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United Nations Development Programme

Building Capacities to Reduce Vulnerability, Build Resilience and Improve Livelihoods in the

Drylands

UNDP Drylands Development Centre

Activity Report 2010-2011

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October 2012

Acknowledgements The Drylands Development Centre acknowledges the generous support of the following donors: Denmark, the European Union, Finland, Japan, Norway and Turkey. Their contributions have made the realization of the Integrated Drylands Development Programme (IDDP) in 2010 - 2011 possible.

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Table of Contents

Acknowledgements ......................................................................................................................... 2

List of Acronyms .............................................................................................................................. 4

Introduction .................................................................................................................................... 5

The UNDP Drylands Development Centre at Work ........................................................................ 6

Putting Results Based Management into Action ............................................................................ 9

Delivering the Integrated Drylands Development Programme on the Ground ........................... 10

Mainstreaming Drylands Issues into National Development Frameworks .............................. 10

Making Markets Work for the Poor .......................................................................................... 19

East Africa: Improving Market Access for Drylands Commodities .................................. 20

West Africa: Institutional Capacities enhanced to facilitate participation in entrepreneurial and other economic activities ........................................... 22

Sub Saharan Africa: Round Table on Making Markets Work for the Poor ........................ 23

Arab States: Promotion of Livelihoods diversification to build resilience of drylands communities ................................................................................................. 23

Drought Risk Management ....................................................................................................... 27

African Drought Risk and Development Network ................................................................ 30

Africa-Asia Drought Risk Management Peer Assistance Network........................................ 31

Decentralized Governance ........................................................................................................ 31

Regional Water Governance Programme ............................................................................. 32

Managing and Sharing Knowledge ............................................................................................... 33

Delivering on Partnerships ............................................................................................................ 36

Programme Delivery Overview ..................................................................................................... 39

Looking Ahead ............................................................................................................................... 41

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List of Acronyms BDP UNDP Bureau for Development Policy CBD Convention on Biological Diversity CGIAR Consultative Group of International Agricultural Research Centres COP Conference of the Parties to the UN Convention to Combat Desertification CRIC Committee for the Review of the Implementation of the Convention DANIDA Danish International Development Agency DDP District Development Plan DEAP District Environment Action Plan FAO Food and Agriculture Organization IDDP Integrated Drylands Development Programme IFAD International Fund for Agricultural Development MAP Market Access Project MDGs Millennium Development Goals MTEF Medium Term Expenditure Framework MYFF Multi Year Funding Framework NAPs National Action Plans to Combat Desertification PRSP Poverty Reduction Strategy Papers UNCCD United Nations Convention to Combat Desertification UNDP - DDC United Nations Development Programme – Drylands Development Centre UNFCCC United Nations Framework Convention on Climate Change UN- Habitat United Nations Human Settlements Programme

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Introduction Fighting poverty and bringing development to communities in the drylands has been UNDP’s agenda since the 1970s. Today, UNDP supports development in the drylands using an integrated approach based on the Integrated Drylands Development Programme Phase II (IDDP II). Phase II of the IDDP was launched in 2010 and will run until 2014. Similar to phase I, IDDP II is a programmatic framework that combines three interlinked issues of importance to poverty alleviation in the drylands. The Programme takes a people-centred approach whose development objective is to contribute to rural poverty reduction and increased food security for the communities living in the rural drylands in the affected countries. Based on this principle, the IDDP puts emphass on the productive potential of drylands and ensures that developments on the ground are supported by adequate policy, legal and institutional frameworks. The overall goal of IDDP II is to contribute to poverty reduction through the sustainable development of drylands leading to reduced vulnerability and improved livelihoods. The envisaged outcomes of IDDP II are:

i. Drylands issues, climate change adaptation and mitigation mainstreamed into national policies, planning and development frameworks and contributing to the effective implementation of the UNCCD;

ii. Vulnerability of drylands communities to environmental, economic and socio-cultural challenges (such as climate risks, drought, land degradation, poor markets, migration) reduced and adaptation/mitigation capacity built; and

iii. Drylands communities benefit from improved local governance, management and utilization of natural resources.

To achieve these outcomes, IDDP II is supporting the implementation of elements of National Action Plans to Combat Desertification (NAPs), the review, analysis and/or development of national policies, and strengthening of capacities at national, local authority (provincial and/or district) and community levels to implement actions on the ground. The programme is also supporting and building effective peer learning networks between regions, countries and local communities that are facilitating the exchange of information, knowledge and technology transfer through south-south cooperation. Furthermore, the IDDP has established a knowledge base on drylands development through the development of a wide range of policy, technical publications, guidelines and advocacy materials. The IDDP also collects, documents and shares evidence-based lessons learnt, experiences and best practices from the actions implemented on the ground. The IDDP is managed by the Drylands Development Centre (DDC). Established by UNDP in 2002, the DDC is a specialized thematic centre dedicated to assisting countries to fight poverty in the drier parts of the world. Between 2010 and 2011, sixteen countries were implementing their national programmes under the IDDP (See Table 1 below). The programmes under implementation addressed one or two or all three of the IDDP thematic areas as described above. The support provided to programme countries during this period ranged from financial, policy and technical advice for mainstreaming of drylands issues into national development and planning frameworks to that for programme development, including

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technical backstopping, advocacy and partnership building for implementation of livelihoods activities at the local and community levels. This activity report covers the period 2010 - 2011. It highlights the support provided by the UNDP-DDC through the IDDP to its partner countries for the implementation of the UN Convention to Combat Desertification. It provides a synopsis of the key areas supported under the IDDP and illustrates main achievements.

The UNDP Drylands Development Centre at Work Capacity building continues to be the core of UNDP’s work. As part of the organization's commitment to help drylands countries achieve the Millennium Development Goals by 2015 and full implementation of the UNCCD, UNDP is building the capacity of governments, civil society and dryland communities. The aim is to enable dryland countries and communities to develop and manage programmes that can reduce their vulnerability, improve their resilience and enhance livelihoods and food security while ensuring sustainable natural resources management. This work is spearheaded by UNDP‘s Drylands Development Centre (UNDP-DDC). UNDP-DDC provides support for drylands programmes based on an integrated approach operationalized in the IDDP. In line with the three key programme outcomes, IDDP II focuses on five programme areas, namely:

i. Mainstreaming of drylands issues into national development frameworks ii. Making markets work for the poor

iii. Strengthening drought risk management iv. Enhancing land governance v. Improving decentralized governance of natural resources.

The activities from the five programme areas are supported through cross-cutting functions, namely: policy advice; quality programming support and technical backstopping; advocacy and outreach; partnership building and resource mobilization; and learning and knowledge sharing. Through the IDDP, DDC delivered programme, policy, technical and financial support to partner countries which was channelled through the UNDP Country Offices. Between 2010 and 2011, the IDDP channelled USD 3.8 million to support actions on the ground in 16 countries. Table 1 provides more detailed information on the actions undertaken in the respective countries, and the partners who supported this work.

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Table 1: IDDP Programmes

Programme Countries in Sub-

Saharan Africa Actions being supported

Donor Partner

Benin

Assisted Benin to a) Carry out strategic actions for the operationalization of the National Action Programme; and b) Establish systems of planning, decision-making and implementation of policies, programs and projects for each priority sector (DSRP2).

Denmark and European

Commission

Ethiopia

Afar Integrated Dryland Management Project (AIDMP) aimed at improving the livelihoods and coping mechanisms of pastoral communities of 5 Woredas by enhancing their capacity to sustainably manage and use natural resources through the implementation of on-the-ground adaptation activities that have been identified in the Climate Change Adaptation Programmes of the 5 Woredas.

Norway

Ghana

Mainstreaming of drylands development issues into the national, district and community level plans as a way of ensuring sustainable environmental management and poverty reduction within the context of the United Nations Convention to Combat Desertification in Ghana.

Denmark and European

Commission

Kenya

Improving Market Access for Drylands Commodities; Contributed to the national Commemoration of the World Day to Combat Desertification, 17 June 2011. Supported the UNDP Kenya office in their 2011 drought response efforts.

European Commission and

Turkey

Mali Support to local governance of natural resources for conflict resolution and Improving Market Access for Drylands Commodities.

European Commission

Mozambique

Mainstreaming environment and drylands issues specifically related to drought and desertification in local and community plans so as to ensure sustainable use of natural resources and sustainable development and support to Community Based Natural Resources Management and Utilization.

Denmark and European

Commission

Namibia Building capacity of communities to respond to natural disasters (disaster risk reduction/ management) and support adaptation strategies to climate change impacts.

European Commission

Tanzania

Support to the operationalization of environment and livelihoods issues within the National Strategy for Growth and Reduction of Poverty (MKUKUTA) to achieve poverty reduction and sustainable development.

Denmark and European

Commission

Uganda Mainstreaming and implementation of Sustainable Land Management (SLM) activities in six cattle corridor Districts.

Norway

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Programme Countries in the Arab

States Actions being supported Donor Partner

Algeria

Support to NAP alignment and building the capacity of the Ministry of Agriculture (CCD Focal point) for the implementation of the Rural Renewal Program, currently a main vehicle for the implementation of NAP priorities.

Finland

Jordan

Support to the elaboration of a GEF project (USD 9M) entitled “Mainstreaming Biodiversity Conservation and Sustainable Land Management in Tourism Sector Development in Jordan”; Support to the Ministry of Water and Irrigation in Groundwater Governance in the Highlands.

Finland

Lebanon

Strengthening the institutional framework for CCD implementation within the Ministry of Agriculture (CCD Focal Point); Enhancing market access for dryland products produced by women cooperatives.

Finland and Turkey

Morocco

Support channelled within a major national initiative (Sustainable Territorial Development of the Southern Provinces) to build the resilience of affected communities in the Southern Oases to climatic and socio-economic stresses; the focus is on the promotion of ecotourism, value adding to local products and advocacy efforts to push the oases on the international development agenda.

Finland

Sudan Support to the implementation of the Reduction of Resource-Based Conflict (RRBC) Programme in Sudan.

Denmark

Syria Integrated Community Development for Up-scaling the MDG’s and Community Adaptation to Drought (activities have been on hold since early 2011).

Finland

Tunisia

Support to the elaboration of the Regional Action Program (RAP) to Combat Desertification in the Governorate of Kasserine; Support to RAP implementation in the district of El-Brek; activities involve sustainable land management, livelihood diversification and mobilization of partners and resources.

Finland and European

Commission

The IDDP also supported

Sub-Regional and Regional Programmes:

Integrated Water Resource Management (Arab States)

2011 Horn of Africa drought response Interregional (South-South Cooperation) Programmes:

The Africa-Asia Drought Risk Management Peer Assistance Network. More details on these activities can be found below.

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Putting Results Based Management into Action In 2010-2011, the IDDP undertook the following evaluations as part of UNDP’s results based management agenda. The evaluations covered both programmatic and operational aspects. Mid-term Review of the IDDP Arab States Programme In June 2011, a mid-term review was commissioned by the Government of Finland to assess the extent of achievement of the intended results defined in the agreement between Finland and UNDP, and to look at the relevance of continuing the support from Finland beyond June 2012 (end of current agreement). The MTR concluded that the IDDP Arab States Programme is relevant, efficient and effective1, and recommended the continuation and increase of Finnish support to the Programme as a good vehicle to promote sustainable development in the drylands of the region2. Mid-term Review of the IDDP Support provided by the European Union The European Union (EU) is supporting the implementation of the IDDP in nine countries in Sub-Saharan Africa and the Arab States namely Benin, Ghana, Kenya, Mali, Mozambique, Namibia, Tanzania, Tunisia and Yemen. A Mid-Term Review was initially agreed to be conducted by mid 2010. However, due to delays in programme implementation in some countries, the MTR had to be postponed to 20113. The MTR exercise was carried out in close collaboration with the EU Brussels office to assess progress of the "Action" i.e. the extent of achievement of the intended objectives, activities and results as defined in the Description of the Action as agreed between the EC and UNDP in 2008, and to generate findings on opportunities, constraints/challenges and lessons learnt during the implementation of the Action. The MTR report (completed in April 2012)4 highlights that management arrangements and partnership strategies are effective, resulting in the satisfactory implementation of the Action; that the Action is relevant to national and local priorities and contributes to the attainment of UNDP's and the EC’s strategic objectives as well as the implementation of the UNCCD. The MTR also found that overall, the Action was found to be effective, efficient, significantly impacting target groups and will most likely be sustainable in many areas of intervention. It also highlights challenges and opportunities encountered. One of the key recommendations of the MTR was to extend the implementation period of the Action at no additional cost until December 2012. This recommendation was granted by the EU in April 2012.

1 The detailed MTR report is available from DDC upon request.

2 Details of the new Finish programme support are currently under finalization.

3 The MTR was conducted over a seven-month period from Sept. 2011–March 2012 by two consultants who worked

consecutively on this task. 4 The detailed MTR report is available from DDC upon request.

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Delivering the Integrated Drylands Development Programme on the Ground In 2010 - 2011, global events influenced the implementation of the IDDP on the ground, most significantly in the Arab States: The series of protests and demonstrations across the Middle East and North Africa (also referred to as the "Arab Spring"), sparked by the first protests that occurred in Tunisia in December 2010 quickly spread to other IDDP countries including Yemen, then Syria and, most recently, Mali. These events led to noticeable delays in programme implementation; in many cases due to the security situation as well as changes in government and relevant programme partners. However, the programme was able to embrace the challenges and ultimately, build on the emerging opportunities.

Mainstreaming Drylands Issues into National Development Frameworks Programmes on mainstreaming of drylands issues into national development frameworks were implemented in Algeria, Benin, Ethiopia, Ghana, Morocco, Mozambique, Tanzania, Tunisia, Sudan and Uganda. Challenges in mainstreaming drylands issues into national and local development frameworks continued to exist. However, countries were able to make progress at both levels supported by DDC as laid out in the examples provided below. IDDP at country level: Ensuring drylands are included in the mainstream development agenda: In collaboration with the Global Mechanism of the UNCCD, DDC is supporting the Ministry of Agriculture and Rural Development in Algeria in its NAP alignment process. Activities started with the organization of a national "NAP Alignment" workshop on 27-28 July 2011 in Algiers to review the status of NAP implementation and identify the steps needed to enhance its alignment with the UNCCD 10-Year Strategic Plan and its integration into national investment strategies. During the workshop, the Ministry stressed the need to improve coordination between the different relevant actors and institutions involved and highlighted the relevance of the Rural Renewal Program (RRP) - a multi-billion dinar 5-year initiative launched by the Algerian Government to revitalize the country’s rural areas - as an appropriate venue for NAP alignment and implementation. The Ministry also voiced the need to build institutional capacity for RRP implementation at all levels. Based on this, DDC supported UNDP Algeria in the development of a capacity building project entitled "Programme de renforcement des capacités humaines et d'assistance technique pour la mise en œuvre des programmes du Renouveau Rural (2012-2014)" with the objective to build capacity, enhance integration, coordination and synergy as well as to promote new partnership arrangements between civil society, business and government. The specific objectives of the project are to: 1) Strengthen the institutional and organizational processes for the implementation of the RRP at the national, Wilaya/Daïra and local levels; 2) Strengthen the capacity of actors involved in the RRP; 3) Develop a unified communication strategy for the RRP; and 4) Support monitoring and evaluation of RRP activities. The project was signed on 9 July 2012 and Programme support targets specifically objective 4 including monitoring the implementation and impact of local development projects (PPDRI) and documentation good practices and lessons learned.

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The programme in Benin continued to focus on: (1) Capacity building of local communities in the conservation of the environment through decentralized management of natural resources in the drylands; (2) Reducing vulnerability through building capacity of women's groups to participate in income generation techniques and livelihoods options using multifunctional platforms; (3) Sensitization and awareness raising on the importance of environmental protection and conservation using Child Ambassadors; and (4) promoting the use of energy efficient stoves with the objective to reduce fuel wood consumption and conservation of forestry resources. A training workshop on awareness raising and sensitization of members of the National Assembly on the importance of mainstreaming drylands issues into law making processes and government audit processes was organized and held in 2011. The workshop brought together 40 members from different State structures, a dozen journalists participated as well in the workshop. At the end of the workshop, members agreed to commit to promoting drylands areas and issues into legislature and ensuring its consideration accordingly in the vote on future national budgets. Agro forestry and environmental protection training was organized for child ambassadors and their teachers to enable them to acquire eco-reflexes for the preservation of the environment. Child ambassadors were selected from four schools with a few teachers and representatives of the Associations for Development of their respective communes. IDDP continued to support the implementation of multifunctional platforms to benefit women’s’ groups by providing low-cost electricity for refrigeration, lighting and other appliances, pumping of water, processing of Shea grains and grinding cereal. Benin also continued using agricultural residue to produce combustible briquettes for substituting the use of wood and charcoal in the community of Banikora. The key goal is to develop other energy sources so as to reduce the total dependency as well as the pressure on forestry resources. More than three hundred women have already been trained in the construction of better hearths that use less firewood. In 2011, forty Women of the group "Sikki-Gando" in the commune of Sinendé benefited from training in the manufacture and use of economic hearths with the objective of replicating this technology and knowledge to their comrades from the neighbouring villages. In October 2011, a team from Benin visited Mali to learn from the Mali IDDP programme and to exchange lessons learnt and experiences with colleagues there first-hand. For more details, please see Managing and Sharing Knowledge below. In Ethiopia, the programme supports the Afar Integrated Dryland Management Project (AIDMP). AIDMP aims to improve the livelihood and coping mechanisms of pastoral communities of 5 Woredas by enhancing their capacity to sustainably manage and use natural resources through the implementation of on-the-ground adaptation activities that were identified in the 5 Woredas Climate Change Adaptation Programmes. The AIDMP was re-designed in 2010 while keeping to its original outcomes and outputs. Its implementation was kick-started in June 2011. The re-designing of the project has made an important link with the climate change adaptation efforts in the region. The project interventions were also re-focused in light of priorities identified in the adaptation strategies.

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Programme achievements realized in 2010-2011 include:

1. Community and Woreda level consultations held in all five project Woredas, key beneficiaries identified and sensitized on project goals, objectives, activities and intended outputs and project endorsed.

2. Capacity of 45 Development Agents on community mobilization built through relevant training. 3. Capacity of 30 community members built on Integrated Vector Management Control (IVMC), and a

training manual produced and distributed to the community health workers. 4. Awareness on Integrated Dryland Management (IDLM) and environmental issues raised. Seventeen

School environment clubs established to increase community awareness on environment, conservation and natural resources management. Five information boards put up in the 5 project Woredas for posting, sharing and disseminating information.

5. Traditional natural resources conservation practices of the Afar community assessed and documented; the information will be applied to develop mechanisms to revitalize traditional natural resources conservation/adaptation practices.

6. Assessments of the early warning system conducted in all 5 project Woredas to strengthen and improve the existing early warning system.

7. Learning between communities promoted: experience sharing field visits organized to Amhara region (Werebabo) to see and learn from the best practices on soil erosion, water conservation, rangeland management and livelihoods diversification. These field visits were attended by 65 people (7 women and 53 men), community representatives, Development Agents and Woreda and Regional experts.

8. Baseline surveys conducted in all 5 project Woredas and 15 Kebeles to collect data and document the current situation in the project weredas to be used for programme implementation, monitoring and future evaluation.

9. Promotion of renewable and alternative energy sources undertaken, a procurement agreement signed with local suppliers to install solar panels at health institutions found in the project Kebeles in all 5 Woredas.

10. Capacity for sustainable drylands management strengthened: rehabilitation of degraded areas initiated, 12 kms of stone and soil bunds, 500 water conservation structures constructed in 13 Kebeles, and gullies and river banks stabilized in affected Kebeles, 50 hectors of rangelands in 5 Kebeles cleared of Prosopis juliflora and parthenium invasion and enclosed with local materials to protect these from human and livestock interference so as to enable regeneration of grass species. Access to clean water ensured through procuring and installing 20 hand pumps in the project Kebeles. Revitalization of traditional conservation practice initiated: capacity of 150 community members from the 5 project Woredas built on measures for revitalize shifting grazing practices. Capacity of 50 Development Agents built on natural resources conservation and management through training. A training manual on conservation and management of natural resources produced and distributed.

11. Livelihoods diversification activities supported: A detailed study on possible expansion of irrigation structures on 2 permanent rivers in Awra and Chifra carried out to address rangelands water degradation stress and help diversify the communities livelihoods in Dewe, Chifra and Ewa Woredas. This has the capacity for irrigating additional 60 hectares of land and will help community members to be engaged in irrigation crop production to complement livestock rearing activities.

12. Capacity of 275 community members built on savings and credits through training on Micro Financing. 5 savings and credit associations established to serve community needs.

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In Ghana, an Integrated Community Livelihoods Initiative ( ICLI) has been under implementation in 6 of the 24 drylands Districts. The ICLI is aimed at improving the living standards of the rural population, enhancing food security, generating rural employment and contributing to the protection of environmentally sensitive areas as well as providing ecological services. The programme combines income generating activities, including guinea fowl production, establishment of tree nurseries and economic tree planting, woodlots establishment, creation of riverine vegetation, small ruminants production, and crop production - agricultural production in support of activities mainstreamed by the participating Districts Assemblies in their Medium Term District Development Plans (DMTDP) of 2009-2011. Below are highlights of the achievements in the beneficiary districts.

Lawra District: Awareness raised on bush fire control through workshops in 13 communities visited by the District Assembly. The workshop ensured communities understand the cause and effects of wild bush fires; emphasized the need to continue being vigilant about the fight against wild bush fires; and need to protect sacred groves and water bodies. A total of 150 selected individuals from six communities trained as community volunteer squads. These are responsible for mobilizing community members to fight wildfires within community lands. They also serve as watchdogs against in coming fires from neighbouring Districts. A total of 11 out of the 13 communities facilitated to develop their own land use development plans to be submitted to other donors for possible funding. The District Assembly assisted five farmers to put up coops (structures) for the production of guinea fowls. Five farmers facilitated to visit the following communities who are rearing guinea fowls and small ruminants (initial distribution is 5 animals per famer): Babile-Baagagr, Kunyukuo, Kumasaal, Birifoh, Tabier and Orbilli to learn from their experience. These are farmers who had benefited from previous allocations and whose birds and animals were in excellent health. Some of the farmers had more than tripled or quadrupled their stock (total numbers). A total of one thousand five hundred (1,500) grafted mango seedlings supplied to farmers in the three communities (Zakpee, Kanpuoh and Berwong), and new plantations established. Other seedlings were used to refill the spaces created by the ones lost during the dry season. The survival rate of the seedlings as of November 2010 was 85%. This can be higher if the water shortage issue is resolved. Guinea Fowl production: a total of 230 guinea fowls were purchased and distributed to five (5) farmers with adequate facilities for rearing these. Egg production: a total of 23 farmers received eggs produced by the five (5) selected farmers. The hatching percentage was above 85% in all cases but mortality of the keels was equally high after the second week due to worm infestation and bad weather. This can be reduced if the medication facilities are extended to sub-beneficiary farmers in the future.

West Mamprusi District: The Assembly procured over 700 assorted seedlings and distributed them to the beneficiary households. Each household received and planted 75 seedlings of grafted mangoes and 25 other seedlings to either expand their fields or replace the dead ones. The farmers here are having difficulty in handling guinea fowls and are currently being assisted in chicken production as an alternative.

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Savalegu-Nanton District: To promote alternative sources of livelihood for the communities, the District Assembly facilitated the growing of grafted mangoes in two communities of Zaazi and Botengli. Four hundred (400) grafted mango seedlings procured by the Assembly, distributed to and planted by the two Communities. The seedlings however only survived two months largely due to the inability to access water for continuous watering. Similar to all the other drylands districts Savelugu-Nanton faces serious water shortages. In order not to defeat the purpose of tree planting, the District Assembly quickly procured a total of two thousand six hundred (2,600) cassia tree seedlings (drought resistant trees), faciltated the planting of these in the two communities for fuel wood production. The seedlings were divided as follows; Zaazi – 1600, and Botengli – 1000. A total of seventy five (75) goats procured and distributed among fifteen (15) farmers in seven (7) communities. Each Farmer is allocated five goats, e.g., two framers visited had 14 and 22 small ruminants). When sold, one goat can purchase a sack of maize, or is worth between 200-400 Cedi, enough to pay for ploughing an acre of land. The total number of ruminants as of 2010 was 151 female, 49 male, and 21 pregnant. The Farmers also received stakeholder and public education on the environmental concerns in the district. Improved seed to increase soil fertility distributed to the following communities in the District; Gbumgbum, Dingoni, Zieng and Gbanga. The total acreage if of maize that was planted in the 4 communities was 27; and the total acreage of soya bean was 17.5. The total of Guinea Fowl produced in the District in three of four participating communities, namely; Zieng, Nanton Kurugu, and Kaplan was 433. Talensi-Nabdam District: The Distinct Assembly sensitized and worked with one of the local school officials and primary school kids to plant 1 acre of grated trees and one acre of woodlots. Furthermore the children have been taught about planting, protection and nurturing of trees including economic tree species in their school compounds and homes. The goal is to extend this environmental conservation and protection consciousness to families of the children; hence each child is given a seedling to take home to be planted together with the parents. Bawku West District: One of the beneficiary farmers in Tilli was involved guinea fowl and poultry farming, and crop production (maize and groundnuts). In 2010 alone the farmer sold 100 bags of maize produced in his farm. The Farmer also grows crops for seeds, which is sold to other farmers. His production Farm has been turned into a Model Centre for farmers’ field school - guinea fowl production in the Upper East Region with farmers from other regions visiting to learn from him. Two other male farmers were also supported to establish two acre grafted mango plantations with a survival rate of 100%. A female farmer (widow) was also supported to raise small ruminants (goats). She was given 5 goats and these had multiplied into 10. Another famer (male) is involved in growing fruit trees (100 mango trees had been planted and are doing well), sweet potatoes, cow peas and cassava. The farmer also keeps guinea fowls. Garu Tempane District: The Assembly provided funding to beneficiaries for construction of chicken coops (structures). Since then three household had started guinea fowl production in this District. Eight hundred (800) grafted mangoes were procured and planted by two communities in the district to establish mango plantations.

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In 2010, consultations with national partners in Morocco led to the agreement to support the "Sustainable Territorial Development of Southern Provinces" project to support Morocco in raising the profile of the "oasis" - as an affected fragile ecosystem - in climate change negotiations and mobilize partners/resources to promote climate resilient development in the southern provinces. During the 16th Conference of the Parties to the UNFCCC (held in Cancun, Mexico, December 2010) a related side event was organized entitled "Advocacy and resource mobilization to alleviate the effects of climate change in the drylands". As a result of this side event, the "Alliance of the Oases" or "Cluster Oasis du Sahara" (COS) was formed in March 2011 by 26 partners including 19 professional production groups and 7 regional/national institutions involved in research and development. The COS acts as a platform for advocacy, action and South-South cooperation for sustainable development in the oases threatened by desertification and climate change. The COS promotes local/"terroirs" products with the objective to add value, enhance market access, promote local development and conserve natural resources. By enhancing the livelihoods of small producers and adding value to local products (mainly cactus and camel products), the COS is seen as a priority climate change adaptation action and a venue to promote sustainable development in the Southern Oases. So far, the programme has supported the COS to participate in the "Salon International de l"Agriculture au Maroc" held in Meknes in April/May 2011; to establish a rotating micro-credit fund; to open a sale's point in Guelmim; and to purchase a vehicle to facilitate the transport of produce.

Mozambique is placing significant attention in developing arid and semi arid zones through introduction of conservation agriculture and non-agricultural income generation activities, water supply and rainwater harvesting. The Country has since mainstreamed drought into District Development Plans as a basis for addressing the challenges in arid and semi arid districts. Below are some highlights of achievements.

A Guidebook for managing the development of the arid and semi-arid zones of Mozambique -Module 1 or Guião para o desenvolvimento das zonas áridas e semi-áridas de Moçambique has been developed. The approaches and methodologies reflected in the guidebook are being indoctrinated in all activities carried out by the District and Provincial Administration in arid and semi-arid areas, which suffer from severe water scarcity and drought. The Guidebook was printed in 2011 in Portuguese5 for use by the local Administration, staff from the Ministry of Agriculture and other sectors supporting development in arid and semi arid areas. Beekeeping was introduced and promoted in Funhalouro District as an alternative form of income generation and livelihoods improvement. 45 people from the District were trained in sustainable apiculture practices and equipped with a beekeeping materials. Native plants (fruits, leaves roots and tubers) with potential food value in terms of their nutritive contents as well as their eventual toxic risks to improve food alternatives in the famine seasons (July to November) have been captured in an inventory in Massangena and Funhalouro Districts and a report produced. Additionally 12, 000 indigenous shrubs (wild fruit trees up to grafting age) cultivated and/or propagated in the four districts of Massangena, Chigubo, Funhalouro Mabote. Capacity of Technicians of the CERUMs (Centros de Recursos e de Uso Múltiplo or Community Multiple Resource Use Centre) was

5 The guidebook has also been translated into English for a wider distribution to other IDDP countries and is

currently under layout for publication.

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built in traditional and conventional techniques of greenhouse assembly, seedling production, soil preparation and propagation techniques by a team of experts from IIAM (National Institute for Agricultural Research) with the participation of technicians from the Provincial Directorate for Education (DPE) in Inhambane and from the Provincial Directorate for Environment of Gaza and technicians from District Services for Economical Activities. Traditional and conventional nurseries constructed and operational in the 4 districts . The wild plant trees propagated per District: Mabote: 400 plants of Moringa oliefera; 200 plant species of Vangueria infausta; 200 of Strichnos spinosa; Chigubo: 1004 wild fruit trees were produced; Massangena: 1730 units of different wild tree fruits were produced and in Funhalouro plants 1300 were produced. The Techniques of propagation of native species and planting native plants in dry areas, gives a boost to the Presidential programme of "one student (one child), one plant". Capacity also built to identify and establish areas for crop seeds production, harvesting, processing and seedling propagation and production according to the techniques and appropriate methods; sustainable management of forest nurseries and adoption of drought mitigation technologies. Seedlings distributed to local Primary and Secondary Schools for planting reinforcing the "one child, one tree initiative" and other beneficiaries trained in the establishment and implementations of tree nurseries using drought adapted techniques are now able to disseminate the knowledge acquired in their respective districts. Under the livelihoods component, and in close collaboration with the UNDP/GEF Small Grants Programme and local authorities, two Community Based Organizations (AJUCOM in Xinavane, and la Associação dos Camponeses de Mahoche) were supported in some of the most drought affected provinces to implement activities to raise environmental awareness at community level. The first CBO developed radio programmes which were aired (daily and weekly schedules in different languages) to promote environmental education and other socio economic issues. The group visits communities and individual households and demonstrates how to promote the use of sound environmental technologies and shares best practices in natural resources management. The second CBO (Associção dos Camponeses de Mahoche) has been supported to implement MEAs (Multilateral Environmental Agreements) at grassroots levels with a focus on mitigation of land degradation, diversification of livelihoods of local communities. This includes building capacity of the Mahoche community group, i.e., strengthening of their capacity to reduce risks from the combined effects of natural hazards and climate change, and to mitigate their vulnerability through diversified livelihoods alternatives.

In Sudan, UNDP-DDC supported the implementation of a drylands initiative in partnership with the Ministry of Agriculture and Forests (MoAF). The initiative involves supporting MoAF to establish the Resource Management Coordination Council in South Kordofan State, mapping and reviewing of rural development institutions in South Kordofan State, designing and implement a livelihood enhancing project in South Kordofan, and establishing and capacity-building of the Drylands Unit at MoAF. Significant progress has been achieved since the launch of these activities in 2008 including the establishment and institutionalization of the Drylands Unit at MoAF, assessment of the institutional capacities for rural development and natural resource management in South Kordofan State, and the establishment by decree of a Natural Resource Management Council for South Kordofan chaired by the Wali. In September 2011, progress and achievements in Sudan were assessed and ways to move forward discussed. Further institutional support to the newly established Drylands Unit at MoAF was recommended in the form of a study tour to directly learn from good experiences generated in drylands management by other countries. A study tour to Kenya is currently being organized.

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In Tanzania, the IDDP has supported the promotion of efficient utilization of rangelands and empowering of pastoralists to improve livestock productivity through improved livestock productivity and market access. This has enhanced capacity of government and non-government actors to influence national policies on pastoral livelihoods and built capacity of selected community groups in scaling up traditional land management systems in production and accessing markets for indigenous drylands products. Below are some of achievements (see achievements on markets under the section on East Africa: Improving Market Access for Drylands Commodities). Tanzania adopted and used public media, such as Radio Programmes, TV and newsletters to promote advocacy on policies/legislations on pastoralism and to enhance the capacity of government/NGO actors to influence national policies on pastoral livelihoods. The objective is to ensure knowledge and information is widely available and accessible as well as to reach the decentralized local level structures in the country. Radio and television programmes on the Grazing Land and Animal Feeds Resources Act No. 13 of 2010 were prepared and aired through local mass media (i.e. TBC Taifa and TBC One). The programme also covered the linkage between the 2006 National Livestock Policy and the environment with particular emphasis on pasture and forage management. Policies that impact on and legislations on pastoral production, land use and water management were reviewed using the Strategic Environmental Assessment (SEA) and other participatory tools by the Ministry of Livestock as a basis for recommending policy change to the Parliamentary Committee responsible for these issues. Various stakeholder workshops were also organized to re-examine recommendations resulting from a study that reviewed the impact of past and present policies and legislation governing pastoral production, land tenure, water management community development using the Strategic Environmental Assessment and other participatory tools. The objective of the study was to determine the effects of resettling pastoral communities as part of the National Strategy for Urgent Actions on land degradation and water catchments. The proceedings of the workshops have been published into a report. In 2010-2011, support to Tunisia continued to be dedicated to the project “Appui a la Mise en Oeuvre du Programme d’Action Régional pour la Lutte Contre la Désertification { Kasserine” (2008-2011). Following the Tunisian revolution, Programme interventions focused on the Governorate of Kasserine, a poor and marginal area in Central West Tunisia with a large percentage of female-headed households. In early 2011, the situation in Kasserine was particularly challenging given the precarious baseline situation and limited activity of other development actors in this region. A new project document was developed building on earlier achievements and lessons learned as well as on new realities in the country. The new project seeks to pursue and scale-up work in El-Brek district, explore the use of renewable energy and promote local know-how in natural resource management6. In this context, the Union Tunisienne de Solidarite Sociale, UTSS, the only CSO active in Kasserine/El-Brek at the time, played a critical role in supporting the local government response to pressing needs. As such, it was decided with the Ministry of Environment (national project partner and CCD focal institution) to build the capacity of UTSS by engaging it hands-on in the implementation of project

6 The project will also support the implementation of the NAP and its alignment with the UNCCD 10 Year Strategic

Plan as well as the preparation of national reports to the UNCCD.

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activities with backstopping from the Ministry. Training actually went beyond advocacy and lobbying efforts into actual involvement in the local development process. Moreover, the project is building the capacity of 4 local farmers groups (Groupement de Developpement Agricole) in EL-Brek to better engage with local authorities in livelihood enhancement and natural resource management activities. A local facilitator was recruited to help them mobilize themselves, articulate their development priorities and liaise with the local authorities. The programme in Uganda tackles land degradation in six Cattle Corridor Districts (also known as the drylands), Sembabule, Lyantonde, Nakaseke, Nakasongola, Kamuli and Kaliro through supporting mainstreaming and implementation of SLM activities. It is addressing the problem of severe land degradation in these districts, which has led to reduced land productivity resulting in abject poverty and other socio-economic hardships in the districts. It contributes to an enabling Environment for Sustainable Land Management (SLM) to Overcome Land Degradation in the Uganda Cattle Corridor Districts by providing land users and managers with the enabling policy, institutional and operational environment for effective adoption of SLM within the complexity of the cattle corridor. The programme has facilitated environment action planning processes including establishment of task forces, sensitization at community, sub-county and districts levels. It held stakeholder consultations to generate environment and SLM issues, which led to prioritization of identified issues. These processes resulted in action planning and drafting of plans including Parish Environment Action Plans (PEAPs), Sub-County Environment Action Plans (SEAPS) and District Environment Action Plans (DEAPs). The development of environment action plans is a participatory and bottom-up process. In order to generate a DEAP, environment action plans are developed at the parish level (PEAPs) and consolidated at sub-county level into SEAPs by prioritizing the most important issues raised by all the parishes that form a particular sub-county. Later, SEAPs are consolidated into DEAPs by prioritizing the issues identified in the SEAPs within that district. Below are achievements for 2010-2011 highlighted:

i. 210 PEAPs, 30 SEAPs and 4 DEAPs developed; SLM activities integrated into Sub-County District Plans (SDPs) in 2 sub-counties and first priority environment and SLM issues integrated into District Development Plans (DDPs) in 2 Districts.

ii. Capacity built and enhanced at District levels: 12 members of technical task forces from the 6

beneficiary districts built and enhanced in SLM monitoring and decision making. Equipped Districts with appropriate tools, including motorcycles for facilitating extension activities and data collection, desktop computers and operational funds for supervision, training, monitoring and reporting on SLM related work at district levels.

iii. Sustainable livelihoods and land management practices promoted and adopted by local

communities in the 6 districts. 28 farmer group leaders trained in basic skills and approaches for implementing SLM community initiatives. Group Leaders are now providing outreach and overseeing activities of 14 farmer/community groups (in total 420 farmers). SLM priorities identified and under implementation; for example 360 famers are practicing conservation agriculture on at least one acre of land each in the six cattle districts.

iv. Learning promoted through "farmer to farmer" exchanges and visits between Districts aimed at

seeing and learning through demonstration of better management practices, e.g. 30 farmers from Nakaseke visited Nakasongola and 32 farmers from Kamuli visited Sembabule district.

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From the visits made to Sembabule, 2 farmers learned and put in practice a method of water harvesting using underground pits lined with polythene.

v. Initiated the capture of weather data to support decision making at local levels: 36 rain gauges

installed in 36 sub-counties by the National Department of Meteorology (NMD) - contributing partner to the programme - to collect rainfall data. 72 sub-county personnel trained as rainfall observers, these will monitor and collect data to be sent to NMD for further processing. A computer based system, RANET, will be installed in each sub-county to capture weather data to be interpreted and used in decision making at sub-county, community and district levels.

vi. Ensured mainstreaming of SLM at policy levels: SLM has been mainstreamed into national

development planning; and the Agriculture Sector Development Strategy and Investment Plan. Furthermore a Sustainable Land Management Country Strategic Investment Framework (SLM -CSIF) has been developed as part of the agriculture sector development plan with the aim to upscale SLM practices across sectors programmatically, thereby avoiding duplication across stakeholders and sectors. A number of initiatives are now harmonized together, and across- sectoral and integrated approach to SLM is being applied, based on a Cooperation Framework agreed between different sectors, MAAIF, MWE, MLHUD, MEMD and MTCI7. The operational tool for implementing this partnership between sectors is the Uganda SLM-CSIF.

vii. Developed a Rangelands Policy and Pastoral Code (under finalization).

viii. Strengthened the capacity of the UNCCD and National Action Plan (NAP) Focal Point Office in

the Ministry of Agriculture Animal Industry and Fisheries (MAAIF) as a lead agency for SLM in the country.

Making Markets Work for the Poor Drylands have high-value resources and great economic potential which, when sustainably utilized, can improve the livelihoods of drylands communities. Most drylands communities have limited or no access to markets. This is attributed to inadequate or poor access to financial services; poor market infrastructure; inadequate or poor access to market information that could guide drylands communities on latest demand and supply patterns, pricing, quality of production and other relevant information essential for them to sell their products or services for a decent price. Under IDDP II, initiated in 2010, support was provided to Kenya and Tanzania in East Africa, Ghana and Mali in West Africa, and Lebanon and Morocco in the Arab States to enhance the capacity of communities to develop products and services and access to markets at local, national and regional levels.

7 Ministry of Agriculture, Animal Industry and Fisheries (MAAIF), Ministry of Lands Housing and Urban

Development (MoLHUD), Ministry of Energy and Mineral Development (MEMD), Ministry of Trade, Cooperatives

and Industry (MTCI), Ministry of Water and Environment (MWE).

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East Africa: Improving Market Access for Drylands Commodities In East Africa, the Making Markets Work for the Poor programme (known by its short name as the Market Access Project, MAP) has been implemented in Kenya, Tanzania and Uganda since 2004. The initiative aims to build capacities of communities to improve the production of selected value chains in order to penetrate markets and enhance fair trade; The project also compiled, analyzed, documented and held fora on legislative issues and policies that hinder market access at regional, national and local levels. Additionally, it has strengthened market information linkages through carrying out market research on specific products; facilitated exposure visits; trained communities on business management and product value-addition (including branding, packaging and labelling) as well as purchased appropriate technology/equipment and trained communities on its adoption and use. Following the very encouraging evaluation outcomes of MAP in 2008, Phase II of MAP was launched in 2009 with a similar project focus than its previous phase. It is funded by the European Union and UNDP

and implemented in Kenya and Tanzania. In Kenya, MAP II activities were carried out in Kajiado and Turkana Districts (or "counties") in close collaboration with the UNDP Kenya Country Office involving five product groups. Capacity needs assessments for the production, value addition and marketing of identified drylands products in Kajiado (honey, handicrafts, livestock and livestock products) and Turkana Districts (aloe) were undertaken in early 2010 in preparation of the “Making markets work for the poor” Roundtable held in Nairobi in March 2010 (see below)8. Hands-on capacity development activities were initiated in 2011 to build the skills of the five product group members in marketing and entrepreneurship. Due to the devastating 2011 drought experienced in large parts of the Horn of Africa including Kenya, MAP activities contributed to the diversification of livelihoods in a particular way. Results achieved under MAP include:

Capacity of product groups built in entrepreneurship and marketing (including market research, negotiations and customer needs identification to foster a market based production approach);

Market linkages facilitated: groups were able to link-up with potential customers as well as conduct rapid market assessments utilising the tools they had developed in the entrepreneurship and marketing trainings. Groups had the opportunity to engage with customers, understand market needs and identify gaps in their current production and marketing initiatives in relation to market requirements;

Facilitated supplier linkages: selected group members visited suppliers of raw materials and packaging materials. The members had an opportunity to engage one-on-one with the suppliers: they explored possible ways of utilising money transfer systems using cell phones (M-PESA) and arrangements with local transport companies to facilitate timely, effective purchases and deliveries. Members also visited the Kenya Bureau of Standards where they were briefed on procedures of standardisation requirements for the renewal of their standardisation mark;

Efficient and sustainable production through the use of appropriate technology promoted: two soap molding machines were procured and delivered to the Turkana groups; 15 group members

8 For more detailed information on the capacity assessments conducted, see

http://www.undp.org/drylands/docs/marketaccess/Group%20briefs.pdf .

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were trained on their usage and maintenance. One honey press machine and settling tank were procured and delivered to Ilmejooli Self Help group in Kajiado. 7 group members visited the supplier (African Bee Keepers Ltd) and were trained on machine usage; They also had the opportunity to learn and advance their skills in the production and packaging of honey.

In Tanzania, capacity development for the production of dryland products was supported in Iramba, Manyoni, Longido and Monduli Districts. Capacity of 54 participants from Manyoni (28 participants) and Iramba (26 participants) Districts was built on groups’ formation and management, production of best quality bee and bee products, certification and standardization of products and strategic marketing techniques through a training workshop. In addition, capacity of 30 Women's Groups in Manyoni was built on improved indigenous poultry farming and management, business management skills and bookkeeping; 52 members are currently engaged in poultry farming in 5 villages of Ilunda Ward-Iramba. The same groups are being supported in the production of handicrafts and market linkages through facilitating their participation in trade fairs in Dodoma and Dar es Salaam. In 2010, communities were equipped with poultry/fowl rearing techniques and provided with wire-mesh and vaccines for chicks. Based on the success achieved in poultry rearing, there has been a notable enthusiasm which has attracted demand from neighbouring communities. Income of individual groups has increased and livelihoods improved; knowledge and skills acquired, self confidence increased and the women have been empowered through concept of self employment. Groups are producing and selling products to the community, including processed food (chutney), tie and dye, eggs, poultry, basketry products, and honey and other bee end products. Twenty pastoralists from Longido and Monduli Districts were trained on marketing strategies and quality control of the livestock meat, hides and skins .Drying and storage facility for hides and skins were also constructed in Longido district. To promote environmental conservation and sustainable livelihoods, selected areas of traditional woodlots in Iramba district were supported to establish woodlots using the traditional Ngitiri technology.

Woodlots provide valuable foliage for bee keeping activities and livestock. Notable changes were evidenced in areas of support showing pockets of increased excellent foliage coverage, shrubs regeneration and tree cover. This has resulted in an increase in forest products and the introduction of beekeeping. These products are sold as part of income generating activities in the woodlots. A total of 328.5 hectares in 5 villages in Iramba district were supported with modern beehives and honey harvesting gear/equipment distributed to local communities. Learning promoted: Communities – from various product groups - facilitated to visit a sunflower oil factory and VETA-Singida, where they learnt processes involved in producing sunflower oil from the farm to the factory up to sales. At VETA-Singida the participants’ also learnt about construction/production of modern bee hives at a moderate price.

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West Africa: Institutional Capacities enhanced to facilitate participation in entrepreneurial and other economic activities IDDP II expanded the market based approach as a basis for reducing vulnerability and enhancing livelihoods to the Ghana and Mali, with the key objective of developing market access programmes for the two countries. Below are some highlighted achievements.

In Ghana, assessments to identify existing gaps in the capacity of communities and local institutions in the production, processing and marketing of drylands products were undertaken as part of the monitoring of the Integrated Community Livelihood Initiative (ICLS) activities that have been incorporated in the District Medium Term Development Plans (DMTDPs). A roundtable meeting was organized for stakeholders involved in the ICLS to build on the above assessments to map institutional capacity needs, policies not earlier covered that impact on the production of products under the livelihood support activities currently being implemented in the project area. In all, a total of twenty participants made up of six women and fourteen men took part in the roundtable meeting. The roundtable took the form of case studies; practical demonstration of the phases and life cycle of programme in the Ghanaian environment; problems, challenges that the projects face and classical examples from the field; and group assignment and presentation of their findings for critique; etc. Participants provided ideas and made recommendations as a basis for developing the market access component of the programme. They also identified the market linkages, existing technologies capacity, existing micro financing systems and micro enterprises in Ghana that the programme could call upon to enhance the ILCSA. The programme in Mali was launched in 2009, to address vulnerability reduction and improvement of the resilience of dryland communities in Goa and Timbuktu in the North of the country, as well as to enable them to identify, develop and manage sustainable livelihoods opportunities. The two key themes of the programme are local governance for natural resources and access to market opportunities by local communities. A baseline study and assessments were carried out to assess the economic, social and environmental conditions in Gao and Timbuktu as a basis for developing a practical framework to improve decentralized governance of natural resources in the two regions. The study examined the past and present on-going natural resources-based conflicts and other socio-economic factors; proposed an effective mechanism and modalities for natural resource conflict resolution and mitigation. In a participatory manner, it also identified opportunities for revenue-generating activities and market access. Decentralized natural resource governance mechanisms and livelihood options were also identified through local consultations. The results of the study were documented in a report entitled, " Etude de l'analyse de la gouvernance locale des ressources naturelles et des opportunités de marches dans les cercles de Gao et Tombouctou". A national workshop, held in June 2011, validated this report. It brought together more than 20 experts from different technical Government Departments, Civil Society Organizations, resource persons and partners. Pilot actions to be implemented by the project in 2012 were recommended.

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Sub Saharan Africa: Round Table on Making Markets Work for the Poor A round table on making markets work for the poor was held on 23-24 March 2010 in Nairobi, Kenya. This event brought together 109 participants from 6 drylands countries in Africa (Kenya, Ghana, Mali, Mozambique, Tanzania and Uganda). Participants included policy makers at national and/or local levels (Districts) from the six countries, 22 representatives from various drylands communities (groups producing honey, handicrafts, livestock, and livestock and aloe products), non-governmental organizations, 18 Parastatal and Government Institutions, 12 private sector organizations), focal points from UNDP country offices in the six countries, United Nations Agencies and other development agencies and donor partners (Australia, UK-DFID, EC, Germany, Norway, Switzerland and USAID). The roundtable provided an opportunity for all stakeholders engaged in different aspects of drylands livelihoods enhancement to share knowledge, information and experiences. An exhibition of an eclectic array of products produced by the different groups ran throughout the entire period of the round table. There were many examples and lessons shared from various communities and countries on entrepreneurial initiatives and policy frameworks that have worked in improving market access for drylands commodities. The plenary discussions outlined the similarities and differences of the policy, agro-ecological, technical and market constraints which communities face in production and marketing of specific products. In addition, five clinics were organized to address key challenges raised during the panel presentations/discussion sessions which included: 1) Availability and access to financial services; 2) Business development skills needed by dryland communities to build their capacity and increase their competitiveness in markets; 3) Development of sustainable market linkages; 4) Improvement of competitiveness of dryland commodities through value addition; and 5) Standardization, quality control and assurance. Each clinic came up with solutions and actions to be taken by various stakeholders. These deliberations also produced practical suggestions on how to improve the policy environment, access to finance; market linkages and value addition as well as to enhance advocacy for necessary changes9.

Arab States: Promotion of Livelihoods diversification to build resilience of drylands communities

The IDDP Arab States Component adopts a livelihood approach to natural resource management and poverty alleviation. Livelihood enhancement and diversification are key components to help reduce the vulnerability and build the resilience of drylands communities. Approaches used to enhance and diversify livelihoods include: training, support to small and medium enterprises, women empowerment, enhancing market access and networking. A Market Access Initiative is currently being implemented in Lebanon and Morocco with the objective to find ways to better link small-scale producers to modern markets and help actors along the supply chain work together to realize common interests and secure domestic, regional and international markets inclusive of small-scale producers. It seeks to engage all stakeholders including governments, private sector, small producers and development partners in order to address land degradation and poverty reduction concerns in the drylands as well as enhance community adaptation to climate change in these fragile ecosystems.

9 The full report of the roundtable is available at http://www.undp.org/drylands/.

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In Morocco, programme support is channelled within the framework of the project “Sustainable Territorial Development of Southern Provinces” - commonly referred to as POS - implemented by “Agence du Sud”. The Project seeks to promote sustainable natural resource management while enhancing livelihoods in the Oases of Southern Morocco. It acts as a framework for local development and as a catalyst for investment. It is aligned with national strategies and action plans; it strengthens the role of local authorities in the planning of development, supports private initiative and promotes the involvement of the Moroccan Diaspora in local development. It is conceived to enhance the regionalization of national policies in terms of investment and employment, good governance, renewable energy, environment and sustainable development. Furthermore, it enhances synergy between the various projects implemented by the “Agence du Sud” and seeks to mobilize partners and resources for local development. The POS is operational in the Provinces of Assa-Zag, Tata, Tantan and Tarfaya. It has 4 components: 1) Support to local development planning processes; 2) Support to local investment and value adding (ecotourism, dryland/food products or “produits de terroir”, renewable energy, etc.); 3) Support to middle and small enterprise development; and 4) Sustainable management of the cultural and natural heritage. Programme support focused on: 1) Promotion of eco-tourism; 2) Mobilization of international attention to the oasis as a threatened ecosystem; 3) Establishment of “Cluster Oasis Sud” as a network of actors mobilized to promote dryland/ “terroir” products; and 4) implementation of priority climate change mitigation/adaptation activities in the oases of Tarmguiste and Igwaz. Details are described below. Eco- tourism The Programme accompanied the ecotourism component since its inception to promote sustainable tourism in the oases of Southern Morocco and has adopted a strategy focusing on four lines of intervention: 1) Strengthen the attractiveness and identity of the area; 2) Develop tourism infrastructure through the establishment of “bed&breakfast” facilities and thematic circuits/trails highlighting the local natural and cultural heritage; 3) Mobilize and build the capacity of local stakeholders; and 4) Promote responsible marketing of the area. The main achievements during this reporting phase include: a) Elaboration of a regional ecotourism strategy for the Region of “Guelmim-Es-Semara”. b) Implementation of an action plan to promote «Destination Oasis du Sud du Maroc» as a tourist

destination including: 1) Participation in various exhibitions and professional encounters; 2) Organization of an “eductour” or test trip – in collaboration with “Tourism Solidaire Sud” - for tour operators engaged in responsible tourism The eductour had wide national and international coverage including by “Road Book Magazine”; 3) Integration of ecotourism as a development axis in the local development plan of the Asrir/Tighmert district - the approach is currently replicated in other districts; 4) Organization of eco-tourism activities in Asrir/Tighmert including establishment of four environment-friendly bed & breakfast facilities; 5) Production of a documentary on tourism in Asrir/Tighmert along with brochures, roll-ups, boards and thematic maps; 6) Mobilization and training of local stakeholders including women and young/unemployed graduates - about 50 people were trained on a variety of issues including hospitality, reception, cuisine, hygiene, fauna, flora, culture and the sustainable tourism chart; 7) Development and installation of sign boards in the oases of Asrir/Tighmert, Assa and Taghjijt; 8) Publication of 4 tourist guides for Tighmert, Taghjijt & Ifrane, Fam El Hisn and Tata; 9) Establishment of a Tourist Information Office (BITO) in Asrir to promote, develop and coordinate activities in the area; and 10) Establishment of the “Association for the Management of Ecotourism in the Southern Oasis” which includes representatives of the

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stakeholders involved in tourism in Asrir/Tighmert (hosts, local guides, travel agencies, etc.). In addition to these direct results, there were significant achievements in Asrir/Tighmert in terms of:

Increased income from tourism through sales of local products and introduction of new ideas and opportunities.

Use of appropriate technologies which are eco-friendly and help in the preservation and promotion of local know-how.

Women empowerment - Through its focus on the family unit, the project helped women capacity and their role in local development. About 40% of the jobs created by the project are for women.

Environmental conservation through awareness raising and capacity building for local actors.

Partnership building between local stakeholders, local authorities, development actors and the private sector; this was essential for the success of the project; networking with responsible tourism operators.

Replication: Lessons learned and good practices from the experience in Asrir/Tighmert were used by the project to replicate work in other oases and were integrated in the local development plans of local authorities.

In recognition of the success and value of this work to promote ecotourism in the oases of Southern Morocco, the National Committee for Responsible Tourism in Morocco (presided by the Minister of Tourism) awarded the project the Trophy for Responsible Tourism - under the Theme Social and Economic Development - during ECORISMO 2010 in Nantes, France. Cluster des Oasis du Sahara

Efforts were deployed within the framework of the POS to build the resilience of oases communities and promote climate resilient development. In this context, the Programme, jointly with UNDP Morocco and “Agence du Sud”, supported the establishment of “Cluster des Oasis du Sahara (COS)”, a network of actors mobilized to promote dryland (“terroir”) products with the objective to add value, enhance market access, promote local development and conserve natural resources. By enhancing the livelihoods of small producers and adding value to local products (mainly cactus and camel products), the COS is seen as a priority climate change adaptation action and a venue to promote sustainable development in the Southern Oases. The COS was created in March 2011 in Guelmim by 26 partners including 19 professional production groups and 7 regional/national institutions involved in research and development. A number of MOUs were signed between the POS and COS with the objective to accompany the COS in its development. Supported activities include: participation in the 6th edition of the SIAM or “Salon International de l’Agriculture au Maroc” held in Meknes between 27 April and 1 May 2011; establishment of a rotating micro-credit fund; opening of a sale’s point in Guelmim; and purchase of a vehicle to facilitate the transport of produce. The Programme support to the COS included a contribution to the establishment of a rotating fund to enhance the following supply chains: camel products, cactus, dates, honey, couscous, olive and argan oils, henna, handicrafts and ecotourism. A selection committee was established to review financing requests; eligible activities include value adding and packaging for the afore-mentioned supply chains. Beneficiaries can access a credit of 30,000 MAD (equivalent to $3,650), reimbursable over a one-year period. About $55,000 were also used for the purchase of terroir products which were put on sale in

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different forums and points with significant returns to beneficiaries. In Lebanon, programme support is channelled through the project “Rural Dryland Development through Innovative Market Approaches”. The project objective is to enhance market access for small dryland producers, particularly women cooperatives. Activities include: 1) Capacity building on production methods, quality assurance and packaging; 2) Mobilization of producers and establishment of necessary linkages to ensure sufficient quantity and regularity of supply for market outlets; and 3) Networking with potential national, regional and European markets. An initial needs assessment was implemented with the objective of identifying the main constraints facing small women cooperatives in their market access. These were identified as follows: limited consumer awareness of the availability of the products, limited trust in their quality, transportation issues and identification points of sales that are accessible to the potential consumer. Following this assessment, an agreement was made with Atayeb el Rif coop (ARC) - a specialized marketing cooperative - for the implementation of an action plan to enhance market access for targeted cooperatives. Atayeb Al Rif is an autonomous organization that works closely with agricultural cooperatives on three key tracks aimed at improving their services and production: Capacity building and training services especially on food processing, small business management

and quality control procedures as means to empower the local cooperatives and their incumbents. Market linkages where appropriate and suitable to the production capacities of the cooperatives as

a proactive way to ensure income opportunities for coops through opening new markets. Quality control and assurance of the production through oversight and testing. The action plan agreed with ARC involved the following activities:

Raise awareness of quality rural drylands products at local and international level: i) Set-up a mobile exhibition unit to visit key cities in Lebanon and raise public awareness on the existence and quality of the products; ii) Organize visits to coops for traders, hospitality professionals, commercial attachés, tourism industry and wholesalers with the objective to present the cooperatives, the product range available, establish linkages with producers and build mutual trust; and iii) Participate in international food exhibitions to extend the product positioning worldwide and increase consumer demands.

Enhance market access: i) Support to packaging and branding in order to improve

marketability; ii) Facilitate linkages to market outlets including the provision of logistics services to facilitate transactions; and iii) Create a small revolving fund to support coops in cash flow.

The agricultural cooperatives are represented on the board of the ARC and the collaborative agreement with ARC enhances the sustainability of Programme activities as Atayeb Al Rif (Rural Delights) is a specialized marketing cooperative with over 10 years of professional experience with the necessary infrastructure and facilities to provide cooperatives with the services needed to enhance their access to markets.

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Achievements to date include:

1. Development of the brand name “Lebanese VILLAGE products” to be used for marketing products.

2. Official registration of the brand and signature of a an MoU between UNDP and Atayeb Al Rif (AAR) to adopt the logo and get the right to use it in local and international markets as long as it abides with the specific criteria listed for the production, packaging, labeling, quality control and management and marketing.

3. Design and use of a proper labelling system for the products. 4. Development of a mobile exhibition unit - including truck, stands and tables – to promote the

products in the various areas and occasions across Lebanon. 5. Contact established with several traders with positive feedback to test and promote the

products. 6. Participation in several exhibitions including “Le Liban en France” in October 2011. 7. Credit facilities were implemented to remedy cash flow problems. Beneficiaries to date include

three cooperatives namely, Jana Al Ayadi-Deir El Ahmar, Ain Arish- Aita Al Fakhar and Moujdel Atayeb Al Rif currently supplying products to “Mounet Al Barakeh”, a market outlet in Saudi Arabia and which is planning to launch soon in France and England.

Drought Risk Management In the world’s drylands, drought is one of the most significant natural disasters which often causes severe production shortfalls and food and nutritional insecurity, violent conflicts and displacement in many poor dryland communities, posing a serious impediment to the achievement of sustainable development goals. IDDP II promotes a drought risk management (DRM) approach which assists in lessening societal vulnerability to drought; while enhancing resilience to resist, accommodate and recover from the adverse effects of short-term extreme weather events and long-term climate change in a systematic and sustainable manner. Inter alia, DDC works closely with UN country teams, governments and other partners in the affected countries to mainstream the concept and practices of DRM into policy making and development planning processes. DDC’s approach to DRM mainstreaming is articulated in detail in Mainstreaming Drought Risk Management: A Primer (2011).10 The Mozambique programme has supported community-based natural resource management and utilization in arid and semi-arid areas in close collaboration with the UNDP-Small Grants Programme. In particular, two community groups were supported: AJUCOM based in Xinavane, Manhica District, and la Associação dos Camponeses de Mahoche based in the district of Moamba, Maputo Province. In Mozambique in general and Mahoche in particular, bush fires are a major problem, associated with drought. The programme is therefore addressing this challenge, it has managed to limit land degradation, enhance the preservation of biodiversity and has also introduced watershed management. As a result, soil erosion and bushfires are better controlled. Increased environmental consciousness among community members has also been achieved and resource user groups established to promote sustainable resource use. Diversified livelihood support activities promoting sustainable land use and have contributed to increased household income at village level.

10

The full publication is available for download at

http://www.undp.org/content/undp/en/home/librarypage/environment-

energy/sustainable_land_management/mainstreaming_droughtriskmanagementaprimer/.

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Dissemination of innovative resource use technologies are also contributing to improved environmental preservation. The Namibia programme focused on developing capacity and enhancing resilience in two disaster-prone target communities in Ondobe Constituency to prevent and mitigate future drought and other climate risks. In 2010-2011, in collaboration with the other ongoing programmes and initiatives operating in the fields of climate change adaptation and disaster risk management, baseline assessments were conducted to identify key capacity gaps. Based on the results of the assessment, capacity building tools, comprising training materials and other tools, in disaster risk management and climate change adaptation, and conservation agriculture and basic livestock management were developed and translated into Oshikwanyama, the local language. In addition, training workshops on Disaster Risk Management and Climate Change, and Conservation Agriculture and Basic Livestock Management were conducted. Support was also provided to the participatory formulation of a disaster risk management and adaptation strategy for Ondobe Constituency, which focuses on four most common risks facing the region, namely floods, heavy rains, drought and pest outbreak. The strategy provides a clear and detailed guidance on what the community members should do before, during and after a specific disaster. It also indicates the time lines and the responsible person for each activity. This strategy is expected to serve as an important decision support tool which helps the communities and development partners in the development and implementation of the community work plan. Lessons learnt and success stories from the programme implementation were identified, documented and shared.

To lead the constituency in awareness raising on disaster risk management, five Community Champions (3 women and 2 men) were selected and trained. Each of the five trained community champions has been holding community meetings to share information with others regarding the types of disasters experienced and how to cope with the situation. They are using the capacity building tools and materials developed by the project. Community champions are now in a position to continue raising awareness on disaster risks management in their communities as well as to take the lead, facilitate and encourage communities to implement the community work plan these helped create with support from development partners. Progress and challenges in implementing the work plan are being shared by communities through existing local leadership structures such as the Constituency Development Committee (CDC) and through the CDC up to the Regional Development Coordinating Committee (RDCC) to seek further clarification and support for this process. Local level coordination have also been strengthened and improved and there is good working relationship with community champions and the CDC members as well as traditional leaders in the constituency. The five Community Champions have accepted the responsibilities of creating further awareness on disaster risk management in the constituency on a voluntarily basis without any incentive attached. They perceive this type of work as a stepping stone in playing a leadership role in their community.

In Syria, Programme support was channelled within the framework of the project “Integrated Community Development for Scaling-up the MDGs in Syria”. The project aims at building community resilience to drought in 6 targeted villages through action at two levels: 1) The promotion of appropriate technologies/practices in land and water management; and 2) The development of vocational and business skills and the establishment of SMEs. In addition, the Programme is supporting the elaboration of a village development model to be used by the Ministry of Planning to help move out of poverty the 100 most affected villages in the North-Eastern area.

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Significant progress has been achieved and can be summarized as follows: 1) Establishment of a “Local Development Committee” in each village which acts as the local counterpart for all development interventions in the village; the committee involves specialized sub-committees for education, health, land and water management, agriculture and employment; 2) Development of village profiles as a preliminary assessment of village baseline situation and needs; 3) Elaboration of an integrated workplan for the project building on the interventions of the various agencies/institutions involved; 4) Parallel implementation of an “Emergency Action Plan” for each village to deal with pressing issues; 5) Elaboration of a “Gender and Diversity Mainstreaming Strategy” to enhance women empowerment and involvement in project activities and the local development process. The Programme also supported the elaboration of a village development model at the request of the Ministry of Planning to drive the local development process and help move out of poverty the 100 most affected villages in North-Eastern Syria. Building blocks for the model were proposed as follows:

1. Establish a “Village Development Committee” in each village with the objective to drive the local development process; members need to be representative and the criteria for their election need to be clear and defined.

2. Provide the committees with a legal/institutional status to give them voice and credibility. 3. Build the committees capacity on local planning and support the establishment of technical sub-

committees to deal with the sectors (water, employment, agriculture, education, health, etc.); a technical team was put in place at the governorate level to support in the process.

4. Accompany the committees in the elaboration of an integrated “Village Development Plan” based on village needs/opportunities (of men and women) on one side and relevant governorate planning and budgeting frameworks on the other. This is to promote participatory bottom-up planning. Support for the elaboration of the village development plan was provided by development agencies and/or relevant government institutions within their planning processes.

5. Support the implementation of Village Development Plans through their adoption by development agencies and active NGOs and integration into governorate planning and budgeting processes;

6. Explore additional financial mechanisms to channel resources towards the implementation of the “Village Development Plan” including for example the establishment of a “Village Development Fund” or other mechanisms as appropriate in the context of Syria. The availability of such a fund will give an operational arm for the village committee and empower in its role as a driver of the local development process.

7. Explore innovative ideas to raise the profile of the villages and energize work. These include for example work towards the adoption of each village by a popular Syrian figure (actor, singer, businessman, sportsman) who will act as the “Village Ambassador”; the idea of adoption will give stamina/enthusiasm to the village community and development actors, will help raise village profile and deal with many of the obstacles facing village development including institutional bureaucracy and the availability of financial resources (fund-raising events, sponsoring, solidarity, etc. ).

The work in Syria was very promising but was put on hold following the recent developments in the country and the related EU sanctions. Programme activities in Syria were thus suspended until further notice but provisions have been made in the proposal for the new Programme phase to resume activities once the situation permits.

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African Drought Risk and Development Network The African Drought Risk and Development Network (ADDN) is a region-wide mechanism for advocacy, capacity building and peer learning, cosponsored by DDC and the UN International Strategy for Disaster Reduction (UN-ISDR). The network was established in 2005 as a basis for effective and efficient DRM mainstreaming, with the aim to mitigate the risks of drought and improve human livelihoods in Africa by creating an enabling environment for knowledge sharing and facilitating the up-scaling of proven practices among drought-prone countries. A range of communication and networking tools and modalities have been promoted within the ADDN framework, including, but not limited to: organization of Africa Drought Adaptation Forums (ADAFs) on a regular basis; issuance of monthly online newsletters to over 2,000 subscribers; publication of various DRM related knowledge products; and facilitation of in-field exchange events such as study tours and seminars, These activities contribute significantly to bridge the gaps between knowledge producers and users and help DRM practitioners and policymakers coordinate more closely to respond to the growing threats of drought, climate change and food insecurity in the African drylands. 11 In 2011, the drought in the Horn of Africa (HoA) left 12 million people in dire need of food, water and sanitation. Preventive risk management practices (which strengthen coordination between humanitarian response and development efforts) were needed more than ever. In response to this need, ADDN convened the Fourth ADAF in October 2011 in Nairobi, Kenya, with the financial support from the Government of Japan and the Humanitarian Aid and Civil Protection Department of the European Commission. The forum brought together over 100 government and non-governmental entities engaged in drought-related activities in the HoA to discuss and identify the key barriers and constraints to the promotion of sustainable DRM in the region. A joint action plan for the humanitarian and development partners was adopted at the end of the forum, which focuses on the fields of: 1) coordinated funding mechanisms for long-term drought mitigation; 2) improved access to resources and services in drought prone areas; and 3) enhanced drought preparedness through improved early warning and action. The AADP Secretariat also organized a series of training sessions to UNDP staff and Government counterparts in Kenya in integration of long-term DRM frameworks into ongoing drought emergency relief and early recovery efforts and assisted the African Union and the Intergovernmental Authority on Development (IGAD) in. Furthermore, the Secretariat assisted the Intergovernmental Authority on Development and its Member States in identifying strategic areas of focus for the implementation of the Joint Declaration of the High-level Summit on the Horn of Africa Crisis: Ending Drought Emergencies and the Nairobi Strategy for Enhanced Partnership to Eradicate Drought Emergencies. In particular, technical support was provided to the development of an implementation plan for the Nairobi Strategy, especially in the area of enhanced regional and international cooperation.

11

For more information regarding ADDN and its activities, please visit

http://www.undp.org/content/undp/en/home/ourwork/environmentandenergy/focus_areas/sustainable_landmanagem

ent/drought_risk_management/african_drought_riskanddevelopmentnetwork.html.

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Africa-Asia Drought Risk Management Peer Assistance Network

In mid-2010, the ADDN initiative was scaled up to the Africa-Asia level in recognition of the fact that a wealth of knowledge-based resources on DRM exists in Africa and Asia; yet the opportunities for sharing successful experiences, disseminating lessons learnt and replicating innovative practices across the regions are highly limited. With the financial support of the Government of Japan, a robust, yet flexible, Africa-Asia Drought Risk Management Peer Assistance Network (AADP) was established, building on the pool of experiences from ADDN and leveraging its well established operational modalities.12 Besides the continuous implementation of the above mentioned ADDN activities at inter-regional level, AADP is exploring a number of new partnership opportunities to promote cross-regional DRM south-south cooperation. For example, DDC is currently collaborating with UN-ISDR and the Food and Agriculture Organization (FAO) in establishment of the Drought Online website. It aims to provide interested network users with easy access to a growing collection of DRM-related resources and an avenue for continued dialogue and interaction beyond geographical boundaries. A detailed stocktaking exercise was conducted in early 2011 to identify DRM knowledge and capacity gaps and gap-filling opportunities in Africa and Asia through online surveys and structured interviews with over 400 practitioners (collectively offering about 3,000 years of experience). The first Africa Asia Drought Adaptation Forum was held in June 2011 in Bangkok, Thailand, with the participation of 34 participants representing governments, non-governmental organizations, academia, development partners and the donor community engaged in different aspects of DRM issues in Africa and Asia. The forum reviewed the findings of the stocktaking exercise to map out the demand/supply for DRM capacities in the two regions and identified priority areas to which the AADP's inter-regional south-south cooperation support could add value.13 Furthermore, the project contributed to the strengthening of the strategic partnership between China and Africa in DRM South-South Cooperation through the provision of technical backstopping support in the organization of the Sino-Africa High Level Seminar on Drought Risk Reduction held in Beijing from 24-27 September 2011. A follow up discussion is ongoing to bring DRM expertise and technologies from China into the ongoing drought coping capacity enhancement process at local, national and regional levels in the Horn of Africa.

Decentralized Governance

Decentralized governance of natural resources (DGNR) is considered one of the key strategies for enhancing efficiency, equity and justice in the management and use of natural resources. Many countries around the world are engaged in decentralization to enhance governance and growth at local levels. Decentralization entails the process of transferring some of the decision-making powers and

12

For more information regarding ADDN and its activities, please visit

http://www.undp.org/content/undp/en/home/ourwork/environmentandenergy/focus_areas/sustainable_landmanagem

ent/drought_risk_management/aadp/. 13

Drought Risk Management: Practitioner’s Perspectives from Africa and Asia, which compiles the key findings

and recommendations from the stocktaking exercise, was published in March 2012, The full publication and the

issue brief are both available for download at http://www.undp.org/content/undp/en/home/librarypage/environment-

energy/sustainable_land_management/drought-risk-management-from-africa-and-asia.html.

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responsibilities (fiscal, administrative, legal and technical) from central government down the geopolitical and administrative hierarchy to lower levels. It improves the flow of information and resources between and among various levels of government. Under its third theme, the IDDP supported Mali and Yemen to develop programmes for improving local governance of natural resources, increasing economic opportunities, environmental sustainability and conflicts prevention/resolution. See the section on West Africa: Institutional Capacities enhanced to facilitate participation in entrepreneurial and other economic activities for highlights on the Mali programme. DDC in partnership with the National Water Resource Authority supported the implementation of a project entitled “Decentralized Governance of Water Resources” in Yemen. The project piloted an institutional model for decentralized water governance in the Amran Basin through the creation of a water basin committee, the strengthening of a National Water Resource Authority (NWRA) and building the capacity of local councils on integrated water management.

However, activities had to be put on hold since September 2009 due to political/security reasons and could not be resumed during the reporting period. Regional Water Governance Programme The Programme was instrumental in putting the sustainable management of water resources – a key NAP priority in all partner countries - high on the agenda of the UNDP Regional Bureau for Arab States (RBAS). Following initial assistance funded by the Government of Japan, a major Water Governance Programme (WGP) for the region was developed. The WGP is under implementation with financial support from Japan, Sweden and Finland, UNDP and the Coca-Cola Company as its first private sector partner. Programme support in 2010-2011 focused on the strengthening of water governance institutions and gender mainstreaming in water management in Tunisia and Jordan. Jordan’s National Water Strategy stresses the need for awareness raising and the reduction of water abstraction by agriculture. In order to support the implementation of the Water Strategy with regard to the groundwater aquifers of the highlands, The Ministry of Water and Irrigation (MWI) established the Highland Water Forum (HWF), which seeks for strategic options and partnerships to reduce agricultural water abstraction in the highlands in a socially compatible way which avoids major losses for the agricultural sector and offers alternatives for the rural society. The ultimate task of the HWF is to develop and implement an Action Plan towards sustainable management of groundwater resources through 1) Improving the legal and institutional framework for sustainable groundwater management; 2) Increasing On-farm irrigation efficiency; 3) Developing alternative income opportunities in the highlands; 4) Empowering local communities for sustainable groundwater management; 5) Strengthening the Highland Water Forum as a unit at the MWI. In 2011, the Programme supported the elaboration of the project entitled “Groundwater Governance in the Highlands”. The project is implemented by MWI in support of the HWF Action Plan. Its overall objective is to facilitate the implementation of Jordan’s Water Strategy and hence to improve effective groundwater management through better water governance. The proposed period is 2011-2013 and

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the budget is USD 401,850. The main outputs of the project are: 1) a feasibility study on eco-tourism potentials in the Azraq region; 2) the organization of a Groundwater Competition for water-friendly business ideas including selection and implementation of 5 winner projects; 3) Selection and training of 12 “Groundwater Ambassadors” (of which at least 1/3 are women). In Tunisia, programme support is channelled via the project “Gouvernance Locale de l’Eau Potable en Milieu Rural” implemented by the Ministry of Agriculture in collaboration with UNDP Tunisia with the objective to contribute to the achievement of MDG7 in Tunisia. The project area covers the Governorates of Kasserine, Beja, Bizerte and Zaghouan. The project focuses on enhancing access to drinking water in rural areas; it seeks to encourage and support participation and partnership in decision making processes at regional and local levels for a better governance of drinking water in rural areas; it will put in place mechanisms at local and regional levels to enhance the participation of communities (including women and youth), civil society and private sector in the planning, implementation and management of initiatives related to access to drinking water. Lessons learned and good practices will be documented and shared for replication in other localities. The specific outputs of the project are as follows: 1. Drinking water is better managed in rural areas with a greater involvement of women in decision

making and at least 1500 families have an easier access to it; 2. Mechanisms at national, regional and local levels reinforced to allow for the participation of

communities (men, women and youth), civil society and the private sector in the planning and implementation of drinking water programs in rural areas;

3. The project is managed in a participatory manner and good practices are documented and widely shared for replication in other areas.

Managing and Sharing Knowledge

Knowledge generation and systematic knowledge sharing is a key component of the IDDP in order to provide solid technical inputs to inform policy processes and influence decision making processes (including budgetary allocations) relating to drylands development. DDC has established efficient networks for knowledge sharing as well as a global UNDP Drylands Webpage for sharing information on programme activities, technical publications and other related knowledge products to enhance the knowledge base on drylands development issues. DDC also shares information through publications found at the Drylands Website, see http://www.undp.org/drylands. The most recent ones are:

Title Year Published Languages

Drought Risk Management: Practioner's Perspectives from Africa and Asia

2012 EN

The Forgotten Billion: MDG Achievement in the Drylands14

2011 EN

Mainstreaming Drought Risk Management: A Primer 2011 EN / FR

14

Published jointly with the United Nations Convention to Combat Desertification (UNCCD) Secretariat.

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DDC undertakes other advocacy initiatives and shares knowledge and lessons it has learnt in managing drylands programmes through contributing to other international fora such as workshops, conferences, etc. DDC’s contributions in this area are numerous, below is a selection of some of the key events the Centre contributed to:

a. DDC represented UNDP in the UN Deserts and the Fight against Desertification 2010-2020 (UNDDD) observance in Algeria in December 2011;

b. 10th meeting of the Conference of the Parties to the UN Convention to Combat Desertification

(UNCCD COP 10) convened from 10-21 October 2011, in Changwon City, Gyeongnam Province, Republic of Korea. DDC attended this meeting on behalf of UNDP. In particular, DDC provided the following support:

Contributed to the EMG report “Global-Drylands - a UN system-wide Response” launched at COP10;

Supported the launch of the full text version of the joint UNCCD/UNDP report entitled "The Forgotten Billion: MDG Achievement in the Drylands" as part of the high-level Ministerial Luncheon. A short side event at the Rio Conventions Pavilion was also conducted to engage more closely with interested partners on the publication.

Supported Mr. Douglas Gardner, UNDP Deputy Assistant Administrator and BDP Deputy Director, in positioning UNDP at the COP High-Level Segment

Represented UNDP in the first face-to-face Inter Agency Task Force ATF meeting on the UN Deserts and the Fight against Desertification (UNDDD) 2010-2020

Run a UNDP exhibition throughout COP10.

c. DDC supported the commemoration of the World Day to Combat Desertification (WDCD) held on the 17 June of every year since 1997. The theme for the 2010 WDCD was "Enhancing soils anywhere enhances life everywhere"; the theme for the 2011 WDCD was "Forests Keep Drylands Working” in direct relationship to 2011 as the International Year of Forests.

d. On behalf of UNDP, DDC compiled the first report submitted to the UNCCD Secretariat under

their new performance review and assessment of implementation system (PRAIS), which allows the Committee for the Review of the Implementation of the Convention (CRIC) to

In 2011, UNDP Drylands Development Centre staff in Nairobi participated in the WDCD celebrations in Kenya which were held in Gingo Secondary School of Suba District, Nyanza Province. The WDCD event was organized and spearheaded by the National Environment Management Authority (NEMA), and supported by the Ministry of Environment and Natural Resources (MENR) and the United Nations Development Programme (UNDP). During the event, various knowledge materials with regards to drylands development were disseminated. DDC is also partnering with the UNDP Kenya Energy and Environment Unit to document good practices and lessons learned of community led drylands initiatives supported by UNDP Kenya in the context of the WDCD celebrations since 1997.

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effectively review the implementation of the Strategy and the Convention, based on a new methodological approach and the reporting on performance and impact indicators. The report, submitted in early 2011, comprised information on UNDP's concrete support towards the implementation of the UNCCD through its 166 country offices.

e. DDC represented UNDP at the 9th meeting of the Committee for the Review of the

Implementation of the Convention (CRIC 9) held from 16-25 February 2011 in Bonn, Germany.

f. Represented UNDP at the 22nd Facilitation Committee of the Global Mechanism (GM) that was held at the sidelines of CRIC 9.

g. DDC contributed to the regional launch for Africa of the UN Decade for Deserts and the Fight against Desertification (UNDDD) held in Nairobi on 16 August 2010.

In addition, DDC contributed to learning through south-south cooperation (SSC) that ensures hands-on learning and transfer of knowledge and technology between countries through study tours and exchange visits. The MAP Roundtable conducted in 2010 is a good example for this (See above) as well as various IDDP country level visits conducted in 2010-2011: Tanzania hosted Mozambique; Ghana hosted Tanzania; Mozambique hosted Ghana; and Mali hosted Benin. In November 2011, a team from Tunisia visited Lebanon and interacted with IDDP Arab States colleagues from Algeria, Jordan, Lebanon and Morocco. The visit was held on the side of the DDC annual advisory and partners’ meeting, a regional meeting involving all five countries.

In 2011, Mozambique hosted a study tour from Ghana: The study tour was composed of a team of four representatives from the Ghana national implementing partner, the Environment Protection Agency (EPA) and two representatives from the IDDP Africa team. They were received and hosted by a team in Mozambique comprising representatives from the Directorate of Arid and Semi-Arid Regions and INGC representatives of Districts of Chigubo, Mabote, District Administrations, local communities and the CENOE team in Vilanculos. The main objective was sharing and exchange of experiences in the arid districts affected by drought where similar interventions and activities are underway to reduce the vulnerability of communities. At Chigubo and Mabote District, the group had the opportunity to visit the CERUM (Centros de Recursos e de Uso Múltiplo or Community Multiple Resource Use Centre) with experimentation plots, nurseries of native plants being produced with support from IDDP, food crops being grown using various technologies such as mulching techniques, ridges and trenches. The group also visited Catine Women's Group (Chigubo) which with support of INGC are developing handcrafts, the Women’s Association - Cashew Nut Processing (Mabote) and CENOE, VILANCULOS (Centro Nacional Operative de Emergencia) to study Mozambique’s national emergency operational system. CENOE is part of the strategy of INGC for response to a disaster or disasters when these occur. The full study tour report is available from DDC.

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Delivering on Partnerships The Drylands Development Centre has sought effective partnerships that range from grassroots organizations to development partners, governments to UN system bodies, community based organizations to the private sector, academic institutions and research organizations. These partnerships are developed around common goals and objectives. Some partnerships have included pooling of resources to achieve key agreed programme outputs; others have been built around each organization's comparative advantage in providing a service to the programme countries; others to share lessons learnt and knowledge; access knowledge for improving programming, etc. The Centre has also created a set of innovative partnerships with individuals and institutions throughout the world that have provided policy and technical support to drylands programme development when the need arises.

A study tour team from Benin was hosted by Mali from 24 to 29 October 2011. The team made up of executives/decision makers from the Ministère de l'Environnement, de l'Habitat et de l'Urbanisme (MEHU) and the UNDP Team managing the IDDP in Benin participated in the tour to learn and exchange experiences with Mali and to understand the various village actions being implemented under the National Programme entitled "Programme National de Développement des Plateformes Multifonctionnelles pour la création d’emplois et l’autonomisation des femmes". The tour was hosted by the UNDP Mali Country Office and the team implementing the programme in Mali (i.e. colleagues responsible for monitoring and evaluation, accounting, as well as the socio-economic expert). Five villages were visited; Dongorona, Simidji, Coulibalibougou (Sikasso), Sansanding and Welintiguila N7 (Niono). These visits helped the Benin team to realize the various uses of the platforms, modes of operation and how to go about the monitoring of the groups of women beneficiaries. With regard to the uses, multifunctional platforms are used to supply equipment to provide various services such as: to shell grains and grinding grains and seeds of Shea, (Dongorona, Simidji); produce electrical energy to illuminate the village and/or load batteries and mobile phones (Simidji, Coulibalibougou); implement a system of drinking water with installation of hydrants and water tower construction (Sansanding); make ice and powdered beverages (Welintiguila); organize micro-credit or credit in kind (food) (Coulibalibougou, Welintiguila). Based on the experience and lessons learnt in Mali, Benin is proposing that the next step for the project in Benin should research various partnerships to support the project for installation of new and additional multi-functional platforms in areas affected by desertification, land degradation and poverty as a basis for generating income and improving livelihoods as has been demonstrated in the case of Mali. The full study tour report is available from DDC.

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The primary partners of the Drylands Development Centre are its 16 UNDP programme countries and the development partners who fund the activities under the Integrated Drylands Development Programme (IDDP). The Drylands Development Centre has developed partnerships with the following donor partners: Belgium, Canada, Denmark, the European Union represented by the European Commission, Finland, France, Israel, Japan, Luxembourg, the Netherlands, Norway, Sweden, Switzerland, Turkey, the United Kingdom and the United States. These have supported programme activities under the IDDP since its inception in 2002. UNEP UNEP has been a long-term partner of UNDP. Through their joint Poverty and Environment Initiative (PEI), countries are being assisted in poverty-environment mainstreaming to deliver integrated development policies and approaches . A total of 50 countries have requested support from PEI to date. DDC continued to provide operational support to the joint UNDP-UNEP Poverty and Environment Facility based in Nairobi, Kenya. In 2011, the United Nations Environment Management Group, chaired by UNEP, launched its report entitled "Global Drylands: A UN system-wide response". UNDP-DDC was deeply involved in the development of this report, providing particular inputs on strategic drylands investments. The report sets out for the first-time a coherent strategy by the United Nations to address the special needs of drylands from a sustainable development perspective. UNCCD Secretariat UNDP has supported the implementation of the UNCCD since its adaptation in 1994. The partnership is founded on the mandate of the Secretariat of the UNCCD to forge a global partnership to address desertification, land degradation and drought, and the commitment of UNDP highlighted in its Strategic Plan to promote international cooperation to reverse trends of land degradation and desertification. During 2010 - 2011, representatives of UNDP and the UNCCD Secretariat engaged in a comprehensive consultative process leading to the Programme of Cooperation between the UNCCD Secretariat and UNDP - Enhancing the Implementation of the UNCCD 10-Year Strategic Plan which includes three priority areas of cooperation based on the comparative advantages of the two institutions15. These are as follows:

15 This Programme of Cooperation was consequently signed on the 28 March 2012. The full document can be found at http://www.unccd.int/Lists/SiteDocumentLibrary/UN%20system%20organisations/Cooperation_agreement_UNCCD_and_UNDP.pdf .

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A. Support affected countries in aligning their NAPs with the Strategy and mainstreaming them into national development frameworks – with the following intended outputs:

1. NAPs aligned with the Strategy and revised into strategic documents supported by biophysical and socio-economic baseline information

2. Desertification, Land Degradation and Drought (DLDD) issues articulated in the aligned NAPs integrated into development planning and budgeting frameworks at national and regional/local levels

3. Knowledge enhanced on NAP alignment and mainstreaming and good practices drawn from the Programme shared with other countries.

B. Undertake joint efforts in knowledge sharing, learning and actions for improving the profile of drylands development issues - with the following intended outputs:

1. DLDD issues effectively communicated among key constituencies at the international, national

and local levels and recognized/addressed as a major development concern 2. Capacity of media enhanced to influence decision-making processes in support of drylands

development 3. Transfer of local, national, bilateral and multilateral financial and technical resources improved

and local capacity strengthened in Sustainable Land Management (SLM) and combating DLDD through South-South Cooperation

4. Level of public awareness on dryland products and services improved.

C. Carry out joint policy analysis and advocacy with particular attention to the linkage between SLM, climate change and biodiversity – with the following intended outputs: 1. Policy, institutional, financial and socio-economic drivers of DLDD and barriers to SLM assessed,

and appropriate policy measures to remove these barriers recommended 2. Level of awareness raised among policy and decision makers on the need to address DLDD as a

solution to key global development challenges and the role, potential and contribution of drylands to national economic development

3. Synergies and linkages among DLDD, climate change adaptation/mitigation and biodiversity conservation effectively communicated among key constituencies at the international, national and local levels and mutually reinforcing measures to enhance the impact of interventions developed.

Global Mechanism of the UNCCD As a core member of the Facilitation Committee, UNDP hosts and chairs the meetings of the Global Mechanism (GM) on a rotational basis with other key partners to review operational activities and to determine opportunities for collaborations amongst all members. In 2011, DDC contributed to the GM paper entitled "Measuring the impact of IFS/GM: Concept paper on the development of the methodology" which was presented and discussed at the UNCCD COP 10 convened from 10-21 October 2011, in Changwon City, Gyeongnam Province, Republic of Korea.

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IUCN IUCN East Africa Regional Office and UNDP-DDC have collaborated on a number of issues in the past; examples include the development of the World Initiative for Sustainable Pastoralism (WISP) and the 2008 Challenge Paper entitled “Drylands Opportunities: A new paradigm for people, ecosystems and development"16. ICRAF The World Agroforestry Centre - International Centre for Research in Agroforestry (ICRAF) is one of 15 Future Harvest Alliance supported by the CGIAR. ICRAF’s mission is to use science to understand the complex role of trees in livelihoods and the environment, and promote use of this knowledge to improve decisions and practices impacting on the poor. ICRAF engages in strategic and applied research for development in close partnership with national agricultural research systems, universities, non-governmental and private organizations in both the South and the North. DDC partners with ICRAF to access its scientific resources/capacity and uses this as sound basis for developing programmes.

WORLD BANK In 2011, DDC supported the Post-Disaster-Needs Assessment exercise in Kenya which was a joint WB/UN/EU exercise in support of the Government of Kenya following the devastating 2011 drought17.

Programme Delivery Overview The programme activities under the IDDP managed by the DDC are funded through voluntary contributions and non-core resources. In support of programme activities in 2010 - 2011, the DDC has maintained active partnerships/agreements with the following donors: Denmark, the European Union represented by the European Commission, Finland, Japan, Norway and Turkey. The administrative and operational costs of the Centre have been funded through resources made available by the Bureau for Development Policy from UNDP’s Global Cooperation Framework (GCF IV) and cost recovery for programme implementation support services.

16

Like other publications, this paper is available at the DDC website. 17

The PDNA report is available at http://www.gfdrr.org/gfdrr/Kenya_PDNA_2011.

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Expenditure/Programme Delivery in 2010-2011 by IDDP Programme Areas

IDDP Programme Areas Expenditure (USD)

Mainstreaming of drylands issues 1,658,790.00

Making markets work for the poor 506,880.00

Strengthening drought risk management 264,320.00

Enhanced land governance and Improving decentralized governance of natural resources

427,380.00

Total Expenditure 2,857,370.00

58%

18%

9%

15%

IDDP 2010 & 2011 PROGRAMME DELIVERY

Mainstreaming of drylands issues

Making markets work for the poor

Strengthening drought risk management

Enchanced land governance and Improving decentralized governance of natural resources

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Looking Ahead In June 2012, the World renewed its commitment to sustainable development and to ensuring the promotion of an economically, socially and environmentally sustainable future for our planet and for present and future generations. Poverty eradication, changing unsustainable and promoting sustainable patterns of consumption and production, and protecting and managing the natural resource base of economic and social development were recognized as the overarching objectives of and essential requirements for sustainable development. The commitment to achieving the Millennium Development Goals was reaffirmed. The global phenomena of desertification, drought and land degradation were recognized as posing serious challenges to all countries, particularly in Africa, and urgent action to reverse land degradation was called for 18. Implementing "The future we want" in the years to come will require concerted efforts of all actors to systematically build on approaches and practices which have proven successful in the past. The Integrated Drylands Development Programme, as UNDP's focal point intervention of fighting poverty in the dry zones of the world, will continue to contribute to empowering the lives of dryland communities and to build their long-term resilience with like-minded partners and development actors.

United Nations Development Programme Drylands Development Centre United Nations Office at Nairobi Gigiri, Block M, Middle Level P.O. Box 30552 Nairobi 00100, Kenya Email:ddc@undp.org www.undp.org/drylands

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See the UN Rio+20 Conference on Sustainable Development, Outcome document entitled “The Future We

Want”.