Community Mobilization for SLM Interventions
Type: Approaches
Creation: 2023-07-08 14:32 Updated: 2024-06-04 14:16
Compilers: Nima Dolma Tamang
Reviewers: William Critchley, Rima Mekdaschi Studer, Joana Eichenberger
Country/ region/ locations where the Approach has been applied
- Country: Bhutan
- Region/ State/ Province: Dagana Dzongkhag
- Further specification of location (e.g. municipality, town, etc.), if relevant: Pangserpo Chiwog, Drujeygang Gewog
- Map: View Map
Description of the SLM Approach
Short description of the Approach
Community mobilization in implementing sustainable land management technologies is indispensable in engaging the community to identify their priorities, resources, needs and solutions. It ultimately promotes bottom-up participation and fosters accountability.
Detailed description of the Approach
Community mobilization in implementing sustainable land management technologies involves active engagement of local communities in the planning, decision-making, implementation, and monitoring of land management. This approach recognizes the vital role of local communities in managing and conserving natural resources. By actively involving community members, SLM initiatives can be more effective and sustainable in the long-run.
With the objective of promoting a sense of unity and shared responsibility, SLM implementation in Pangserpo Chiwog of Drujeygang Gewog under Dagana Dzongkhag, has been executed through mobilization of a community group called ‘Thuenpa Puenzhi Sonam Detshen’. This group, consisting of 13 members, was initially instituted as a vegetable progressive group in 2018.
The need for SLM came to light when one of the members adopted stone bunds, inspiring the rest of the members. Subsequently, the community group members collectively initiated an SLM programme to address land degradation issues and enhance agriculture productivity. The proven SLM technologies implemented includes stone bunds, terracing, and hedgerows.
The community mobilization approach has built capacity within the community for effective land use and conservation, fostering ownership and securing the longevity of the SLM programme. The bylaws - for instance mandatory active participation of every member in community work - have been successful in upholding the integrity of the initiative, thereby ensuring effective implementation of SLM related activities.
This group mainly consists of women headed households who support each other through a self-help approach. When labour shortage is the major challenge, the self-mobilized group plays a vital role in scaling up SLM interventions and improving their own livelihoods. In most cases of SLM grouping, the groups remain intact until project support is withdrawn, but for the Thuenpa Puenzhi Sonam Detshen, the group is still functional.
Photos of the Approach
- 📍 Pangserpo Gewog, Drujeygang Gewog, Dagana Dzongkhag
- 🗓 2023-07-07
- 📷 Sonam Wangchuk
- 📍 Pangserpo chiwog, Drujeyang Gewog, Dagana Dzongkhag
- 🗓 2021-01-07
- 📷 Haka Drukpa