ABN 2021-2024 Conserving Bio-Cultural Diversity

The vital role of elders in upholding the ecological knowledge and customs practiced over generations is very critical. Recognition of such societal values is important to maintain the well-being of Sacred Natural Sites, ecosystems, territories, and norms of local communities. The four thematic areas of the partner namely Community Seed and Knowledge (CSK), Community Ecological Governance (CEG), Youth Culture and Biodiversity (YCB) and Advocacy and Communication (AC) are all designed to address this purpose. In the second year of the project implementation period, it is assessed that substantial progress has been achieved towards reviving seed and bio-cultural diversity, influencing policy and public thinking at different levels, and increasing engagement of the youth and women on issues affecting their life. Throughout the year, various activities were implemented at partner and secretariat levels to promote indigenous farming knowledge, foster sustainable agricultural practices, enhancing food security and food sovereignty. During the reporting period (1st January to 31st December 2023), various achievements have been reported, under the five complementary outcomes of the contribution, both at Implementing Partners and ABN Secretariat levels. Outcome 1: Seed and bio-cultural diversity revived at community level. The achievements under this outcome are related to local seeds revival and exchange (through seed and food fairs), trainings on how to grow local seeds, establishment of seed banks and other related activities. Partners were able to train communities on some key ABN methodologies related to seed, especially the seed cataloging. The key achievements under this outcome include: Increased Awareness of Indigenous Farming Practices: The establishment of the Community Seed Learning Centers (CSLC) and the development of community seed banks have significantly raised awareness and appreciation for indigenous farming practices. These centers provide hands-on learning opportunities, enhancing local knowledge and preserving traditional agricultural techniques. Enhanced Knowledge in Crop Management and Sustainable Practices: Through Agro-Ecological Farming and Sustainable Land Use Training, Implementing Partners (IPs) trained a total of 4,102 households in advanced crop management and agro-ecological techniques. This training has improved understanding of composting and bio-fertilizer production, leading to more sustainable land use and agricultural practices. Improved Recognition of Women Leadership in Climate Adaptation: The Women-Led Farmer Initiatives supported by the project have shifted perceptions of women's roles in climate adaptation. These initiatives showcased women's leadership and collective action, increasing recognition of their critical contributions to climate resilience. Increased Advocacy for Indigenous Seed Protection: The Seed and Food Fair Events, co-organized with strategic partners, have fostered greater knowledge sharing and advocacy for the protection of indigenous seeds. These events have elevated awareness about the importance of preserving traditional seed varieties and promoted their benefits to wider audiences. Outcome 2: Partners have increased capacity to support their communities to use their local led solutions on revival and revitalization of traditional institutions on conservation of their biodiversity ecosystem services. The achievements under this outcome are related to Community Ecological Governance (CEG). Through tailored trainings, ABN implementing partners were able to take communities through ABN unique approaches and tools such as the ecological mapping and ecological calendar setting. The key achievements under this outcome include: Increased Understanding of Traditional Governance and Environmental Stewardship: the community dialogues on AUC Resolution 372, led by clan leaders and custodians of Sacred Natural Sites (SNS), have deepened local understanding of reconnecting with nature and preserving traditional governance structures. These dialogues emphasized the importance of integrating traditional practices with environmental stewardship. Enhanced Role of Cultural Institutions in Ecological Governance: Implementing partners under Community Ecological Governance (CEG) engaged with Cultural Institution Leaders to bolster their role in protecting Sacred Natural Sights (SNS) and advocate for indigenous community rights. This engagement has strengthened perceptions of cultural institutions as key actors in safeguarding traditional knowledge and environmental assets. Increased Awareness of Indigenous Resource Management and Project Impact: Participatory mapping facilitated by IPs enhanced the knowledge about community traditional practices illustrating the impacts of major development projects on indigenous forest communities. This mapping exercise has raised awareness about the significance of preserving traditional resource management practices and the effects of external development agendas. Enhanced Economic Empowerment and Environmental Awareness: Tailored training on beekeeping in Benin, conducted by IPs, have empowered communities economically while simultaneously reducing environmental impacts. These training have improved the knowledge and understanding of communities on sustainable beekeeping practices and their benefits for both livelihoods and conservation. Outcome-3: Partners' capacity built to establish strong, proactive youths movements that articulates and lobby for conservation of bio-cultural diversity. The achievements under this outcome are related to youth engagement, experiential learning, and intergenerational learning with Elders. ABN implementing partners strived to involve more youth in community-led initiatives on ecological conservation, climate change, land degradation and other related topics. The key achievements are listed as follow: Increased Youth Engagement and Environmental Awareness: Supported youth-led initiatives across Kenya, Rwanda, Tanzania, Zimbabwe, South Africa, and Togo whereby a total of 1,475 youth involved in a range of activities, including agroecology practices, climate change awareness through community dialogues, demonstration farms, organic fertilizer production, bio-cultural diversity caravans, tree planting, and wilderness therapy. These initiatives have broadened youth understanding of environmental issues and sustainable practices. Enhanced Youth Representation in National and Regional Platforms: Support for youth participation in national and regional platforms, has increased their visibility and engagement in key agricultural and environmental discussions. This participation has elevated youth perspectives in broader environmental and agricultural contexts. Strengthened Youth Influence in Policy Dialogues: support for youth engagement in policy dialogues has amplified youth voices and emphasized the importance of inter generational knowledge exchange. This involvement has increased youth participation in shaping conservation policies and highlighted their role in influencing environmental governance. Outcome 4: Partners' and communities' capacity increased to lobby and campaign for policy influence on prioritized issues. In 2023, ABN and its IPs have been showcasing collaboration among diverse stakeholders promoting indigenous practices through actively participating in a series of platforms at different levels driving the momentum for trans formative change in climate action, biodiversity conservation, and the preservation of indigenous seeds and food cultures. The key achievements under this outcome can be listed as follow: Enhanced Policy Interaction and Climate Action Awareness: Engagement here refers to meaningful interactions such as participating in panel discussions, networking, sharing insights, and collaborating on climate action strategies. Such activities have contributed to integrate indigenous knowledge and practices into the climate negotiation process. Increased Focus on Indigenous Seed and Food Preservation: creating platforms for farmers and youth to discuss on the need to preserve indigenous seeds and food cultures helped raise awareness about the importance of maintaining traditional agricultural practices and facilitated dialogue on sustainable food systems. Fostered Knowledge Exchange and Cultural Preservation: ABN and strategic partners co-organized the Indigenous Seed and Food Culture Harvest Fair in Kenya and National Seed and Food Fairs in Zimbabwe. These events facilitated knowledge exchange among farmers, policymakers, media, and civil society groups. They promoted discussions on food sovereignty, cultural preservation, and the role of indigenous seeds in sustainable agriculture, increasing understanding and support for these issues. Outcome 5: ABN networking and practice of methodologies among communities, partners and allies within the network improved. This outcome is related to institutional development mainly at ABN Secretariat level. In 2023, ABN revised some of its internal policies and manual, to improve the staff performance and capacity to deliver. ABN also celebrate its 20th Year Anniversary and held its Biennial General Meeting (BGM), which was a momentum, with the launch of the ABN Barefoot Guide. The key achievements under this outcome can be listed as follow: Enhanced Capacity Building and Learning on ABN Methodologies: ABN's Sub-Regional Network (SRN) Gatherings, provided platforms for capacity building and exchange of learning on ABN methodologies. enabled partners to gain valuable insights and practical knowledge on implementing the different methodologies of ABN. Improved Collaboration and Problem-Solving: The ABN Biennial General Meeting (BGM) brought together all partners for collaborative discussions focused on addressing challenges and exploring opportunities for improvement. Field visits provided firsthand experiences with ABN methodologies, enhancing understanding, and fostering a collaborative approach to overcoming common issues. Increased Engagement through Joint Events: ABN supported and/or co-organized various events, to increase engagement, promoted knowledge exchange, and highlighted the importance of indigenous seeds and food systems. Broadened Knowledge Exchange through Documentation: The publication of success stories and case studies in ABN's quarterly newsletters has facilitated the exchange of knowledge and experiences among partners, helping to share best practices and insights, enhancing overall understanding and application of successful strategies.

PROJECT GOAL: To contribute to improved life on land through conservation of bio-cultural diversity, restoration of terrestrial and marine ecosystems in Africa. PROJECT OBJECTIVES OVER THE THREE YEARS PERIOD:  1) Strengthened and diversified community livelihood options based on good bio-cultural diversity and seed governance. 2) Community ecological governance system revived, based on time-tested community knowledge and practices. 3) Proactive youth movement established that celebrates and engages with issues on biocultural diversity across Africa. 4) Increased support for community-led advocacy as a prerequisite for building coalitions for policy influence on prioritized issues. 5) Improved networking and practice of methodologies among communities, partners and allies within the network