Resource Mobilization

TerrAfrica does not exist to fund SLM projects. Instead, by dismantling the bottlenecks which are currently preventing the scaling up and mainstreaming of nationally-driven SLM strategies, TerrAfrica aims to help mobilize - or "unlock" - resources already available, and to catalyze additional investment. It is clear that the bulk of resources to support SLM on the ground exist at the country level, and hence activities under Activity Line (AL) 3, "investments", are aimed at leveraging resources available at this level. These include domestic and international financial and non-financial resources, as well as public and private funding. Where there are gaps in financing to support specific products, particularly knowledge tools as identified under AL2 (Knowledge Management), additional financing is raised.

TerrAfrica Leveraging Fund (TLF)

Because the business strategy foresees a need for direct TerrAfrica financial support to certain pre-defined areas, a TerrAfrica Leveraging Fund (TLF) has been created to provide such resources in a flexible and cost effective way. Those products justifying TLF support will chiefly be under AL1 (Coalition Building) and AL2 (Knowledge Management). This will ensure that resources are available to broaden and strengthen the coalition of partners, their coordination, understanding, and knowledge. In addition, the TLF occasionally provides seed funding for country dialogue, mainstreaming, and pilot investments where there is an important catalytic potential under AL3 (Investments), particularly to assist in leveraging longer-term support and facilitating scale up.

Examples of Activities Funded by the TLF

AL1 - Strengthening coalitions, advocacy and knowledge-based partnerships

  • Selective joint reviews of partners' portfolio and shared stocktaking from existing activities and civil society organizations
  • Targeted technical assistance to NEPAD in support of political mobilization and improved SLM governance

AL2 - Improving analytical underpinnings to support SLM up-scaling

  • Action-orientated tool boxes and guidelines for pressing issues such as SLM mainstreaming into Poverty Reduction Strategy Papers (PRSPs)
  • Development and implementation of a comprehensive framework to assess the cost of land degradation and the benefits of SLM practices

Strategic Investment Program (SIP)

The SIP is the key investment programme of the TerrAfrica multi-partner platform. It directly supports the objectives of NEPAD's Comprehensive Africa Agricultural Development Programme (CAADP) and Environmental Action Plan (EAP), as well as the UNCCD National Action Plans and the UNFCCC National Adaptation Programmes of Action. Endorsed by the Global Environmental Facility (GEF) in 2007, the SIP increases investments at the country level. The approval earmarked a $150 million grant to support 28 countries in advancing nearly 40 operations that promote climate resilient SLM practices including watershed management, land use planning, conservation tillage, intercropping, agroforestry, small water infrastructure, woodlots, and erosion control. As part of the SIP, support for SLM on-the-ground activities has included capacity building for SLM implementers, SLM pilots with scale-up strategy, strengthening farmer/producer organizations, and providing incentives for SLM adoption, to create an enabling environment for SLM. Countries receiving SIP support include: Benin, Botswana, Burkina Faso, Burundi, Comoros, Central African Republic, Democratic Republic of Congo, Eritrea, Ethiopia, Gambia, Ghana, Kenya, Lesotho, Madagascar, Malawi, Mali, Mauritania, Mozambique, Niger, Nigeria, Rwanda, Senegal, South Africa, Sudan, Swaziland, Tanzania, Uganda, and Zambia