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.
Centre for
Environmental Policy and Advocacy
Plot No.163, WICO Premises
Johnstone Road, Off Masauko Chipembere Highway
P.O. Box 1057
Blantyre, Malawi.
Tel: +(265) 1 914 554
Fax: +(265) 1 830 587
Email: cepa@cepa.org.mw