Interventions attempting to change long-standing norms and practices must be supported with the in-depth strategies, expertise, and tools needed to effect such changes. The ENRM and SGEF activities sought to significantly alter deeply rooted behaviors related to gender dynamics and agricultural practices within households and communities, an effort that generally involves sustained engagement over an extended time period, beyond what was afforded under the grant facility. Such interventions generally require intensive focus and effective methodologies for conducting detailed assessments, community mobilization, and application of both innovative and proven techniques for promoting behavior change and introducing alternative income-generating activities. This project could have benefited from technical capacity and appropriate tools to enable monitoring of short-term indicators of behavior change. Besides the land use maps done by four grantees, there were no specific indicators to report project achievements in relation to this area. To have lasting impact, additional work would also be needed across the value chain of productive activities so that farmers see the tangible benefit of better land-use practices.
Lesson Learned