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About Sustainable Agriculture, Biodiversity and Livelihoods

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The Sustainable Agriculture, Biodiversity and Livelihoods (SABL) Programme’s multidisciplinary approach involves the use of action research, planning, monitoring and evaluation, mediation and dispute resolution, and advocacy and outreach. This integrated approach, also including deliberative and inclusive methods, enables the SABL Programme to play the role of ‘broker’, ‘facilitator’, and ‘intermediary’. By working closely with and providing support to partner organisations, it seeks to encourage change towards more dynamic and integrated ways of conducting research and informing policy.

The SABL Programme plays the role of 'facilitator' and 'intermediary' by:

  • engaging in collaborative research with partner organisations on the range of livelihood opportunities and the policy and institutional contexts and instruments necessary for them to be effective;
  • synthesising and disseminating an array of material to inform and influence the work of policy makers and practitioners - and the people who inform and influence these groups; and,
  • developing innovative methodologies, that cross the boundaries of the natural and social sciences and formal and participatory approaches, and that promote social inclusion and greater participation.

Read about Current Visiting Fellow(s) in the Sustainable Agriculture, Biodiversity and Livelihoods Programme

SABL’s work focuses on two key overlapping Thematic Areas:

Sustainable Agriculture and Livelihoods | Biodiversity and Livelihoods

 

Sustainable Agriculture and Livelihoods


Through its research, the Programme has developed the concept of Sustainable Agriculturally-Based Livelihoods, which includes five interconnected elements:

  • sustainable agricultural intensification - with emphasis on resource-conserving and regenerative technologies, optimal use of external inputs, full participation of key actors;
  • viable and equitable regional economies - involving the development and strengthening of rural social enterprises, security of tenure for land and usufruct rights, and improved retention of economic surpluses;
  • sustainably-managed natural resources - including integrated approaches to natural resource management, the enhancement of landscape and amenity value, and the conservation of in-situ and ex-situ biodiversity;
  • enabling institutions - focusing on the strengthened capacity of local groups, the reform and reorientation of external support agencies and the enhancement of linkages between public and private sector organisations; and,
  • supportive policy environment - including the formulation and implementation of policies and policy instruments that enhance and support the spread of sustainable agriculture and rural regeneration.

The Programme's current research activities concentrate on understanding and documenting the conditions under which SABL can emerge and persist. Efforts are also being directed at identifying the critical elements needed to support their spread. Particular emphasis is being placed on the role of policies, policy processes, and institutions in enhancing and extending SABL.

 

Biodiversity and Livelihoods

 

We approach biodiversity from a ‘people-first’ perspective. Our work addresses all three objectives of the Biodiversity Convention – conservation of biodiversity, sustainable use and benefit-sharing. The following themes are particularly important throughout our work:

  • Linking biodiversity conservation and poverty reduction objectives,
  • Empowering marginalized biodiversity managers to participate in decision-making,
  • Promoting more equitable access to biodiversity, and its benefits,
  • Recognising multiple biodiversity perspectives and values, in particular those of Southern actors and communities

While much of IIED’s work on biodiversity is conducted by SABL, there are also researchers in other IIED programmes who work on biodiversity issues. Together we form IIED’s Cross Programme Biodiversity Group. For more information click here…


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