The Community Biodiversity Development and Conservation Programme (CBDC) is a global initiative developed by government and non-governmental organization involved in agricultural activities in Africa, Asia and Latin America, in cooperation with Northern partners. The purpose is to strengthen the ongoing work of farming communities in conserving and developing the agricultural biodiversity that is vital to livelihoods and food security. In Africa CBDC is coordinated by Community Technology Development Trust (CTDT). At regional level CEPA work closely with CTDT while locally, CEPA collaborates with FAIR in the implementation of CBDC activities.

Policy Dialogue on Agro-biodiversity in Malawi
During the month February 2008, CEPA in collaboration with FAIR conducted policy dialogue training in Ntchisi and Dowa districts in the Central region of Malawi.  Community groups within the two districts attended intensive one day training sessions. The topics covered during the sessions were chosen as a result of the findings of a needs assessment survey that was conducted in October 2007 in the same districts.

The needs assessment among others revealed the need to conduct continuous awareness on agro biodiversity related policies and legislation in the communities including issues of farmers’ rights. In addition the CBDC project was the only institution responsible for agro biodiversity in the area. It was also learnt that although the communities had attended a number of trainings in different areas such as gender, business management, manure making and HIV/AIDS they lacked training in agro biodiversity. Other issues included assessing access to seed, conservation and protection of local varieties and their relationship to household food security. Discussions were also held with local agricultural extension personnel as they are in regular contact with the communities. 

The sessions focused on disseminating content of the policy instruments and an introduction of the potential role of communities in both development and implementation of such instruments. The three main topics covered were:

Highlights of national policies and legislation dealing with natural resources, agro biodiversity and farmers’ rights;
The role of farmers in conservation of local land races and indigenous knowledge; and
The value of agro biodiversity to farming communities.

The sessions also provided feedback to the communities on the findings of a needs assessment which was conducted in October 2007.  It also provided a forum in which they were able to share experiences amongst themselves. It was easy basing on the discussions that were taking place to see the importance and need of such type of a forum.

Given that this was the first time such a policy related session was conducted it was felt that further engagement with the community groups is necessary so that they can eventually fully appreciate the role of policy instruments in biodiversity conservation.  CEPA has also noticed not only the need but also the desire that communities have to learn and would therefore like to expand similar activities into other areas where similar processes are needed. Local agriculture extension personnel also require capacity building in legal and policy instruments related to agro biodiversity and should therefore be considered in future activities.

Resources
CEPA and CTDT developed Practical Guidelines on Policy Lobbying Networking and Advocacy. These guidelines are now being used by participating countries in the CBDC programme.