|
PROJECT GOAL: To promote agro forestry in the Buff Bay Valley.
PROJECT DESCRIPTION: The purpose of the project is to enable the BBLFMC to initiate sustainable participatory management through the implementation of an agro-forestry programme in the Buff Bay sub-watershed to reduce soil erosion and increase forest cover. The objectives are to:
- Implement an agro-forestry programme involving LFMC members, three schools, approximately 75 farmers and community members.
- Plant selected areas in forest reserves damaged by hurricanes (5 acres each in the Shantemee and Lancaster forest reserves)
The project will generate livelihood opportunities for our partner LFMC members in Pencar (via contracting with the nursery to provide seedlings); build the capacity of the BBLFMC in forest management, increase tree cover and rehabilitate deforested areas.
Awareness of the role of the LFMC will be spread and lead to greater participation in its activities. Local farmers who predominantly cultivate coffee on steep slopes will diversify economic opportunities through adding timber and fruit trees which will also provide shade. Some farms will also be used as demonstration farms for agro-forestry applications.
Participation of students will serve to reinforce the benefits of trees in the environment and by allowing them to plant their own trees as an investment in their future. Cooperative planting of a section of forest reserve will cement the idea of community forestry. Achievement will be based on number of seedlings planted; number of farmers, students and community members who actually plant trees. Measured mortality rates of sample plots should be below 15%. It is hoped that this will serve as a pilot project and on successful completion; additional funds may be obtained from the FCF to replant additional acreages within the forest reserves; and expand the farmers’ programme.
|
