Project
LTRA-2: An Agricultural Markets Model for Biodiversity Conservation
Details
Project Code:
LTRA-2
Start Date:
2005
End Date:
2009
CRSP Phase:
Phase 3
Budget:
$1,198,000
Countries:
Zambia
Participants
Lead University:
Cornell University
Other Partners:
Wildlife Conservation Society
Principal Investigator(s):
Alex Travis
Co-Principal Investigator(s):
Alfonso Torres, Dale Lewis
Links
Overview
This project sought to determine the extent to which the Community Markets for Conservation (COMACO) model can be economically self-sustaining and the effectiveness of the different COMACO model components. To integrate new technologies into the COMACO model by applying food, soil, and veterinary sciences. To determine the extent to which the COMACO model provides self-sustaining social institutions and meaningful roles for COMACO participants, and to determine the extent to which the COMACO model improves biodiversity and watershed conservation.
Objectives
1. To determine the extent to which the Community Markets for Conservation (COMACO) model can be economically self-sustaining and the effectiveness of the different COMACO model components 2. To integrate new technologies into the COMACO model by applying food, soil, and veterinary sciences 3. To determine the extent to which the COMACO model provides self-sustaining social institutions and meaningful roles for COMACO participants, and 4. To determine the extent to which the COMACO model improves biodiversity and watershed conservation.
Outcomes
In the Luangwa River Valley of eastern Zambia, wildlife poaching and unsustainable farming practices lead to soil erosion and river siltation, which degrade both the biodiversity and resource productivity of the region. A community-based, private enterprise model for smallholder market development and income generation was tested and optimized to improve food security and conserve biodiversity. The Community Markets for Conservation (COMACO) program consolidated agricultural production and added value, creating higher market prices for smallholders who adopt conservation farming and turn in their traps, snares, and guns.
