Alphonse Karenzi
Other projects
14 Jun 2012
Improved Cooking Stoves Campaign against Deforestation – Continuation (ICOSCAD)
20 Feb 2014
Center for Disseminating the Best Practices for Sustainable Livelihoods and Grass-Roots Conservation of Forests in Gisagara District
This project aims at wide dissemination of best practices for sustainable use and youth-based conservation of the local forests in order to decrease level of deforestation and loss of biodiversity
Some of bees keeping boxes have received bees.
Gisagara Forests are very important habitat to many regional species of plants, birds and animals. However, recent findings state that these important forests continue to face several human threats; including extinction of forests or some tree species due to mainly high consumption of firewood in inefficient household cook stoves as only cooking alternative for 278,367 local dwellers (task for youth and women). In addition, there is lack of awareness and more sustainable alternatives in using forest resources among local community, especially youth who cover 81% of Gisagara Population.Consequently, there is an increasing deforestation and loss of biodiversity that affect local livelihoods especially through unfavorable agricultural seasons and soil erosion.
Modern bees keeping boxes installed in spot places.
So, this project will expand the youth grassroots conservationism and sustainable use of forests in the region by empowering the local teachers to permanently integrate the best conservation practices into district primary and secondary curriculum and lead their respective schools as conservation activities centres. The focus will be on the previously tasted and appreciated best practices including Improved Cook Stoves, Agro-forestry, Mushroom Farming, and Improved Bee Keeping.
Bees keeping modern boxes.
The existing Rufford Resource Centre will keep serving 52 local teachers and 26 conservation clubs from more influential schools in Gisagara. Those trained teachers will permanently teach and monitor more and more students and clubs in house-to-house installation of the best practices.
Among the outcome this project will ensure; Improved knowledge and access to technical skills and information in conservation and sustainable livelihood alternatives for local community especially youth, Increased awareness, about deforestation effects and best practices in sustainable use of forest resources as a solution, among thousands of youths and families, Maximization of the sustainable use of forest resources, Promotion of incentives and alternatives for the community-based conservation of forests, and Strengthened and sustaining grass-roots activism for conservation and restoration of forests.