Biofencing to boost agricultural production and biodiversity
Challenge
Fields and gardens essential to livelihoods of refugees in Tongogora Refugee Camp are often damaged by animals, requiring extensive fencing. Crop damage has led to tension between agricultural and pastoral households, while fencing needs have sped up deforestation.
Solution
Collaborate with communities to grow local plants as natural barriers around crop fields. This will reduce the need for wood, create a carbon sink, boost biodiversity, and improve social relations. The plants can also provide other benefits, including food and resources.
Impact
The solution, which was identified by host and refugee farmers, will benefit 2,610 individuals directly and 6,000 indirectly. It will grow local capacity, enhance livelihood options, provide sustainable resources, promote social cohesion, and contribute to biodiversity.
Project impact
Other impact
Through peer-to-peer learning, other farmers have shown interest in extending the work, while trained farmers have begun replicating the approach in their own plots.
The natural fences are further supporting soil stabilization and flood prevention.
Find out more about this project here.