1.2 Contact details of resource persons and institutions involved in the assessment and documentation of the Approach

Name of project which facilitated the documentation/ evaluation of the Approach (if relevant)

Strengthening national-level institutional and professional capacities of country Parties towards enhanced UNCCD monitoring and reporting – GEF 7 EA Umbrella II (GEF 7 UNCCD Enabling Activities_Umbrella II)

Name of the institution(s) which facilitated the documentation/ evaluation of the Approach (if relevant)

National Soil Services Centre, Department of Agriculture, Ministry of Agriculture & Livestock (NSSC) - Bhutan

1.3 Conditions regarding the use of data documented through WOCAT

When were the data compiled (in the field)?

19/07/2023

The compiler and key resource person(s) accept the conditions regarding the use of data documented through WOCAT:

Ja

2.1 Short description of the Approach

The Land Use Certification (LUC) commenced in 2015 as the new allocation system for land and provided a new title of land tenure. Initially, LUC focused on allotting land to Government institutions and Gerab Dratshang (monastic bodies). However, LUC later focused on the unemployed youth who were interested in commercial farming.

2.2 Detailed description of the Approach

Detailed description of the Approach:

The Land Use Certification (LUC) commenced in 2015 as the new system for the allocation of land and a new title of land tenure. Initially, LUC focused on allotting land to Government institutions and Gerab Dratshang (monastic bodies). However, LUC later focused on the unemployed youth who were interested in commercial farming. This documentation is based on the LUC group ‘Tshendung LUC Integrated Farming Association'.
The main aims of the LUC approach are 1) to help sustainably manage and enhance productive use of land, 2) to encourage next-generation farming through farm mechanization and large-scale enterprising farming, and 3) to enhance the rural economy.
The approach started as an initiative towards the realization of the noble vision of strengthening sovereignty and security and enhancing social policy of equity and the national objective of self-reliance. Unemployed youth groups are expected to help sustainably manage and enhance the productive use of land - and the approach was to encourage next-generation farming through farm mechanization and large-scale production to promote enterprise-based farming and enhance the rural economy. Initially, it started with a meeting between district officials and unemployed youth. Later, bylaws were created, and agreements were signed. This was followed by sending youth for capacity development within and outside the country. They were trained on how to operate power tillers, use grass cutters and chain saws, and on the installation of electric fencing and greenhouses. In addition, they were trained in how to grow vegetables, fruit crops, and livestock production. In parallel infrastructure development activities were taking place in the current project sites.
The Tshendung LUC Integrated Farming Association enables land users to carry out agricultural activities more effectively. In addition, the association was able to transport and market their produce more efficiently than individual households. Other co-benefits reported are the improved community sense and enhanced social cohesion because the exchange of experiences and collaboration builds mutual trust. Working in a group eases hard physical work on the 9 acres (3.6 ha) of land.
The District Office initiated the group formation upon command from higher authority. They were also involved in planning, forming groups, bylaws, and monitoring the activities of the group. The District agricultural and livestock officers provided technical guidance on crop and livestock production. They also provided them with agricultural inputs. Lichen Primary School are consumers of the agricultural and livestock goods produced by the group. Land users are involved in planning the production and marketing of agricultural and animal products.
Initially, there were 11 youths in the group. They were provided with wide-ranging training and support including the preparation of land for growing crops and the construction of their residence. In addition to agricultural inputs like seeds, and saplings, the group was also provided farm machinery and farm tools for easy implementation of farm works. The group is happy with all the initiatives the government has done, however, one thing that discouraged the group from continuing with farming activities was the location of the site. They didn't like the location - which is in the middle of the forest around 15-20km away from the town. This makes transportation of agricultural inputs like seeds and feeds and marketing of agricultural and livestock products very difficult. The government initially supported the group with everything but later this support was withdrawn, which made it very difficult for the group to survive on their own.

2.3 Photos of the Approach

2.5 Country/ region/ locations where the Approach has been applied

2.6 Dates of initiation and termination of the Approach

2.7 Type of Approach

• recent local initiative/ innovative

2.8 Main aims/ objectives of the Approach

The main aims/objectives of the approach are to 1) foster youth entrepreneurship in the country, 2) promote, foster, encourage, and assist the efficient, convenient marketing and distribution of agricultural products, livestock, and associated by-products with the growing market within Trashi Yangtse and other districts in the country.

2.9 Conditions enabling or hindering implementation of the Technology/ Technologies applied under the Approach

3.1 Stakeholders involved in the Approach and their roles

3.2 Involvement of local land users/ local communities in the different phases of the Approach

	Involvement of local land users/ local communities	Specify who was involved and describe activities
initiation/ motivation	external support	District officer, Kidu officer directed the youths on the opportunity through this approach.
planning	interactive	The district officer, engineer, agricultural and livestock extension officer, head of the gewog/block, and land users identified the place and started the planning.
implementation	interactive	The district engineer started the land development activities by creating a terrace and farm road. This was later followed by agricultural and livestock activities.
monitoring/ evaluation	interactive	Focal person for LUC Agriculture extension officer Livestock extension officer District legal officer

3.3 Flow chart (if available)

3.4 Decision-making on the selection of SLM Technology/ Technologies

Specify who decided on the selection of the Technology/ Technologies to be implemented:

• land users alone (self-initiative)

Explain:

Initially, a part of electric fencing was done by the government, and later the group installed a part of greenhouse. Chicken manure and leaf mould, and top soil from the forest were collected and applied.

Specify on what basis decisions were made:

• personal experience and opinions (undocumented)

4.1 Capacity building/ training

Was training provided to land users/ other stakeholders?

Ja

Specify who was trained:

• land users

If relevant, specify gender, age, status, ethnicity, etc.

10 males and a female were trained. They were all under the age of 25.

Form of training:

• farmer-to-farmer
• demonstration areas

Subjects covered:

Production of fruits and vegetables, Poultry and dairy production, Power tiller operation, and record keeping.

Comments:

Land users were sent to India for the site visit to explore and learn about poultry production, dairy production, and vegetable and fruit production. Some of them attended training on how to operate power tillers.

4.2 Advisory service

Do land users have access to an advisory service?

Ja

Specify whether advisory service is provided:

• on land users' fields
• at permanent centres

Describe/ comments:

The agricultural extension officer and livestock officer provided advice on what crop to grow, and what livestock to rear.

4.3 Institution strengthening (organizational development)

Have institutions been established or strengthened through the Approach?

• yes, moderately

Specify the level(s) at which institutions have been strengthened or established:

• local

Describe institution, roles and responsibilities, members, etc.

Institutional strengthening between the group and the Lichen Primary School was strengthened. Here the group is a producer of vegetables, butter, and cheese and the school is the buyer.

4.4 Monitoring and evaluation

Is monitoring and evaluation part of the Approach?

Ja

Comments:

Crop and livestock production were monitored through observation by the agricultural officer and livestock officer.

If yes, is this documentation intended to be used for monitoring and evaluation?

Ja

4.5 Research

Was research part of the Approach?

Ja

Specify topics:

• economics / marketing
• technology

Give further details and indicate who did the research:

The research was conducted to study the feasibility of different vegetables in different seasons. Trials were conducted and land users found out that most vegetables don't do well except vegetables like cabbage, beans, and chilli.

5.1 Annual budget for the SLM component of the Approach

Comments (e.g. main sources of funding/ major donors):

There is no budget allocated for any SLM technologies in this approach. All financial needs were met by the project.

5.2 Financial/ material support provided to land users

Did land users receive financial/ material support for implementing the Technology/ Technologies?

Ja

If yes, specify type(s) of support, conditions, and provider(s):

Construction support: Road constructed by project, land development done by project
Constructional material support: Electric fencing, housing, Irrigation, greenhouse, power tillers, power chain, grass cutter, wheelbarrow, secateurs, spades, shovels, etc.

5.3 Subsidies for specific inputs (including labour)

• equipment

• agricultural

• construction

• infrastructure

If labour by land users was a substantial input, was it:

• rewarded with other material support

Comments:

Land users (youth) worked in the group for the installation of the greenhouse, electric fencing, construction of a poultry shed, and apartment bungalow for themselves.

5.4 Credit

Was credit provided under the Approach for SLM activities?

Nee

5.5 Other incentives or instruments

Were other incentives or instruments used to promote implementation of SLM Technologies?

Ja

If yes, specify:

Land development was carried out under the supervision of the District Agricultural and livestock officers, who are SLM experts at the district level. Greenhouses with simi automated irrigation, terraces with bunds, and electric fencing were promoted as incentives through the project.

6.1 Impacts of the Approach

6.2 Main motivation of land users to implement SLM

6.3 Sustainability of Approach activities

Can the land users sustain what has been implemented through the Approach (without external support)?

• no

If no or uncertain, specify and comment:

Initially, many land users were involved in sustaining and implementing the approach. However, later many land users could not continue to be part of the approach. In this case, the present land user said that in the future it will be very difficult to sustain what has been implemented through the approach. This is mainly because different land users were trained in different aspects of the approach. Secondly, the less number of land users involved cannot look after a huge area i.e., 9 acres.

6.4 Strengths/ advantages of the Approach

Strengths/ advantages/ opportunities in the land user’s view
Employment: The approach provided employment opportunities to more than 20 youth who were from socially and economically disabled groups.
Income: The approach also became the source of income for 20 youths who were involved in the approach.
Diversified source of income: With support from the project many technologies were incorporated into the site, like a poultry farm, fruit trees, vegetables, and a greenhouse. These technologies acted as a source of income for the land users.

Strengths/ advantages/ opportunities in the compiler’s or other key resource person’s view
Capacity building and opportunities: Through the approach, land users were trained in different aspects like how to use power tillers, power chains, and grass cutters. livestock rearing, vegetables, and fruit cultivation. Through this training, their knowledge and skills were developed which was plus point as it provided an opportunity to look for better options.

6.5 Weaknesses/ disadvantages of the Approach and ways of overcoming them

Weaknesses/ disadvantages/ risks in the land user’s view	How can they be overcome?
Labor shortage: Initially 20 land users were involved however as time passed by, many left the group and this created a labor shortage.	If the government can penalize those who leave the group.
Crop failure: Since the site is located in a high altitude area (2300 masl) many crops do not grow well. This discourages land users and many left the group.	Greenhouses are provided with drip irrigation facilities only. If Automation is added in the greenhouse it could solve the problem.
Marketing: Local markets are captured by local producers. Land users shared their views on exploring market opportunities in another district. They also added that even if they find a good market it will be difficult since they don't have their own marketing van.	Providing marketing van.

Weaknesses/ disadvantages/ risks in the compiler’s or other key resource person’s view	How can they be overcome?
A penalty for breach of contract: The land users were free to leave the group even after receiving capacity development training. If this was the case a time will come when everyone will leave.	Therefore, we felt the government should make strict rules on those who leave the group after getting training.
Wrong site selection: The current site is located 15-20Km away from the main town. The site is also located in the middle of the forest. When sites are very far from the market, it will be difficult for transporting agricultural inputs/products to and from the market.	Providing a marketing van or changing the site.
Loan: Government should arrange loan facilities for land users. This is because initially they were huge in number and the government supported them with everything. Now there are very less number of active land users and they require financial support to hire laborers and to buy agricultural inputs like seeds and feed for animals.	If loan facilities are arranged for active land users it would solve the problem.

7.1 Methods/ sources of information

7.2 References to available publications

Title, author, year, ISBN:

Tshendung LUC Integrated Farming Association By-laws, Trashi Yangtse, 2020

Available from where? Costs?

Copy of the agreement provided by the land users (free)

7.3 Links to relevant information which is available online

Title/ description:

Land Use Certification, National Land Commission quarterly newsletter (Vol. V, Issue II), 2018

URL:

https://www.nlcs.gov.bt/wp-content/uploads/2019/12/English-Newsletter-Volume-V-Issue-II.pdf

Title/ description:

Land Use Certification pilot project covers Six Eastern Dzongkhags, National Land Commission quarterly newsletter (Vol. V, Issue III), 2018

URL:

https://www.nlcs.gov.bt/wp-content/uploads/2019/12/English-Newsletter-Volume-V-Issue-III.pdf