cattle are Testimonies from North Shewa kept in a manger away from the sun, and they don’t get sick from fly-bite while grazing in the mountains. They are well fed now with Dr. Teshome, Deputy Manager, Amhara the grass we grow and collect. We have all Region Agriculture Office seen a big improvement in their health. “I am the deputy chairperson of the Everyone in the community benefits from the Agricultural Bureau of the Amhara region. SLM project. The project helps those who are able to work, but cannot afford to. They Our region has quite a diverse agro-ecology are given cattle to breed and farming equip- compared to other regions. However, its soil ment. The project also supports the young and natural resources are mostly depleted and the elderly. The elderly are involved in due to a very long history of farming.

LAND FOR LIFE 105 Fifty-eight percent of the entire country’s soil I believe our organization is very good; from erosion occurs in this region. So, conducting the kebele all the way up to the federal sustainable land management is vital for the government. The link between the district region. office and the project stations is very strong. Information reaches the stations and the Activities of sustainable land management district immediately because the information are carried out in a manner that actively flow is smooth and efficient. On the kebele involves the community. The interventions level, we have this group organization we are carried out after studying which area call one to five, and we also have a develop- needs what kind of intervention, and the ment team. Whenever a new technology is work is done according to these needs. Since introduced, we first make sure it gets to the the interventions are not just about physically district office alongside the other daily rou- building terraces and check dams, but also tine work, then the district office passes it to restoring the entire environment sustainably, the project stations, then the station relays this project is more effective compared to it. By doing this, the information reaches others. about 3,000 kebeles in Bahir Dar within just two or three days. In the same manner, we Every activity has to actively engage the peo- collect feedback. If we have one kebele that ple of the community, if we want them to be has a good experience to share, we record fruitful. So, in our water catchment projects, the feedback from the people in that kebele, the people are involved from the beginning. compile it, and send it to all other districts They make the plans, then put them into and kebeles. This is very effective and effi- practice. They are also involved in the evalu- cient too. ation and follow up. In the end, they are the ones who benefit from the intervention. The Each project has a steering committee on community gains a lot when they are a part a regional level. And under the steering of the whole process. committee, there are departments, such as the departments of natural resources and

106 UNCCD . WORLD BANK irrigation. We also have an extension department and a raw materials department. The departments have deputy officers who give specific assignments to everyone. Moreover, we meet every month and evaluate the work done.

We also facilitate experience-sharing platforms between projects in the different kebeles. The steering committee also goes out to the regions and kebeles regularly to evaluate whether outcome, but the methodology and tech- the projects are carried out according to the niques used to produce these results. We plans made by the programme, and they see take this information and share it with other and evaluate how well the steering commit- kebeles to be used as a model for other tee is doing its job. farmers.

The plans are also made at the kebele level. On top of that, we have a program whereby The officers in the districts are responsible for we give annual awards to the farmers who this. The steering committees evaluate the have done well. The award is not only for projects on a quarterly basis and give feed- those in the project; it is for all the farmers back, encouraging the farmers who are doing in the region. So, the regional government well and helping those who are not in order gives them recognition for the exceptional to enhance their efficiency through trainings work they have done and this is a great and discussions. Every six months, we have incentive for the other farmers in the area. evaluations on a regional level in the pres- The leaders of the one to five groups are ence of the districts. the farmers who have worked very hard and changed not only their lives, but the lives So, all in all, a system has been put in place of the people in their communities by shar- through which we evaluate each other and ing and replicating their experiences. It is share experiences between regions, zones, the group leaders in SLM who have brought districts and kebeles, thereby enhancing about these changes. So, the extension pro- each other’s capacity through experience gram we have designed makes it easy to use sharing and trainings. the advantages of the project to produce a ripple effect in other districts. I have gone around and witnessed great things. We search for the areas where best The SLM project is carried out in only 17 practices have been seen and we evaluate districts at the moment. Maybe it will be rep- their performance. For instance, there is very licated in all 56 districts in the future. While good work being done in the kebeles in the 17 districts is not a lot, compared to the vast Bore district on soil and water conservation, nature of our region, it has been a great vegetable and fruit production, and biogas opportunity to help us realize that we can production. What is considered the best create change through sustainable land-use practice is then replicated in other kebeles. practices. So, we have to integrate this expe- What we take into consideration is not the rience into the regular extension system and

LAND FOR LIFE 107 expand it. Then SLM will advance agricultural water. Beyond that, the intervention helped practices. We have now done the main thing, restore the big gullies that prevented people which is rehabilitating the soil and the water. from simply crossing to the other side, let However, we still need to transform the way alone farming around the gullies. This has the farmers work their lands by introducing generated more income. So, looking at all mechanized farming and scientific methods these changes in the lives of the people and of enriching the land. There is a way of keep- in farming, one can conclude the project ing the soil rich just by properly maintaining has been truly helpful, and it is changing the the land. Work needs to be done in relation farming style in the area for the better.” to marketing their products and helping the farmers improve their standard of living. Yenager Tadesse, Youth Group Member

Capacity building must be carried out too, “I work on a farm as part of a youth group as this work not only requires skills, it also that was established in 2000. requires knowledge. We have almost finished learning how to use the technologies. But Before SLM started here, my friends and the people’s capacity needs to be built—they I were casual laborers. But now, we build will need more knowledge to sustainably check dams for SLM projects and we are paid increase productivity. Other than that, we very well for it. SLM gave each of us a sheep, also need to record the tangible results this and we breed them as a group. We also work SLM project has brought to the people. What on the farmland given to us by the govern- is the improvement in land management? ment, and we sell the produce at the market. How much water were we able to accumu- Every month, the SLM project trains us at the late? What has been SLM’s contribution kebele. toward the productivity of farming? Detailed documentation of what has been done and We are now organized in groups and can what has been achieved also needs to be earn a decent living. I don’t have to bend kept properly, to witness the work done over for other people any more. I work for and to educate the coming generation. We myself. SLM has done great things for us. We shouldn’t just capture random things. We have been given a few oxen to fatten. If we should collect and document scientific data are given a few more oxen, we could even that can be analyzed. buy trucks in a few years. This is my dream.”

This is not going to be a one-time thing. Abyu Tezazu, Farmer and Pastoralist It will continue for a long time. Compared to the usual farming style, we can say the “This gully was very eroded before SLM system is changing a lot. The reason for the came here. Sending out the cattle was also depletion of natural resources in our area is because the communities earn a living by farming. But the rehabilitation is done alongside growing cattle fodder. So, farmers can now breed and fatten their cattle much better than before. The animal fodder is easily obtained from the plants that grow in the protected areas, and people keep their cattle at home and feed them. The plants will also enable farmers to start bee keeping since it is easy to keep bees if there are plenty of trees and plants. It is also useful now that we have access to the underground water source for Abyu Tezazu irrigation, instead of depending only on rain

108 UNCCD . WORLD BANK useless and dangerous. The cattle would longer financially stressed, and I don’t have over-consume the grass and trample on it. to ask anyone for help. I can support myself They were exposed to the burning sun all and buy fertilizers. The SLM representatives day for no reward of food, and they used to taught me to build check dams around my spend all day fighting, falling off cliffs, get- farm to prevent the fertile soil from being ting stuck in mud, and getting injured. washed away.

Everyone saw how useless the old way of SLM is making sure that the poor are benefit- doing things was. So we decided to try the ing particularly from this project. The project new SLM method. Now, we keep the cattle gives its primary support to poor farmers. at home, and feed them with the grass we Each farmer is motivated to work hard on pri- cut from the protected areas. They are well vate and common lands, whether they make fed, and more comfortable in the shade. We money out of it or not. The farmers are aware gather the grass from the catchment in our of the advantages of SLM practices and are area three times per year. The cattle now get working hard to improve the land. fresh grass even in May. This was unthinkable before. We are enjoying the change in the area. Today, our soil is not eroded at all. The dams Before, I only had one ox. It was very difficult protect them. If anyone’s farm is eroded and for me to take care of it, because it was so starts to affect their neighbor’s land, they are hard to find a grassy area. Now, I work on asked to build tiers and check dams to fix the fattening this ox through the SLM project. situation. If they don’t, legal measures are When I began working on the project, a lot taken. We usually don’t go to the kebele to of people were against me because they sort this out, we handle it among ourselves. didn’t understand it. But I persevered and bought two new oxen with the money from We are happy with the fruit of our decision to the sale of my fattened ox. I also have a take up SLM—we can now sit back and enjoy farm, and now produce much more. I am no the change.”

LAND FOR LIFE 109 Girmaw Tezazu, Member of Catchment areas, and we don’t have to buy it anymore. Committee SLM enables us to harvest all the cattle feed and firewood right here. After our SLM train- “SLM representatives came and helped ing, we now harvest sorghum, beans, red our community for four years. After they pepper, cabbage, and other plants from assessed the situation, they held a commu- our gardens, so we don’t have to buy food nity dialogue to propose a solution for the anymore. We just eat from our backyards challenges. They decided to put together a using the skills SLM has given us. I make piles catchment committee, composed of youth, of grass and firewood and feed my cattle. elders, priests, and the wealthy people of Everyone wants to take part in this project the area. We educated the community about and benefit from it. the catchment, and the SLM project was launched in 2002. Secondly, I now have a title deed certificate to my land. This means that if anyone comes to The SLM project built check dams, gabions, claim my land, I have the legal right to defend and fences to stop the gullies and cliffs from it. It is proof that I own the land and am the forming due to soil erosion. It supported only person entitled to its benefits. Before, the community by providing the tools and people’s lands would often be taken, because skills needed to overcome the challenges we there was no way of proving ownership. It was faced. The project also organized the youth very normal for people to come up and claim and gave them continuous support, so we your land. Now, that’s not an option. achieved this victory. I am now an elected member of a commit- The grass you see here is the result of the tee. I walk up and down the village like a man SLM project. We cut and bundle it to feed and help with the decision making in seed our cattle. We rotate the grazing to let the propagation and developmental works. I grass grow. have benefited a lot from this. Before, I was just a housewife and I didn’t know anything. I From what we have learned from this proj- just sat at home all day. ect, we are going to replicate the same techniques at the other parts along the river, All my friends and neighbors are also on the where landslides are frequent. The catch- committee. We tell other women to go out ment committee mobilizes the community and work, to learn productive skills and make and discusses what we have to do to rehabili- use of them, instead of sitting at home and tate the land.” doing nothing. Seeing our improvements, other women are motivated to learn the Serayetu Zelalm, Committee Member same skills. Now they go out to work too, and we are seeing change in every kebele. “I am a member of the catchment committee in North Shewa.

This area here used to be very dusty. The cattle would get stranded with nothing to eat. People used to survive by taking loans from each other, and we would struggle to find firewood. Furthermore, we could only eat sorghum, and there was never enough to eat.

Now, a lot of good things have happened to us. We collect firewood from the protected Serayetu Zelalm

110 UNCCD . WORLD BANK Before, we couldn’t afford to eat more than to rehabilitate the land and benefit the once a day. But now we eat more than twice community. a day. Everyone works their own land and creates their own fortune. The project’s main objective is to carry out a rehabilitation work that enriches the catch- We have seen these improvements in our ment and life around the water source by lives because we took the trainings. We are working with the youth, women, and the not done here yet. We will continue to work farmers for their own benefit. and produce more. There is much more work to do.” One problem we had was that farmers used to send their cattle to uncontrolled grazing Ato Dejene Metku, Deputy areas. This exposed the soil and was the Chairperson, Amhara Rehabilitation and main cause of land degradation. Soon after Development Organization the project was launched, the farmers began keeping the cattle at home and grew grass to “I am the deputy chairperson of the Amhara feed the cattle. So people from other districts Rehabilitation and Development Office, and I learn from this district. It is a very efficient am the SLM Program Coordinator. development model.

We launched this project in 2001. It was orga- The project has successfully executed nized by the head of the region’s agricultural its four-year plan. I see many changes in office and by the SLM organizing committee. the lives of the people here. Many gullies have recovered, the vegetation in the The role of SLM in this region is highly mountains has improved, and water and decisive. Agriculture began in the Amhara soil have been conserved. Productivity and region thousands of years ago. In fact production have increased in the areas some believe it dates back as far as 5,000 where the intervention has taken place. years, particularly in the western part of the For instance, production of potato has Amhara region. Population in this area has risen to 400 quintals (40 tons) from only grown rapidly. Farm lands were taken over 80 quintals (eight tons) per ha. The proj- by inhabitants, who degraded the quality of ect has improved agricultural production. the soil. The role of SLM is vital in the effort

LAND FOR LIFE 111 Women have especially benefited from Women, the youth, and the farmers are tak- this work. The project has brought environ- ing advantage of the project and improving mental security to the area. their livelihoods.

The major problem of this region is youth As for the management of the project, we unemployment. Under the project, income- work on strategic issues selected by the generating activities such as farming have committee. A steady flow of information been carried out such that the unemployed and data are vital for this. First, the issues youth are benefitting financially. The project raised by the community are gathered and has been working alongside other govern- given to the district. The plan is then jointly ment projects, such as Mass Mobilization. made by the district and the community. It About four million people are mobilized is then evaluated and approved at the proj- and have been working every day for ect coordination office level, and is then two months now. This mobilization of the presented to the steering committee. The people has resulted in the rehabilitation of committee then evaluates the plan’s activ- water sources and soil in this area within a ity and budget, adds its own amendments very short period of time. There are now or suggestions, approves it, and sends it attempts to replicate these interventions in back to the task force to be put into effect. other areas. Thereafter, the activities are evaluated by the steering committee based on the quar- The people are the reason behind this proj- terly reports produced by the task force. ect. Looking at this change, we always wish The committee assesses each report and we had started a bit earlier. This generation encourages those who performed well, is unfortunate, in that the past generation while pointing out those who have weak- did not carry out activities like this. So, we nesses and gives better alternatives. The believe that this generation has to carry the results of these evaluations are given to the torch light and lead the way. It should leave task force. something useful for the generation to come.

112 UNCCD . WORLD BANK These evaluations are a way to encourage Then we passed governing rules and a the work that is well done and to improve fine for those who wouldn’t abide by the poor performances. It builds up the capac- law. I took the law to the district and had it ity of district heads and team leaders. The approved. So, then people came to be con- members of the committee also go out to vinced to work toward the goals set by the selected districts twice a year to monitor project. The people of the community now activities, encourage those who are doing have ownership over the project. And now well, and give support to those who need it. they think it is very important and must continue this way. People cooperate both in pro- The land management office of our region viding labor and taking responsibility. Now if has done its job competently—from anyone sees any cattle out in the open, they approving the annual budget to present- will come and report to the committee or the ing quarterly reports and undergoing officer. People have become quite positive evaluations. We also go out to the field to and supportive. observe if the district heads are doing their jobs properly. The office reviews the farm- Earlier, the cattle were simply released to the ing work and fills any gaps to help the activ- fields. We used to do things traditionally and ities run efficiently. As an nongovernmental the area was covered with gullies from ero- organization, we have been able to work sion because of overgrazing. Now, farmers smoothly in close cooperation with several keep their cows at home because they have different government offices. We believe come to see how useful that is. The cattle are this will be a lesson for others. Working now much more productive than when they hand in hand guaranteed the success of spent the whole day in the dusty fields. We this project. now develop water dams, catchments, and seedlings. My message to the people would be that we should openly welcome projects such Before the project was launched, we didn’t as this one, and dedicate ourselves to them know how to carry out these activities. in order to improve our lives. I also would Now that SLM has given us the necessary like to ask the World Bank to continue sup- training, we don’t abuse the land any- porting projects like these, which have such more. We work together in taking care of noble ideas and practical ways of improv- the land and seedlings. We now feed the ing the lives of people and the region in cattle from the common lands assigned, general. In the future, we will continue for grazing only in turns. We alternate to resolve the project’s weaknesses and them between the rainy and dry seasons to expand similar interventions throughout revive the lands. These designated lands the region.” are well protected; people are fined if they let their cattle graze there. Testimonies from Gusha Shnekurta The people have also benefited from the crop production. Since 2001, people have Bayeh Meselu, Farmer and Committee begun taking responsibility for their lands. Coordinator The soil has been rehabilitated now and we are farming it well. The land is now ready “The SLM project was launched in 2001. At to be seeded even without fertilizer. As first it was difficult to convince the farmers to you have seen, our soil has become fertile. participate. They were confused and com- Farmers would like to carry out similar inter- plained that there wasn’t anything they could ventions on all the remaining land. do about the gullies. Gradually, they began to understand the benefit of this intervention. The participation of women is substantial in this project. They say they will support and

LAND FOR LIFE 113 take care of SLM as long as they live. They Webnesh Teshager, Farmer have been particularly impressed by the energy-saving stove. The same goes for the “The land was not useful before. But now it youth. As the work is their own, women and has become very useful because terraces have youth participate with a lot of enthusiasm. been made and the cattle are kept at home They are highly motivated to participate rather than grazing uncontrolled. Now, we use when they see the green forest and improved the vegetation for cattle feed. The land used crop production like never before. The youth to be hard to till, and the crops would hardly are particularly very supportive. They are the grow because the cattle used to trample the ones who stand by the elderly and give them crop all day. But now farming has become very tremendous support. easy. I now also have a title deed certificate. I work in this project like everyone else. I do This project has improved our income sig- all the digging and the farming. I help plant nificantly. Before, the land was so depleted seedlings. And I benefit from the project well. and didn’t produce much. But now, the soil And there are other women who also benefit fertility has been restored and it produces from this project as I do.” very well. The farm lands will be very fertile by March. So, the farmers have benefited Testimonies from Gulem Danjene financially from this project. They want the private grazing lands to cease to exist, and they also want to grow food for their cattle Teriuye Negatu, Farmer on their own lands. The people of the community are very happy. They would like this “I built a biogas stove in cooperation with intervention to continue.” the SLM project. I supplied eight m3 of

114 UNCCD . WORLD BANK stone, and the project provided me with one quarter track of sand, 13 quintals/1,300 kg of cement, and a professional who helped me do the work. I took care of the manual labor myself. When the work of building was completed, the region’s Office of Mineral, Energy, and Water supplied us with the lamps and the rest of the parts we needed, and a professional from SLM assembled everything for me.

Once the construction was completed, we Anchenalu Tade started using it to cook our meals instead of using fire wood. Now we can cook and Asechale Almeqre, Farmer (Bure Zuria) boil anything in just five minutes. We add three jars of cow dung and three jars of “SLM has been here for ten years now. water in to the biogas hole every day, and Before SLM came, a lot of water was wasted, it produces the gas we use every day. We we never had a supply of quality seeds, and also use it as a light source. So, we are we had skills shortcomings. We were not very very happy with the benefit of the biogas productive because we did the farming and project. crop production traditionally.

Turning to farming, since this project came Since SLM came here and built the irriga- in and built this canal, our productivity has tion canal, the water is supplied to farmers improved. We were given capacity-building without any wastage. SLM also provides training. Now we produce different fruits and seedlings and seeds of different fruit and vegetables, such as sugar cane, bananas, vegetables to everyone. There has been mangos, cabbage, onions and others, in substantial improvement in our lives. The our backyards. We have benefited a great project has also supported those without deal from this. Before, we could only grow finance, but with the will and energy to work. “gesho,” a plant used to make local meat. It has provided the money so they can go With the support from the district, the kebele into the chicken farming or cattle breeding professionals, and the SLM training, our lives businesses. This is a time in which the lives of have changed.” people here are improving.

Anchenalu Tade, Farmer Before SLM came, we didn’t have enough produce for our daily home consumption, “There is a lot of improvement in our lives. let alone enough for the market. Now, we The biogas stove saves everything; hard produce enough for ourselves and the mar- labor, firewood, and energy. I no longer have ket, and we make money to buy clothes and to toil up and down the mountain. I can now other items. We can also send our children sit back, make my tea and coffee, and relax. to school. We are now moving from smaller It has saved a lot of firewood. houses to bigger ones, and we’re building houses with metal roofs instead of grass I use my SLM experience to educate others thatch. around me. We now grow everything in our backyards.” I now have a title deed. The land certificate proves that the land is mine and helps me to

LAND FOR LIFE 115 clearly identify my borders. It is also used to Endge Derse, Amhara Region SLM prevent others from claiming my land, and Project Coordinator gives me the right to work on it. It also has lessons in it that teach me how to take care “The main objective of the SLM project is to of my land.” enable the farmers to produce more crops from their small plots of land. We cannot Azemera Zelalem, Farmer expand the size of these farm lands due to the shortage of land. What we want to do “Before SLM came, we had a shortage of is help the farmers use their land more effi- water. Now, we have access to plenty of ciently and produce the maximum possible water, and we grow fruits, coffee, and sugar crops. We introduce new and better tech- cane. We are benefiting a great deal. There nologies that will help the farmers become is a tremendous growth in production. The more productive. change is great. The main impetus behind this SLM project I work my farm and make money. I send my was to solve the problems related to soil children to school with the money I make. I degradation due to erosion. This soil degra- also buy things for my house. So far, I have dation problem had reached the stage where only been able to sell my sugar cane. But I it significantly decreased the productivity of am sure when the season comes; I will har- the farmers. vest my coffee, mangoes, and other fruits and make good money. There is no problem. So, the project was launched to increase We have been provided with everything we the productivity of the farmers, to improve need.” the quality of the soil, and to improve the productivity and production of the farmers by providing quality seeds and introducing

116 UNCCD . WORLD BANK new technology. So, this is a project that farmers to produce market-oriented crops was designed to help the farmers produce using the modern irrigation system intro- the highest possible quantity from the small duced. So, the farmers are now able to farms they have. produce different things such as sugar cane, fruit, and many others. This has significantly The first thing we considered is the fact that improved their income. Some farmers who farmers are more motivated to take care of live closer to the city are now buying better their land if they own it. The farmers are now houses. Others are able to buy water-pump- self-motivated to work their farms. Other ing generators that enable them to produce than that, the fact that different land reha- two or three times a year, increasing their bilitation works are done has minimized the production and productivity. Farming is being chance of soil depletion. We have also been transformed from only producing enough for able to prevent the soil from being washed basic daily consumption, to producing larger away by flood water. What is more, we also quantities that can be sold at the market. supply the farmers with quality seeds and fertilizers in an effort to increase productivity. In terms of the process of SLM, the first train- The farmers can now produce large quanti- ing was on the new farming methodology. ties from their small farms. Before, the farm- This was held at a regional level; profession- ers produced only eight quintals (800 kg) of als from the region were invited. We then grain per ha. Now they can produce 20 to 30 took these trainings to the district level. We quintals (two to three tons). The production finally facilitated a way for the district to pass of potatoes has improved from 80 quintals to these trainings on to the kebele and the 400 quintals (eight to 40 tons) per ha. SLM is people in the community. Trainings focus par- not only benefiting the soil, but is also help- ticularly on new ideas and methods. These ing the farmers enhance their production and are presented to the community members, productivity. who hold discussions among themselves and finally put them into practice. There were different activities carried out in launching the project. The farmers were We also have a system through which we made aware of why they have to take care of get feedback on how well these new tech- their lands—we sat down with them and dis- nologies were put in practice, and what cussed the problems and solutions for their results they have produced. This feedback lands through the committee members they is compiled in reports created every three elected themselves. So, now the informed and six months. We also go out to the farms community members work their farms with a in person and witness the work done. We huge sense of responsibility and ownership. gather firsthand feedback from the farmers, They also produce animal fodder for their ask them how useful the new technologies cattle from the protected areas, increasing have been, what challenges and shortcom- the amount of milk they can get from their ings they face, and what they would like the cattle. Apart from that, there has been a subproject to do for them in order for these new stantial improvement in the price of oxen. technologies to become more productive. Before, they never sold for more than 2,000 So, we go back and devise improved strate- birr (US$95). Now, with improved access gies according to this feedback. to food, they are fattened well to sell for 20,000–25,000 birr (US$947 to US$1,184). Beyond that, we have workshops on a quarterly basis. The first workshop is one Before the SLM intervention started here, that we use to evaluate the work done from the farmers’ crop production was insignifi- zonal to district level. We assess the chal- cant, and they could only produce once a lenges we have come across on the job, year. Now the project has devised a way for both at the leadership and professional

LAND FOR LIFE 117 levels. Then, we suggest ways of tackling management itself has to intervene. these challenges. The solutions agreed Therefore, it has been decided that deputy on are shared all the way down to the officers shall work in close cooperation with individual communities that need them to the management, and that the offices of solve the problem. Lastly, we get the feed- each region should submit reports to the back through a participatory assessment committee every month. So, the first evalu- platform, where we discuss and debate the ation was completed in October 2014, and ideas and problems face to face. This is a the next one in November 2014.” kind of group visit conducted in the pres- ence of selected farmers from at least three Testimonies from Tigray Region catchments in the area. We visit these water sources together with the farmers and discuss better approaches with them Lealmet Mebrehatu, Farmer on site. So, we have a common platform with the farmers, where together we work “This place used to be a useless, empty out the challenges they face. Both the new place. Now everything has changed and it and old methods will be evaluated and the is productive. People used to damage the results of these methods are presented trees, but now they are respected and we are and amendments are made. The program making use of them properly.” is making all this possible. Haregu Gebre Selassie, Farmer There is a main committee at the regional level that facilitates the evaluations. Then “This used to be a barren place. It was only there are committee members that provide used for cattle grazing, and all the soil was technical support to the main committee. eroded by floods. Now everything is chang- The regional committee meets twice a year ing. What used to be desolate is now a to see if the project is achieving its goals. respected forest. We are able to gather food This is done to assess, firstly, whether the twice a year. There are a lot of new things project is properly implementing the plans, we are working on, we are planning for the and secondly, to find out what the out- future and we are very productive. comes of the project are and to see what is expected to make it all work. This main I have bought a dairy cow with the money committee makes very serious decisions. The SLM gave me. SLM gives me 10,000 birr committee takes the reports that come in (USD$474) every year. I am a little sick, so I and goes through them. Once the committee can’t go far to work. has reviewed the reports, it evaluates how well the work is going compared to the plan. I have four children. With the money I get The committee identifies any shortcomings from selling tomatoes and other goods, I and sends to the zonal and district offices cir- send them to school. I can buy my children culars with workable solutions. exercise books, clothes, and everything else they need. If a problem is difficult to solve through discussion and new strategies from the office, I am very happy with what is happening. I am we go down to that particular piece of land much happier now than I used to be.” and try to find a solution on site. However, it was suggested that meeting only twice Meresa Demts, Farmer a year is not enough to see the projects through effectively. So, we came to the “I am 78 years old. This area was very dark conclusion that it is not only the committee before, but now there is light. Before, the that should try and work out the problems; farmer was in the dark, uneducated, and

118 UNCCD . WORLD BANK worried about a lot of things. These days, it is Everything is done in a good way. The only being replaced by something bright. ones that are not working are those who live in areas without water. Those who do Previously, there were challenges on the have water are working and are very happy. managerial level, and other issues. Things Things have started to brighten up and were not being done in the right way. Just everyone is hopeful. Those who did not recently, farmers were having some really work before are very happy now because tough times. Neither the management nor they are working and changing themselves. the court helped when the farmers went to I myself did not have water, but now I have them for help. Starting from this year though, piped water and I am using it to plant veg- we are starting to see lots of changes and the etables. I am very happy about it and also changes can be clearly seen in the farmer’s very hopeful. Those who did not have seed work. Farmers are working hard and can have now receive it from SLM and the govern- quality private time with their families too. ment. Everyone is very happy about the Everyone is working nonstop and benefiting way things are done. from it. At first, everyone was a little scared and con- We have seen a lot of change. Those who fused, but whoever got the chance to work were jobless now have jobs and are very with SLM benefited. There was a little misun- productive. The farmer is able to work and derstanding with the management. But most pay his debts on time and also have enough of those who had the chance got what they food. We are also taking part in road con- worked for. struction. Because of all this, we are seeing a lot of changes. This year, the road to the sta- If we do things properly without wasting all tion is being cleared and constructed. It will the things we get, we will do very well and help many people. Now everyone has equal the future is going to be very bright.” opportunity to work, change themselves, and benefit.

LAND FOR LIFE 119 Gebreegziabher Gebre Medhen, save. Wells are being dug and used for irriga- Watershed Chair Person tion. We have a land ownership certificate so we are able to freely work on our land. We “Five years ago, this was just an empty place. work and also plan big for the future. Nobody knew how to be productive. Since SLM came, we have started being produc- It is not only me; the whole society is very tive. The way we are going now has a lot of happy because of these benefits.” benefits; we are producing a lot. Even those who have good farming land are working Letearegay Gebre Selassie, Team to protect the mountain soil from erosion. Leader Everyone is working on irrigation and preventing soil erosion. SLM is providing training “Before, there was famine. People had in this area. It is also working on terracing migrated and gone into exile, and the soil and road construction and is leading us was gone because of floods and erosion. toward change. Previously, I wasn’t able to use irrigation. Since SLM started, I have been able to irri- The problems in this area were drought and gate my crops. We plant crops on the land, lack of awareness on how to be productive. which also prevents the soil from being We knew that if we didn’t get enough rain eroded. I have planted more than 30 types within a year, we would have to just pack of plants. Because of this program, now I am up and leave. Now, things have completely able to plant tomatoes, oranges, and other changed, everyone is enthusiastic and work- vegetables as well. Everything has changed. ing 24 hours a day. Now, there is productivity, irrigation, and there is money. We have the chance now to produce food two to three times a year. Everyone has a We keep our money and withdraw it when we good income, and we are also starting to need it. We can also pay our debts on time

120 UNCCD . WORLD BANK and educate our children. Since SLM came to We also regularly assess and supervise our station, we have many work opportunities the work; both process and implementa- and we are even starting to have telephones. tion. We have a committee that studies how things are going, and presents it to Since I have a land ownership certificate I the communities and makes plans for the feel like I have benefited. Nobody can come future. The committee is also concerned and claim the land. I can keep my land all for with how the money is being spent— myself. whether everyone is having their fair share and also if the money spent matches the Places that are held in common are being work done. These things are thoroughly worked by the youth and are very produc- assessed and presented to the council. tive with the help of SLM. These places have water pipes and beehives. The strategy that SLM has on eradicating poverty is very effective. Honestly speaking, If it weren’t for all these things, we would not if it wasn’t for SLM, this station would have be standing here today. Now, I make money never existed. SLM is indeed a major war- and I am very productive and happy.” rior in the war against poverty. It is because of SLM that the people of Merere station Gebreegziabher Gebre Wahed, Kebele are content and proud. A lot has been Leader and Station Chairman done on irrigation, natural resources conservation, vegetables, and cattle. We are “Many changes came to this station because being able to produce crops two to three of SLM. times a year.

The main challenge in our station was the If SLM continues this way we will grow as big problem of natural resources. Our lands were as the other stations. empty because of soil erosion, and because of this our people were forced to migrate. What I want to say is that I am very happy After SLM, many ways to prevent soil ero- that you took the time and trouble to come sion are being implemented. Those who all the way out here to ask us about the left because of these reasons now have the different changes. If you keep the follow chance to come back to their homes and be up like this, I am sure we will be in a much productive. bigger position than we are now in a short time.” Our station has three categories of people. The first is the youth, the second is women, Haleqa Moges Hailu, Youth Coordinator and the third is the elderly. SLM gives us a budget and also pays us for working on natu- “Five years ago, this station was an empty ral resource protection. This help us in two place. Since SLM arrived four years ago, a ways. Those who wanted to leave for other lot has happened. Not only farmers, but places to work are now staying home and the youth have benefited. SLM trained they are also being productive. people to work on beekeeping, irrigation, and to rear cattle. Over 200 youth are work- What we do is first ask the society what they ing on these activities, and the water we want. It’s after we clearly find out exactly use is a product of their hard work on SLM. what they want that we move to action. If We have also set aside about 80 ha of land it’s irrigation they want first, we work on it for the youth to work on. Before, the youth first. If they want us to start with the natural had no land at all. The roads are being resources, we start with that. Everything improved to help the water to reach the we do depends on what the society wants. farms.

LAND FOR LIFE 121 Through irrigation, we have been able to anyone who grieves about anything because grow tomatoes, lettuce, and other vegeta- everyone knows the benefits and has been bles. We sell them at the market. The youth benefiting for three to four years. Also we sell honey, and we have also started breeding have enough milk in the summer and winter. bees to sell. Everyone is benefiting. Right now there is nothing lacking in the community.” SLM trained the youth and the chairpersons on how to manage the land. Many people Gebre Geiorgis Gebre Mariam, Farmer participate in this station’s work. We are organized in unions. Our plan for the future is to “At first, I opposed the whole program. But continue growing. We want to form working after they came and explained the whole unions and hire cars to sell our products in thing, I believed in it and started to partici- large markets. We are all very lucky that this pate. Today, I am the biggest defender of the project came to us.” program.

Debes Kahesay, Kebele Leader and At first we didn’t think it was going to turn Station Manager out the way it has. But when we finally saw how green and productive this previously “SLM came to this station in 2009. Before empty place had become, which was really SLM, all the soil was badly eroded. The just a road for floods, we were very happy. community had a lot of problems. They As you can see, the outcome is visible. It has didn’t have any wood and there were no turned into productive farmland. dams. Since SLM, there have been no floods because of the dams. SLM first worked on Lands that did not have any farming activ- terracing. We will have irrigation by March. ity have been turned into farms, and crops We used to have a problem finding food for and other plants are being planted on them. the cattle. That is not a problem anymore The chaos created by the flooding is gone. because everyone takes part and makes use My backyard was once hit by a flood and it of the grass that grows on the fields and became empty. But now, because there is no mountains. more flooding, I have planted many things; there is not a single trace of what happened. When we first implemented the project, we Before, I had stopped farming because my gathered the elderly and decided with them land looked like a meatless bone. But now it how we would overcome the existing chal- is flourishing. It has never looked this good. lenges. After that, everyone, young and old, went straight to work. Everyone has seen Before this, it was a place unsuitable for for themselves the kind of benefits they can humans, let alone cattle. We were consider- get out of this, so they don’t need any more ing leaving. But since SLM, we have started telling. turning this once stony place into a very productive place. The land is also safe from Everyone’s focus was not on the payment. cattle grazing because they are fed at home. Rather, it was on the vision of saving the envi- The type of grass we only used to hear about ronment. Everyone gets paid equally. Women in stories, we now see with our very eyes. We and the youth are also major partakers of the are also using the wood from the trees to benefit, mainly by breeding cattle. We gather make musical instruments. We have planted the grass for them two or three times a year trees in our backyard. from the mountain. Everyone’s income has increased. Before, we Now everyone is sending their children to produced about three quintals (300 kg) of teff school. The cows are fat. I don’t think there is from our fields. Now, we get eight quintals

122 UNCCD . WORLD BANK (800 kg). It’s the same with the vegetables our backyard. The children that used to tend in my backyard. The type of teff you see on to the animals now have the chance to go to the fields now has never grown here before. school.” Since SLM came to our station, everything is comfortable. We are able to get fertil- Testimonies from Lalo Chollie, Gimbi, izers, and as part of the project, agricultural experts come and follow up. They also West Welega taught us to plant in lines, which has helped the fields to flourish a lot. You won’t find a Bekele Genete, Farmer single hungry person in this station. “In the past, this area was losing its natu- We now have land ownership certificates. ral nutrients. It was on the verge of being The government is working on a dispute pro- destroyed. Thanks to this project, we’ve been cess for disputes that arise because of land able to save the area. This is thanks to our inheritance. It has not reached Bahara station hard work with the project.” yet, but we are expecting it to. It will be useful, as it will help to settle any arguments on Tafesech Tadele, Farmer land ownership and inheritance. “In the time of our fathers, our land was What you find on this field is papaya, bam- empty—washed away by rain and wind. Our boo, beans, and more. It’s our dream to soil was eroded, our lakes had dried up. transfer this knowledge to our children. The There was no water to fetch or drink, and government has given us an irrigation sys- there was no forest around this area. These tem, so we can work all year round. are the conditions I knew since I was born.

We have many benefits, more than we But thank God, Meles Zenawi made it fea- expected. We are very happy about it. We sible for different projects to operate in this are able to produce grass for our cattle from country.

LAND FOR LIFE 123 When this project initially started, they told The SLM project trained us by grouping our us that this area will go back to its natu- community and giving us theoretical, practi- ral state. We didn’t believe them at first, cal, and financial support to protect this area. because it’s difficult to say that eroded soil In addition, this project helped us to know can go back to normal and actually grow what kind of trees and seeds to plant in order trees. We then took their word for it and to protect the soil, and they gave us many started working on this project. different kinds of seeds and plants. Now people are working on their own in line with We started the initial work by reserving a the training they received through the SLM flood area of 50 meters by 50 meters, and project. maintaining a space of ten meters between terraces. Then we planted different trees, In addition to protecting the soil, our com- plants and grasses, and kept our cattle away munity is doing a good job. If you look at the from this area. After a while, the vegetation surrounding area, we grow different kinds grew. It is now looking great. So, this place of foods, both for ourselves and to sell. For can be taken as an example for other areas example, we are producing honey in groups as well. and are exploring other means of generating income. We farmed a section of our land and grew food for our cattle in another section. By so Now if you see our surrounding area, we doing, we managed to overcome drought grow different kinds of food, both for our- and hunger through this project and our selves and to sell. We are now producing community. The benefit obtained is shared honey, fish, bananas, avocado, coffee, and across our community, our cattle, our soil, also fattening cattle. And the mountains are and our environment. covered with trees; they have turned into a forest and a home to different animals. All As long as this project supports us, we will this is due to this project. move forward with what we’ve achieved and this will change our lives. There are other This project has changed our soil, our way of places that haven’t had this opportunity, so life, and our entire society.” my wish is to benefit other areas like we have greatly benefitted.” Tafesse Gobena, Elderly Resident

Dawit Adugna, Farmer “In the past, Lalo Chollie was famous for its grass and forest. Then, termites conquered “As you may know, this is a place we are the area. But over the past couple of years, working on to protect it from being washed under this project, we have developed the away by rain. In the past, this place was pro- area beautifully. Grass and trees reappeared gressively washed away by rain and strong in the area. We did it on our own. We worked wind. Nothing grew because the land had on it and benefited from it. lost its natural minerals to erosion. The strong wind made our lives difficult and our cattle We work, while the government gives us had no grazing land. support. We thank God and we are very grateful for this support. We don’t have any When the SLM project was introduced, it complaint. We work together, mobilizing our gave trainings to our community on how to youth and adults. We will continue working. protect our land from losing its natural miner- May God prolong the age of the government als, and so we were able to get this area back and our youths.” to its original, green state.

124 UNCCD . WORLD BANK Shiferam Negesse, Trainer productive heads are left to grow. This “As you can see, the coffee plants are very renews the coffee plant. After stumping, old and give very little produce. In the past, the plant produces beans and grows. We the farmers here didn’t know how to renew brought in professionals who showed the the old coffee plants. They didn’t know which farmers how to stump the plants. The cof- plants needed to be renewed, which needed fee plants look like new and flourish, giv- to be replaced, or which were old and how ing good produce. they could systematically renew them. From now on, the farmers will continue After observing this, we showed the farm- stumping old plants to renew them. Through ers, through the program, how to apply the SLM project, we were able to teach the partial coffee stumping, whereby the farmers a new method to increase their least productive head is removed and the productivity.”

LAND FOR LIFE 125 126 UNCCD . WORLD BANK A Programmatic Approach for Transformational Changes and Integrated Solutions

and resources are critical for Ghana’s significance of having a strong analytical base economic growth and represent a critical in-country. Lasset for most of the population. Land also provides critical environmental services In 2010, based on the GSIF recommenda- and important biodiversity values. Notably, tion, Ghana developed and implemented Ghana is endowed with several national its SLM Project under TerrAfrica’s Strategic parks and reserves that are important for ani- Investment Framework Program [SIP ]. This mal migration because of the natural habitat marked the beginning of a series of proj- corridors that link the Mole National Park and ects, with this as the first generation project. the Gbele Resource Reserve (GRR). While The project, funded in collaboration with Ghana’s rural land generates much of the the Global Environment Facility, focused country’s income and employment, directly essentially on addressing land degradation and indirectly, it is highly vulnerable to deg- in agricultural lands. As implementation pro- radation. Natural habitats and biodiversity gressed, it became clear that, both upstream are also being lost as part of the broader and downstream, sustainability in land man- process of land degradation. Significantly, agement required interventions beyond degradation has also severely compromised just agricultural lands. Thus, an innovative services, including nutrient cycling, regula- approach evolved to move beyond single- tion of hydrological flows, provision of natural sector interventions. resources, and the amelioration of climatic extremes and floods. With the additional funding provided, Ghana in 2012 progressively expanded the scope of In the face of these challenges, the govern- its SLM Project to integrated landscape man- ment of Ghana adopted a programmatic agement, which connected protected areas, approach to address land degradation in forests, woodlands, agroforestry land, range- the country. In 2009, with support from the lands, and croplands. This paved the way for World Bank Group’s TerrAfrica Program, an ecosystem-based approach to address Ghana developed its Strategic Investment land degradation. The Sustainable Land and Framework (GSIF) for SLM and the Water Management (SLWM) Project, under Agriculture Sustainable Land Management the Sahel and West Africa Program [SAWAP] Strategy and Action Plan. In addition, sev- in support of the Great Green Wall, became eral analytical pieces of work, such as the Ghana’s second generation investment on country environmental analysis and the NRM the ground. The SLWM Project is providing a and Growth Sustainability, Mapping, and comprehensive approach that combines soft Valuing Water Services in Ghana study further and hard investments at the community level. helped shape the agenda. This shows the For instance, the maintenance of ecological infrastructure is combined with planning

LAND FOR LIFE 127 activities aiming at eventually integrating In general, there is growing support region- these into a much larger program of water ally and globally for enhancing cross-sector and flood management infrastructure across enabling environments to support integrated the northern savanna eco-agricultural zone. landscape management. This is a holistic Subproject grants and community-based approach that integrates social, economic, interventions have enabled the implementa- physical, and biological assets. tion of SLWM technologies and the creation of community conservation areas within bio- Resources logical corridors.

In the more recent emerging context of TerrAfrica: an Africa-based and Africa-led food security and resilience, Ghana is partnership of 26 sub-Saharan countries and expanding the scope and geographic 20 partners including regional economic coverage of the SLWM Project. In 2015, it communities, United Nations bodies, inter- is preparing the Sustainable Landscapes national organizations, the European Union, Management Project, which will con- bilaterals, and civil society organizations tribute directly to Ghana’s Sustainable (www.terrafrica.org). Development Initiative for the northern savannah. Its vision is “a diversified and The Strategic Investment Program for SLM resilient economic zone in the north,” in sub-Saharan Africa, under the TerrAfrica while supporting the development of the Partnership, is an umbrella program for scal- country’s emerging investment platform on ing up integrated and multistakeholder SLM SLWM. This project will become the third approaches for greater and more sustainable generation investment on the ground. It will impacts. emphasize SLWM as a key element for connecting the different, fragmented habitats SAWAP is an umbrella program under the in Ghana; improvements in the contiguity TerrAfrica Partnership that aims at expanding of communities living along specific water- SLWM in targeted landscapes and in climate- shed areas and biological corridors; and vulnerable areas in West African and Sahelian increased benefits for the communities. countries.

128 UNCCD . WORLD BANK Advancing Towards Landscape Restoration through Innovative Solutions in the Horn of Africa

he Horn of Africa (HOA) is part of and Karamajong, are becoming increasingly Africa’s drylands, which account for vulnerable to food and livelihood crises. Not T43 percent of Africa’s total land area. surprisingly, the increase in the number of The drylands account for 75 percent of the forced migrants and other displaced people area used for agriculture and are home is leading to greater conflicts over the ineq- to 50 percent of the population (figure uitable access to natural resources. Because 4). With their multifaceted vulnerabilities, of resource scarcity, communities living in these drylands present special develop- the underdeveloped and sparsely populated ment challenges. As the HOA develops, country border points also face similar, if not it is overcoming growing challenges in greater challenges, especially when devastat- managing its environmental and renew- ing droughts occur. able natural resources—the land, water, forests, fish, and ecosystems on which they Building resilience and strengthening the depend—in a way that will not only benefit long-term sustainability of natural resources present generations, but also ensures that and vulnerable groups are therefore critical future development opportunities are not for sustainable development in the HOA. compromised. Countries face shared challenges that tran- scend institutional and geographic boundar- At the same time, pastoral communities in ies and can gain from a shared response. the drylands of eastern Africa, such as the Samburu, Pokot, Turkana, Rendille, Borana This context led to the HOA Initiative launched in 2014. The initiative signals political commitment backed by new, sub- FigureFigure 4. 1. Horn Land degradationof Africa in the Horn of Africa stantial financial assistance for countries in the region to tackle vulnerability and strengthen regional stability by boosting economic growth and opportunity, reducing poverty, and spurring business activity.

The multi-dimensional challenge of land degradation, unsustainable land use, and climate variability in the HOA demand innovative solutions and financing. In support of the HOA Initiative and using the TerrAfrica platform,

LAND FOR LIFE 129 Figure 5. Mosaic Landscape Restoration targeted areas. TerrAfrica’s SLM in Practice handbook is also available to help countries to design individual projects. The program will also support community-based activities to mitigate and prevent the impacts of disasters through climate risk management responses; forest management planning; payment for environmental services; and through activities aimed at increasing ecological connectivity (corridor development) and improving forest biodiversity values at the landscape level.

the World Bank Group is developing a The Resilient Landscapes for programmatic approach (multi-country Development Program will help countries program): the Resilient Landscapes for strengthen institutions and design policy Development Program. The approach will reforms aimed at restoration and resilience apply integrated management within a to support the enabling environments con- mosaic of production systems— pastoral ducive for scaling up SLWM, and help build areas, rangelands, protected area habitats, national and local capacities to implement, dry forestlands, and natural assets that harmonize, and coordinate investments, together form the rural landscape for the policies, and information. TerrAfrica has eastern and HOA countries. contributed extensively to SLWM and adaptation agendas in many of these This new programmatic approach aims to countries, the program will build upon its enhance the resilience of the ecosystems and lessons and results. peoples, and to improve community well- being and support sustainable livelihoods. It Countries and development partners alike will emphasize the productive use of natural recognize that a stronger regional political resources in marginal areas and borderlands. dimension is key for development to be The program, through individual but related both successful and sustainable. National investment projects, will apply sustainable programs alone are not sufficient to miti- integrated landscapes management at scale gate a sub-region’s vulnerability. Programs (figure 5). that move toward sustainable landscape production systems are not only the build- The Resilient Landscapes for Development ing blocks to restoring degraded land, but Program will help countries scale up best-fit to providing long-term economic stability SLWM practices for the restoration of the for its residents.

130 UNCCD . WORLD BANK Improving Livelihoods in Uttarakhand in India

ttarakhand is a mountainous state in role of forests in sustaining the agriculture northern India known for its diverse and animal husbandry systems is equally criti- Ueco-system, rich faunal and floral cal in sustaining livelihoods. biodiversity, rivers and valleys, and a rich cultural heritage. Over 89 percent of the land The total population of the state is about 8.5 is hilly with fragile soil and steep slopes that million people. About 38.5 percent of them are highly prone to soil erosion during the live below the poverty line as compared to Monsoon season. Each year the state is los- 26 percent living on the plain. The growing ing fertile soil at the rate of up to 10 times human population (19.3 percent in the last the national average. This problem is further decade) and livestock population is increas- compounded by declining soil fertility. ing the demands for food, fuel wood, and fodder for livestock. As population and The farming systems in the hills are domi- livestock densities increase, the rate of deg- nated by subsistence farming based on radation and the dependence on common cereal crop production, dairy cattle and property resources also increase. It has led to exploitation of forest biomass. Although agri- the migration of young people from the area. culture is one of the core economic activities for over 80 percent of the population, the

LAND FOR LIFE 131 • innovative technologies that promote learning, knowledge exchange and informed decision making for management of natural resources.

To successfully implement the activities, the project allowed for a wide spectrum of actors ranging from local communities, a non-governmental women group, the academia and the government of Uttarakhand State. In this project women were involved at every stage of the life of the project. The non-governmental women This four year project, with a total cost of group laid the ground work by empowering US$90 million, was designed to abate soil women to find their voice in the community, erosion and loss of forest biomass that both which led to the establishment of women lead to a decline in agricultural production, leaders to guide and advise other women in expansion of the cultivated area coupled the communities. with loss of biodiversity, and lowering of the underground water table. It was designed One of the activities was the development with the objectives of restoring and sustain- and marketing of a cost effective technol- ing ecosystem functions and biodiversity ogy to process chir pine (Pinus roxburgii) while simultaneously enhancing income and needles into briquettes to be used as fuel to livelihood functions, and generating lessons meet the household energy requirements. learned that can be scaled-up and main- Such a technological breakthrough allows streamed at state and national levels. The households to switch from wood fuel and project therefore, focused on improving live- thereby reduce the pressure on the forest. lihoods through; Importantly, it also reduces the risk of forest fires, as chir pine needles frequently are • community and gender-driven sources of such fires. interventions, The project purposefully targeted micro- • integrated ecosystem management watersheds that have high erosion indices practices, and are left behind in terms of socio-economic development. Watersheds are the • effective community participation, multi- focus because they contain a number of stakeholder and institutional frameworks biophysical resources, such as soil and water, that are essential for implementing inte- along with vegetation in the forms of trees, grated ecosystem management (IEM) in bushes, grasses and herbs that provide sus- watersheds, tenance for livestock production and farming as well as a number of other enterprises. • monitoring and accountability with best practices and tools to enhance sustain- This project led to a 10 percent increase in ability of project outcomes, livelihood opportunities in treated areas, and sustainable watershed management. It • knowledge sharing, documentation, and was mainstreamed into 20 micro-watersheds communication to increase awareness plans, including parts of watersheds for and potential for scaling up IEM, and which two or more Gram Panchayats share governance responsibility. This led to a 20-30

132 UNCCD . WORLD BANK percent increase in the micro-watershed policy front, the project has facilitated the area where the SLM techniques were imple- formulation of a strategy to manage the mented, including an increase in vegeta- impacts of climate change in mountain tive cover by 10 percent in the treated 20 ecosystems. At least five improved and micro-watersheds. innovative techniques and approaches have been documented, disseminated The project led to the implementation and scaled up, including the production of 5 to 10 alternative technologies and of more than 500 metric tons of pine bri- approaches for enhancing water avail- quette within the Uttarakhand state. ability for agriculture and other domestic use. About 2000 households reduced their Testimonies – about Land dependence directly or indirectly on forest for fuel wood. The opportunities for sustainable alternative livelihoods (non-farm Kishan Singh Lamgaria based livelihood options) have increased by at least 10 percent, including at least 20 “This entire area was sliding every year. This percent of the targeted households that riverbank was eroding, and everything was entered the market for pine briquettes sinking. Since the check dams construc- (produced from pine needles). The project tion along this river, our area is safer thanks has directly and indirectly increased key to more bushes. This also keeps the silt in species of flora and fauna in 20 micro- place and preserves our water sources better. watersheds. Land rehabilitation, coupled Before, especially in summers, they used to with improved water recharge, has enabled dry up.” We’re not afraid of the mud slides communities to cultivate at least 5 local anymore. medicinal and aromatic plants. On the

LAND FOR LIFE 133 Kiran Lamgaria our households. Now, we collect the rain water using the tanks. We use this water to “Since this dam was constructed, it has meet our household needs and care for the helped us and our children a lot. Thanks to cattle.” these check dams, slopes and streams are now better maintained. Our house is also Kailash Singh Nayal (Student) safe. Without the dams, it would have been washed away.” “There was no drinking water in our school. We had to fetch water from local streams and ponds, which required a lot of time. Now, we Sarojni Melkani, Van Sarpanch have running water here, and all the students have access to drinking water without having “The trenches that we dug retain moisture to go far.” and rain water. We planted trees and fenced the area to keep the cows away. Now our for- Girish Kandpal (School Director) est is much greener.” “We had no water in the school before. Neema Bahuguna Now we have running water taps and toilets. Before, people had to fetch water from far “Before the installation of the pine briquette away. Because of that, they used to get sick plant, we used to walk long distances to col- often. Now they have tapped water right lect wood in the forest. It was time consum- here.” ing. The smoke from firewood used to irritate our eyes and tarnish the utensils, making Devendra Chandra Arya (Sahara User them hard to clean.“ Group)

Pandev Bahuguna “We bought a water pump and installed it at the bottom of the hill. This helped “Initially, storing cow dung for composting pump the water to the irrigation tanks was unhygienic and problematic. Now, I can in the upper ridges of the slope. When turn manure into slurry thanks to the plant.” there was no irrigation system, we used to grow only wheat and potato, and had to Testimonies – about Water leave the fields during dry seasons. Now, we grow tomatoes, peas, and other cash crops.” Kheemanand Upadhyaya (Farmer) Testimonies – about Food Security “Jalagam people helped us a lot. They created a pond for us. Our cattle come to drink water from it. Next to it, we planted Lemongrass and Ganesh Lamgaria (Farmer) Nappier grass. Lemongrass is used for medicinal purposes, and Nappier grass is used as “Before, we had nothing. After installing a fodder. We also have a nursery nearby which greenhouse, we can now grow off-season gets moisture from the pond. Now, the springs vegetables. These vegetables are in high and streams down the village are providing demand on the market and give us good drinking water all year round.” profit. We grow squash, eggplant, bell pepper, radish, onions and much more. I sell my Smt. Munni Joshi (Homemaker) vegetables and share the surplus with my other family members.“ “Before, we had to travel long distances to fetch water from the seasonal streams for

134 UNCCD . WORLD BANK Dr. S.K Upadhyaya, Deputy Project Hema Negi Director “Thanks to the project, more people listen “Food production increased thanks to to and consider our suggestions now. We high-yielding seeds and hybrid vegetable learned how to manage our finances better varieties. We also marketed the surplus and by getting involved in matters outside of our established a support group for this purpose households.” that helped create market links. Gradually, we were able to cut out the middle man, which Resources benefitted farmers a great deal.” The World Bank (2014). Uttarakhand decen- Roshan Singh Lamgaria (Entrepreneur) tralized watershed development project implementation, completion and results “Before, we had no work in the village report No: ICR00002216 because unemployment was high. Thanks to the project, I got a juicer and started a Ministry of Environment and Forests of the small juice shop. Soon, I was able to expand. Government of India (2011). Elucidation Thanks to this project, I have an income and of the 4th National Report submitted to can take care of my children.” UNCCD Secretariat 2010

Testimonies – about Women’s Project website: http://wmduk.gov.in/index. html Empowerment Alternative livelihoods and gender: https:// Neetu Mehtolia www.youtube.com/watch?v=HFSFqZXd7Gw

“Initially, we never went to meetings because Community participation: https://www.you- we were never called. Women had no tube.com/watch?v=968XTiehjBw importance. Later, we started organizing community meetings. This gave us confi- Gender inclusion: https://www.youtube.com/ dence, taught us decision-making skills, and watch?v=-UJYoKJ14wc expanded our roles in communities and families.” Project pictures: https://flic.kr/s/ aHsjNgWWQN

LAND FOR LIFE 135

CONCLUSION

Global initiatives to restore land are on the near universal agreement that cultural con- rise. The Great Green Wall for the Sahara straints are a particularly strong barrier to and Sahel Initiative, the Great Green Wall of this engagement among rural communities. China, the 20X20 Initiative in Latin America, The case studies from Ethiopia and Morocco the Africa Forest and Landscapes Restoration demonstrate how change was achieved, Initiative and the Bonn Challenge are typical with women’s economic, political and social examples. The purpose of these initiatives empowerment taking root among pastoral is to scale up sustainable land management communities that are among the most con- practices in order to avoid further degrada- servative culturally. tion of the limited productive land remaining and to rehabilitate degraded land that can Transformational change is achieved by be restored back to health. The ambition is ensuring four key ingredients are brought high and attainable, but the scope of posi- into the mix: a large number of women par- tive impact on households and individual ticipate at the lowest community level; their families is often forgotten. The case studies specific needs are identified alongside the presented show the human side of these suc- needs of other groups and included in the cesses and give voice to the people behind broader context of community needs; the the success: first, the land owners and users; most powerful gatekeepers of the local cul- and second, the agents supporting the mobi- ture are central players in the processes; and lization of the people. The stories provide very specific organizational capacities that other important insights about the affected are needed by the local communities are populations that are often the targets of the identified and addressed. SLM initiatives. Mainstreaming sustainable land manage- Mobilizing small-scale land owners and local ment techniques and scaling them up to communities to work together is an epic a landscape or ecosystem level is vital for task, but the rewards are transformational. building the resilience of small scale land The case studies from Jordan, Kenya and users to climate change, for conserving Lebanon show that the adoption of sustain- biological diversity and for sustaining the able land management is most effective long-term productivity of the land. The case when policies, by-laws or rules integrate the studies from China, Egypt, Ethiopia and local and traditional norms of resource use. In Morocco offer different models of action: a short, SLM techniques can be adopted, but private sector model where profit-making their sustainability rests on the social accep- is an important end goal; a governmental tance of the regimes enacted. public works model that at once meets job-creation, profit-making, household and There is a near universal agreement that environmental needs; and a not-for-profit women’s involvement in sustainable land voluntary approach that draws on public and management is indispensable. There is also private sector mechanisms to make it

LAND FOR LIFE 139 sustainable. The advantages and weaknesses link between sustainable land management of each model are apparent, as are the pos- and the ecosystem services from the land on sibilities that exist to address each of their which the livelihoods of poor people every- weaknesses by drawing on the strengths where depend. of the other models. This suggests that for an effective and efficient scaling up of Sustainable land management leads to SLM, project designers should draw on the improved ecosystems. Healthy ecosystems strengths of all these models. create wealth. Wealth enables households and communities to diversify their liveli- The closing chapters of the book offer hood options. The evidence that ecosystem timely advice for the policy-makers and services will be available in the long-term, a development agents who will be taking community’s is becoming less and less vul- the decisions about funding allocation. nerable to environmental disasters, different The restoration of degraded land at scale sectors are able to adapt, and people are is an endeavor of long durée. Learning, using infrastructure with a low carbon foot- adapting and re-engaging will be essential. print all signal that the resilience of a com- Initiatives aiming to improve both liveli- munity is growing. hoods and land management need to take a programmatic approach, even if they Resources start as small projects. The Sustainable Development Goals adopted last year have a 15-year time-frame, which is sufficient for United Nations Convention to Combat the SLM interventions starting now to dem- Desertification in those Countries onstrate clear outcomes and broad social Experiencing Serious Drought and/or change by 2030. Desertification, particularly in Africa.

Most of the communities profiled in the V. Nelson, L. Forsythe and J. Morton (2015). book were initially selected because of their Empowering Dryland Women: Capturing vulnerability or that of the environment on Opportunities in Land Rights, Governance which they rely for ecosystem services. The and Resilience. A synthesis of thematic improvement in the conditions of individual papers from the series ‘Women’s empower- households and communities after adopting ment in the drylands’. http://www.undp.org/ sustainable land management shows that content/dam/undp/library/Environment%20 improving the flow of ecosystem services has and%20Energy/sustainable%20land%20man- social, economic and environmental benefits. agement/Dryland%20women%20Synthesis. The underlying message is this: there is a pdf

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142 UNCCD . WORLD BANK List of Authors, Story Contributors, Photo Credits, and Acknowledgments Authors Ulrich Apel, The Global Environment Facility Mohamed I Bakarr, The Global Environment Facility Barbara Bendandi, International Office for Migration, Italy Colette Benoudji, LEAD, Chad Andrew Chilombo, The Global Environment Facility Jenny Choo, UN Convention to Combat Desertification Saliha Dobardzic, The Global Environment Facility Fidaa F. Haddad, International Union for Conservation of Nature Mona Haidar, UN Development Programme Gayatri Kanungo, World Bank/TerrAfrica Elie Kodsi, UN Development Programme Chibulu Luo, The Global Environment Facility Grammenos Mastrojeni, Ministry of Foreign Affairs, Government of Italy Lara Nassar, International Union for Conservation of Nature (ROWA) Claire Ogali, International Union for Conservation of Nature, Global Drylands Initiative Yasin Mahadi S. Salah, International Union for Conservation of Nature (ESARO) Madjiguene Seck, TerrAfrica/World Bank Wagaki Wischnewski, United Nations Convention to Combat Desertification

Chapter Authors Introduction to This Book Mohammed Bakarr Institutions Wagaki Wischnewski Natural Resources Governance for Rural Poverty Reduction Claire Ogali Promoting Resilience in the Community Managed Rangelands of Kenya Yasin Mahadi S. Salah Community Participation Leads to Better Conservation Fidaa F. Haddad and Lara Nassar Value-driven Land Rehabilitation in the Shouf Area of Lebanon Fidaa F. Haddad, Nizar Hany and Zeina Zeineddine Wealth Creation Wagaki Wischnewski More Than Sustainable Land Management Jenny Choo Kubuqi Ecological Restoration—Reviving the Old Charm of Kubuqi’s “First City of Grassland” Jenny Choo

LAND FOR LIFE 143 Living Oasis: The Fight Against Desertification in Morocco Mona Haidar and Elie Kodsi Human Security and Climate Change Grammenos Mastrojeni and Barbara Bendandi From Yellow to Green: Building a Sustainable Regional Development Model Jenny Choo Restoring Hope in the Mountain Rangeland of Afghanistan Jenny Choo Climate Adaptation for Rural Livelihoods and Agriculture Chibulu Luo, Andrew Chilombo, Saliha Dobardzic and Ulrich Apel Holistic Approach to Harness Coping Strategies for Community Adaptation to Climate Change Patrizia Cocca and Andrew Chilombo Scaling Up SLM and Land Restoration Initiatives Wagaki Wischnewski Restoring the Resilience of Ethiopia’s Highland Peoples and Landscapes Madjiguene Seck A Programmatic Approach for Transformational Changes and Integrated Solutions Gayatri Kanungo Landscape Restoration through Innovative Solutions in the Horn of Africa Gayatri Kanungo Improving Livelihoods in Uttarakhand India Andrew Chilombo, Ulrich Apel, and Patrizia Cocca Conclusion Wagaki Wischnewski

Acknowledgments Publication Coordinators: Wagaki Wischnewski and Madjiguene Seck Printing: United Nations Environment Programme, Nairobi, Kenya Research and Editorial Assistants: Jenny Choo (Malaysia), Anna Leacock (Australia), Melissa Terlizzi (United States) and Hayley George (United Kingdom), UN Convention to Combat Desertification

Photo Credits Andrea Borgarello, pages: 74, 96–125, 138 Conservation Organization Afghan Mountain Regions, pages: ii, 70–72, 83–87, back cover Elion Resources Group, pages: cover top photo, 47–54 Global Environment Facility, pages: 88–94 Green Asia Network, pages: iv, 74–82 IUCN-ESARO, pages: 6–7, 9–12, 16–17 LEAD, Chad, pages: x, 140, 141, Patrick Augenstein, pages: v, 8, 13, 14, 18–21, 36 bottom picture, 40 bottom picture, 126, 128, 136–137 Programme Oasis Sud, pages: vi, vii, 4–5, 55–69, SEKEM, pages: 36 top picture, 38, 40 top picture, 41–45, 136–137 Shouf Bioreserve: 23–33, Watershed Management Directorate, Uttarakhand, India, pages: coverpage bottom picture, 34–35, 131–135 World Bank, pages: 129–130

144 UNCCD . WORLD BANK Land for Life CREATE WEALTH TRANSFORM LIVES Land for Life for Land

CREATE WEALTH —TRANSFORM LIVES

CREATE WEALTH TRANSFORM LIVES