4 November 2014: The World Agroforestry Centre (ICRAF) and EcoAgriculture Partners published a joint analysis of 87 integrated landscape management projects in sub-Saharan Africa. The analysis reveals that integrated approaches can yield benefits that were previously thought to be incompatible, such as conservation alongside increased agricultural production.

The report, titled ‘Integrated Landscape Initiatives for African Agriculture, Development, and Conservation: A Region-Wide Assessment,’ notes that investments range in size from a few square kilometers to large transboundary efforts with biodiversity and conservation as the most common entry point. The analysis also reveals that stakeholder engagement tends to be high in integrated landscape management projects that often include a heavy focus on the development of institutions and frameworks for coordination.

Based on the analysis, ICRAF is calling for increased investment in integrated landscape management, while noting that multiple benefits are best achieved when women and the private sector are engaged; when two or more forms of capacity building are addressed; and when government support is strengthened.

The report also presents a number of challenges to overcome with regard to integrated landscape management such as accessing sustainable funding, coordinating stakeholders, managing conflict and building trust. ICRAF is part of the CGIAR Consortium. [ICRAF Press Release] [Publication: Integrated Landscape Initiatives for African Agriculture, Development, and Conservation: A Region-Wide Assessment]