IPSI Collaborative Activities

Youth-Led Sustainable Pastoralism and Ecosystem Restoration in SEPLS

Lead organization: Pastoralist Economic and Social Advancement (PESA)

Other participating organizations: Small Actions for Enterprises (SAFE) 

Project Overview

This project aims to enhance sustainable pastoralism practices and ecosystem restoration in socio-ecological production landscapes and seascapes (SEPLS) in Tanzania and Ghana. By leveraging the strengths of PESA and SAFE Ghana, the project will focus on knowledge co-production, capacity building, and sustainable value chain development.

Objective:

  1. Knowledge Co-Production, Management, and Uptake for SEPLS:
    • Conduct participatory research involving local pastoralist communities and youth to document traditional knowledge and innovative practices in sustainable pastoralism.
    • Develop and disseminate educational materials and training programs on sustainable pastoralism and ecosystem restoration.
  2. Institutional Frameworks and Capacity Development for SEPLS:
    • Strengthen the capacity of local institutions and youth organizations to support sustainable pastoralism and ecosystem restoration.
    • Facilitate cross-country exchanges and learning sessions between Tanzanian and Ghanaian youth on best practices in SEPLS management.
  3. Ecosystem Restoration for SEPLS:
    • Implement on-the-ground restoration activities such as reforestation, soil conservation, and water management in degraded pastoral lands.
    • Engage youth in hands-on restoration projects to foster environmental stewardship and practical skills.
  4. Sustainable Value Chain Development for SEPLS:
    • Develop sustainable value chains for pastoral products, ensuring fair trade and market access for local communities.
    • Promote eco-friendly and value-added products through youth-led enterprises.

Activities and Roles:

     PESA Tanzania: 

  • Research and Documentation: Lead participatory research and documentation of traditional knowledge and innovative practices in Tanzania.
  • Capacity Building: Organize and conduct training sessions and workshops for Tanzanian youth and local institutions.
  • Restoration Projects: Implement on-the-ground restoration activities in Tanzania, including reforestation and soil conservation.
  • Value Chain Development: Support the development and marketing of sustainable pastoral products in Tanzania.

      SAFE Ghana: 

  • Research and Documentation: Collaborate on research and documentation efforts, focusing on practices in Ghana.
  • Capacity Building: Facilitate training sessions and workshops for Ghanaian youth and local institutions.
  • Restoration Projects: Implement restoration activities in Ghana, focusing on water management and ecosystem restoration.
  • Value Chain Development: Promote eco-friendly and value-added pastoral products through youth-led enterprises in Ghana.

Expected Outcomes:

  • Enhanced knowledge and practices in sustainable pastoralism and ecosystem restoration.
  • Strengthened institutional capacities and youth engagement in SEPLS management.
  • Improved ecosystem health and resilience in targeted pastoral areas.
  • Sustainable livelihoods and economic opportunities for pastoralist communities.

Collaboration and Reporting:

  • PESA Tanzania and SAFE Ghana will serve as the main contact points for the IPSI Secretariat.
  • Regular updates and progress reports will be provided to the IPSI Secretariat.
  • The project will use IPSI’s name and the Satoyama Initiative logo in all promotional materials.

Resource Mobilization:

  • Secure funding through collaboration with IPSI partners and other potential donors.
  • Utilize IPSI Collaborative Activity endorsement to attract additional resources.

This project aligns with IPSI’s strategic objectives and leverages the strengths of both organizations to promote sustainable pastoralism and ecosystem restoration.

BUDGET:
The total budget for the project will be shared equally between PESA Tanzania and SAFE Ghana. Each organization will be responsible for managing their portion of the budget to cover activities in their respective countries.

DETAILS ON THE PROJECT DESIGN AND IMPLEMENTATION PLANS:

  • Overall Aim and Objectives;
    The project aims to enhance sustainable pastoralism practices and ecosystem restoration in socio-ecological production landscapes and seascapes (SEPLS) in Tanzania and Ghana. Objectives include knowledge co- production, capacity building, and sustainable value chain development, engaging youth and local communities in both countries to foster environmental stewardship and economic opportunities.
    Project Design Summary
    Goals (Impact)
    To improve the sustainability and resilience of pastoralist communities and ecosystems in Tanzania and Ghana through enhanced pastoralism practices and ecosystem restoration.
    Purpose (Outcome)
    To build the capacity of youth and local institutions in sustainable pastoralism and ecosystem restoration, leading to improved livelihoods and ecosystem health in SEPLS.
  • Expected Outcome:
    The project is expected to achieve several key outcomes:
    1. Enhanced Knowledge and Practices: Through participatory research and documentation, traditional knowledge and innovative practices in sustainable pastoralism will be captured and disseminated. Educational materials and training programs will be developed and shared with local
    2. Strengthened Institutional Capacities: Local institutions and youth organizations will be empowered through capacity-building activities, including training sessions, workshops, and cross- country This will enhance their ability to support sustainable pastoralism and ecosystem restoration.
    3. Improved Ecosystem Health: On-the-ground restoration activities such as reforestation, soil conservation, and water management will be implemented, leading to healthier and more resilient ecosystems in targeted pastoral areas.
    4. Sustainable Livelihoods: The development of sustainable value chains for pastoral products will provide economic opportunities for local communities, ensuring fair trade and market access. Youth- led enterprises will promote eco-friendly and value-added products, contributing to sustainable livelihoods.

  • Output Indicators:
    • Number of research studies and educational materials developed.
    • Number of training sessions and workshops conducted.
    • Area of land restored through reforestation and soil conservation.
    • Number of sustainable value chains developed and supported.
  • What Innovation Will the Project Create?
    The project will create innovative approaches to integrating traditional knowledge with modern sustainable pastoralism practices. It will also foster youth-led enterprises that develop and market eco-friendly, value- added pastoral products. By combining participatory research, capacity building, and practical restoration activities, the project will introduce new methods for sustainable ecosystem management and economic development in SEPLS.
  • How Can the Long-Term Continuation of the Project Be Secured?
    The long-term continuation of the project can be secured through the establishment of strong local institutions and youth organizations capable of sustaining project activities. Continuous capacity building and knowledge sharing will empower these organizations to maintain and expand the project’s impact. Additionally, developing sustainable value chains will provide ongoing economic incentives for local communities to continue practicing sustainable pastoralism and ecosystem restoration.
  • Risks and Assumptions 
    Risks:
    • Climate variability affecting restoration efforts.
    • Limited financial resources for long-term sustainability.
    • Resistance to change from local communities.
    Assumptions:
    • Continued support from local communities and stakeholders.
    • Availability of funding and resources.
    • Effective collaboration between PESA Tanzania and SAFE Ghana.