Year 3 Annual Technical Report: Kulera Biodiversity Project

The project aims to improve governance of protected areas and promote sustainable natural resource management practices. Improved rural livelihoods around the borders of protected areas are also a key objective, with a focus on increasing food security, diversifying income sources, and promoting sound resource management. The project has made significant progress in Year 3, with notable achievements including the establishment of the Nkhotakota Wildlife Reserve Association (NAWIRA), a governance structure for the communities surrounding Nkhotakota Wildlife Reserve. The project has also supported the development of new governance structures and capacity building for existing ones. In addition, over 6.3 million trees were planted as part of the reforestation effort, and 10,754 households adopted improved mud brick stoves. The project has also made progress in improving coffee production and processing, with the installation of a coffee pulper and the facilitation of production of an additional 600,419 coffee seedlings. Collaboration with the Highlands Macadamia Union Limited (HIMACUL) has resulted in the development of a business plan and progress in marketing and nursery management. The project has also facilitated the distribution of 4,340 chickens, 104 goats, and 275 goats, with 2,270 farmers participating in animal husbandry training. The project has also made significant progress in promoting enterprise initiatives, with a focus on increasing incomes from enterprise activities. The project has collaborated with HIMACUL to develop and draft a business plan for sustainable production, processing, and processing of macadamia nuts and honey. Marketing strategies have been explored for honey produced by smallholder farmers. The project has also made progress in improving governance structures, with the establishment of the Nkhotakota Wildlife Reserve Association (NAWIRA) and the development of management agreements for the protected areas. The project has also conducted training for community extension workers, PA officials, and VUCs on leadership, conflict resolution, and community mobilization. The project has also made progress in promoting rural livelihoods, with a focus on increasing food security, diversifying income sources, and promoting sound resource management. The project has supported the development of village savings and loan committees and trained 73 village groups in economic activities, selection, planning, and management. The project has also made progress in promoting