1. Identify training needs in the focal Districts

This enables potential beneficiaries know what training opportunities exist and help them identify critical training gaps related to CBNRM that COMPASS can consider supporting. Though COMPASS conducted  a Training Needs Assessment nationwide in 1999 (COMPASS Document 5 - Training Needs Assessment: Responsive Modules and Training Approach), there remains a need to re-examine and tailor the needs to the prevailing situations in each of the nine target Districts taking into consideration the different opportunities that exist. Interested partners and groups from the target areas are requested to develop training proposals. The information about training opportunities existing within COMPASS will be shared during COMPASS presentations at District Executive Committee meetings at each focal District. 
 
2. Internalize Cost-Sharing Guidelines

In year 2000, COMPASS developed cost-sharing guidelines (COMPASS Document 19 - Cost-sharing Principles and Guidelines for CBNRM Activities) during a one-day workshop involving CBNRM partners and service providers. The cost-sharing guidelines help realize economies of scale in the implementation of CBNRM activities and minimize duplication in the provision of training services. Consultations continue with partners working in focal Districts and donor representatives in order to internalize the spirit of cost sharing in CBNRM training activities. 
 
3. Coordinate and support training requests from partners

 

COMPASS has already disseminated information on the training opportunities that COMPASS can consider supporting. The partners were asked to present their training requests in the form of training proposals. COMPASS will be responsive to funding a training request that is seen to address effectively the existing challenges relating to CBNRM. COMPASS' approach to supporting training is based on the partners' demand and the anticipated impact on the ground. The training opportunities are mostly  directed at grassroots workers and community-based groups.  

The COMPASS team appraise the training proposals from partners and, if approved, training is funded. The appraisal looks into issues such as relevance of the training activity in addressing a given problem, the nature of the problem, cost-sharing mechanisms and clearly stated expected outputs. Training mainly focuses on the nine targeted Districts. In certain cases, COMPASS assists in identifying resource persons to facilitate during the proposed courses.  
 

4. Evaluate training impact

After the training, COMPASS makes follow-up visits together with partners to trainees to assess the impact of the training on the ground. Follow-ups on trainees look into: 
 

• application of the knowledge and skills gained during the course;
• relevance of the training to the working situation; and
• support required to effectively apply the gained knowledge and skills.

Towards end of the year, an assessment of the impact of the training activities and exchange visits will be conducted.

1. Identify and Record Best Practices in CBNRM

We help identify unique CBNRM sites with relevant success stories that can act as educational models for knowledge-transfer that can be adapted on the basis of the situation on the ground. The identification is accomplished through consultations with partners and technical expertise in a given CBNRM sector. This is backed up by actual field visits to the sites and also in-depth discussions with the practitioners. Considering that some model sites will make progress and others fall back, further visits by COMPASS team are made to provide the public with the most current picture and a record of new lessons. To facilitate the visual appreciation of progress or regression in the identified sites, digital images are made at each site wherever appropriate.

2. Publish Best CBNRM Practices as Guidelines and Case Studies

The documented sites act as possible examples and learning sites, by examining what went well, what problems were experienced, how problems can / were rectified and possible adaptations of the practice to fit other interested partners. A hard copy containing the description of the identified CBNRM Best-Practices sites has been distributed to all partners involved in CBNRM.

3. Organize exchange visits through COMPASS

One of the principles of adult learning is that adults get more excited about adopting a technology that has been seen working elsewhere under similar conditions than just hearing about the technology. Exchange visits are therefore encouraged to enhance exposure and sharing of experiences between sites with success stories. The visits also provide an inspiration and motivation to those touring and an encouragement to the hosts. 

There are several promising CBNRM initiatives being implemented in Malawi. Through providing tangible examples of successful CBNRM practices during exchange visits, adoption of CBNRM practices will occur with minimum effort.  

The COMPASS team co-ordinates exchange visits between various sites within Malawi and in certain cases to other SADC countries. The purpose is to provide a platform for hand-on learning. COMPASS' primary role is to identify model CBNRM initiatives and establish links between groups facing similar challenges. The cost-sharing arrangements are encouraged in the organization of exchange visits. For example, COMPASS supports community groups that are not donor-supported with logistical arrangements and/or funds. Donor-supported institutions will be expected to cover their own expenses though in certain cases COMPASS assists in making logistical arrangements. COMPASS also assists in determining aspects of accessibility and travel schedules, lodging, catering and other related logistics. The level of potential host participation and the number of visitors that can be realistically accommodated are ascertained.