[...] "GEF SGP made CDLA more relevant to the communities as it provided direct benefits, - which were in line with the National Plans for adaptation and poverty reduction, - to the communities and the government of Zambia. This has motivated the provincial government to work with CDLA on matters of land use planning and management in the province.

Furthermore, GEF SGP enhanced our organizational capacity to meet the expectations of the beneficiary communities. Although diversification of livelihood activities has long been accepted as a risk-management mechanism, it has become increasingly important in the context of current climate changes. GEF SGP made it possible for CDLA to spread and re-introduce the practice to the beneficiary communities.

[...] The introduction of organic farming has reduced soil degradation. In the long-term, it has an impact on the sustainability of natural resources, eradication of extreme poverty and hunger, while ensuring that environmental sustainability is in line with the Millennium Development Goals.

GEF SGP has enabled CDLA to mobilize groups of women and to train the in the construction of energy-effcient stoves, agroforestry, nursery production, organic farming and leadership skills. This has enhanced their capacity and project sustainability while helping them fight vulnerability and disadvantages.

[...] In conclusion, GEF SGP Zambia provided immense benefits to both the Organization (CDLA) and beneficiary communities.[...] In order to ensure that the adaptation options of the GEF SGP serve as adequate and effective responses to the adverse impacts of climate change, we need to upscale and replicate the project to other communities.

"This project has indeed helped me and other women to earn an income. I have so far made a saving of K250.000.00 (USD 50) from the sales of carrots and cabbages and the crops are still yielding, thanks to CDLA, which is supported by the GEF SGP in Zambia. Says Amai Phiri one of the beneficiaries."

Why and how is SGP important for your country?

"The GEF Small Grants Programme (GEF SGP) in Zambia supports community-level initiatives that promote sustainable economic growth and social development within the five GEF focal areas. The program integrates poverty reduction as a critical entry point in environmental management and human development. It operates on the belief that global environmental problems can best be addressed if the local people affected by the problems are involved and there are direct benefits from and ownership of the process.

In terms of the importance of the SGP in Zambia, the SGP responds directly to the numerous major national policies and programmes related to the environment such as National Policy on Environment (NPE), Forestry Policy, Agriculture and Food Security Policy, the Zambia National Biodiversity and Action Plan (NBSAP), the National Action Plan (NAP) for the implementation of United Nations Convention to Combat Desertification (UNCCD) as well as the Sixth National development Plan (SNDP) and the Second National Communication (SNC). Overall, the SGP has been important in Zambia because its activities not only fit with the aims of these national policies and programmes, but also make major contributions to the achievements of Zambia's Vision 2030."

Why and how is SGP important for the National Host Institution (NHI)?

"SGP improves the profile of the National Host Institution (NHI). Over the four years that KZF has been the NHI, its recognition by the government and other development players - local and international - has increased tremendously.

Furthermore, hosting SGP build the capacity of the NHI. Through the support rendered by the SGP secretariat, NHI's capacity to coordinate the programme has improved. In addition, the awareness created about environmental issues around the country is very enriching for KZF.

In addition, through interaction with CBOs and other NGOs, KZF benefits from establishing productive networks among civil society participants. KZF can build on these networks to enhance its participation in addressing environmental challenges in the country."

Why and how is SGP important for your country?

"Experience has shown that while there are numerous environmental concerns in the country, there are equally many ideas to address them. However, funding is a challenge to most of those that would like to offer practical solutions. The fact that SGP operates at the grassroots level of rural communities means that immediate tangible benefits can be seen and felt by the people. SGP therefore provides a good opportunity for everyone to learn from the small things that are happening at the grassroots. Bigger interventions also have a lot to learn from the results of SGP on the ground."

What has been the most significant contribution of the National Steering Committee (NSC)?

"The most significant contribution of GEF SGP Zambia lies in the provision of guidance and strategic direction for the program, and the screening and selection of projects for grant awards - in coordination with the National Coordinator (NC). Furthermore, the NSC contributed to the development and continuing refinement of a GEF SGP Country Programme Strategy, disseminated information on SGP through its own networks and enhanced visibility of the programme. Overall, the NSC's contribution has been its strategic and programmatic approach in making GEF SGP Zambia a "country-driven" programme, bringing together all the key country stakeholders, both government and non-government, into a joint effort to promote sustainable development in the country."

In your view, what is the most unique aspect of SGP?

"The most unique aspect of SGP is its approach in linking global, national and local-level issues through a transparent, participatory and country- driven approach to projects planning, design and implementation. Grants are made directly to community groups, NGOs and CBOs in recognition of their key role as a resource and constituency for environment and development concerns. Though SGP, grants are small but the impact is large. Another unique aspect is that SGP 's delivery mechanism is cost effective, efficient and flexible which in turn produces global benefits at the local level."