THE CHALLENGE
The Sustainable Livelihoods Development Programme (SLDP) responds to the socio-economic circumstances of the Buffer zone communities, who have been living in a socially excluded area that has long been impacted by political instability and conflicts. The majority of the population relies on subsistence farming, and struggles with low agricultural productivity and profitability. Moreover, malnutrition, particularly among women and children, is a constant feature of life. Lastly, deforestation has led to significant rainforest loss in Gorongosa National park, threatening biodiversity and the positive effects that indigenous vegetation has on climate change mitigation.
THE SOLUTION
Resilience partners with the Gorongosa Restoration Project and Right to Play, and focuses on:
- Irrigation development through a participatory process, identifying the key constraints of farmers and recognizing irrigation as part of the production system;
- Support and promotion of farmer-to-farmer learning;
- Hydrological analysis of irrigation water uptake and potential of irrigation expansion, leading to policy advice;
- In-field and digital extension services promoting locally embedded innovative practices through farmer’s production support on irrigation and water management, good agricultural practices and market linkages;
- Project Monitoring and Evaluation, including monitoring of impact of irrigation;
- Remote sensing practices to support the Gorongosa Coffee project and combat deforestation; and
- Promoting inclusive processes and activities throughout all project phases and activities, specifically targeting women and youth.
THE IMPACT
The SLDP is expected to directly benefit 15,000 farmers in the short cycle crops and agroforestry sectors, and reach 30,000 community members through campaigns on nutrition, Water, Sanitation and Hygiene (WASH), and Sexual and Reproductive Health and Rights (SRHR). Within these target groups, special attention and activities are committed to women and youth. Furthermore, the program expects to extend its reach outside of these target groups, as directly improving productivity of a smallholder farmer may benefit their entire household as well.