1. About the NGO

The Zambia CBNRM Forum was established in 2004, registered in 2005 by formally the registrar of societies and launched on 12th August, 2005 by the Ministry of Tourism, Environment and Natural Resources (MTENR). Membership of the Forum includes CBOs, Non-Governmental Organizations (NGOs), regional and international NGOs, Faith-Based Organizations (FBOs), government agencies and inter-governmental institutions, the private sector, traditional authorities, community representatives, academic and research institutions.

There are currently 150 members registered to the Forum. The Forum operates through working groups these are Training, Policy, Community monitoring and community based enterprises working groups. The Forum Goal is improved rural livelihoods at the household level attained through sustainable management and utilization of natural resources. Purpose, CBNRMF principles, policies and practice adopted as a mainstream strategy for sustainable natural resource management and rural development.

The Forum is currently up scaling community based monitoring system in Mumbwa GMA, Engaged in policy review and dialogue, promoting CBNRM training with Zambia Forestry College.
The Forum provides a platform for sharing best practices and generates information for up scaling by member organizations. The Forum establishes a Community based management oriented monitoring system site for Biodiversity monitoring in Mumbwa that has been up-scaled by Mufunta Community Resource Boards and ZAWA in Kaoma. The Forum facilitated support to 40 groups with Bee keeping in Itizhi-tezhi and Chinsali who have increased production and now are linked to COMACO value chain.

The Forum supported SAFIRE with Enterprise Development materials to set up a Mungongo Enterprises in Sesheke that is now independent of donor support and community driven.
The Forum facilitated formation of CBNRM ZAWA policy and consultations for the policy on Game Management Areas (GMAs), participated in the National Forestry policy dialogue, The CBNRM facilitated development of curricula with teaching and learning materials for diploma, certificate and short courses at the Zambia Forest College (ZFC) and the African College of CBNRM, undertook a needs assessment for introducing CBNRM at Natural Development college. The Forum facilitated the formation of the Zambia Climate Change Network for Civil society engagement in climate change debates.

2. Project?s main objective

2.1 To demonstrate a viable community based Baobab Enterprise that would contribute towards poverty alleviation and income generation at community level and contribution to conservation efforts.

3. Specific Objectives

3.1 To develop a community enterprise focusing on baobab
3.2 To establish a sustainable and reliable supply, production and marketing chain for baobab products and derivatives
3.3 To promote conservation of natural resources with the baobab project as an entry point, incentive and avenue towards building a critical mass for conservation

4. Key project outcomes

4.1 To develop and restructure Baobab harvesting and supply chains, processing, packaging, branding and marketing coupled with distribution of baobab products at a profit accruing to target communities.
4.2 1000 farmers have increased knowledge on sustainable harvesting, processing and utilization of Baobab (Adansonia digitata) products