"Serendipitous" Adaptation

A community began a project focused on trus cultivation (a type of traditional water conserving on farmlands), magun cultivation (a type of seed sowing that enables plants to survive in the face of sand encroachment), use of home gardens, and shifting cultivation. Since 1998, the Intermediate Technology Development Group has contributed funds and support for this community project.

Sudan: Khor Arba'at Rehabilitation Project

The objective of this project was to improve livelihoods and food security by rehabilitation of Khor Arba’at delta, sustainable management of natural resources to meet local needs, equitable water harvesting, and enhancement of grassroots participation in the overall development of the community.  It introduced use of micro-catchment water harvesting techniques or contour bunds for planting trees, agricultural extension and training for improved agricultural practice, adult literacy education for women, credit program and training, and formation and training of a community development committ

The UNDP/GEF project was initiated in 1992 covering 17 villages.  The aim of the project was to implement a simple model of community-based natural resources management to prevent over-exploitation and degradation of marginal lands and rehabilitate rangelands for the purpose of carbon sequestration.  The project provided for increasing numbers of livelihood alternatives to diversify local production systems and improve socio-economic conditions.  Measures included small scale irrigated vegetable gardens, pest management, improvement of water supply through the construction and management of

The project promotes the restoration and sustainable use of ecosystems along the Eastern Coast of Sri Lanka damaged by the Indian Ocean tsunami. It is designed to overcome three key barriers to the restoration of coastal ecosystems and to catalyse a replicable low-cost system. By the end of the project, at least 1,000 ha of coastal lagoons, 75 ha of sand dunes and 250 ha of mangroves will have been rehabilitated and be under sustainable management.

Sri Lanka: Pangu Work-Distribution Practice

The pangu method, practiced in the Anuradhapura District of Sri Lanka, can be seen as a case of “serendipitous” autonomous adaptation.

The installation of photovolaic solar energy systems in three Senegalese villages led to an increase in local productivity by encouraging people to stay in the villages instead of leaving in search of economic opportunity. Many socio-economic benefits associated with electricity provision were observed, such as improved health services, enhanced livelihood, and educational and cultural opportunities.

An project providing technical advice, organization training, and financial help to farmers can be seen as case of “serendipitous” adaptation. Under the tutelage of ENDA-SYSPRO, farmers set up co-ops dedicated to agro-forestry. Benefits include reduced soil erosion, reduced need for irrigation, improved soil fertility, increased income opportunities (through agriculture), and improved food security (through crops).

The village of Lepa depends on coastal springs for drinking water. During floods, this water is made dirty and undrinkable, and the residents have no water source. The aim of this project, led by Lepa - Komiti Tumama, is to help villagers store water during non-flood periods to provide a source of clean drinking water during floods.

This project is an effort by the residents of Matafa’a village to conserve the local mangrove ecosystem in response to fears that the growing population of the village will encroach upon the mangrove. The village wishes to protect the mangrove because of its ecological value and its role in protecting the community from strong storm surges.

Samoa: Mangrove Restoration in Vaiusu Bay

The overall goal of the Vaiusu Bay Restoriation Project is the replanting of the mangrove area along the whole of Vaiusu Bay, as part of a large restoration project, which is intended to cover the neighboring villages of Vaigaga.