This project aims to address some environmental issues and concerns on Pedra Comprida local community, located inside the Serra Malagueta Natural Park, Santiago Island. These issues are mainly related to soil and water conservation, and its impacts on community livelihood.

Pedra Comprida is located in an area highly influenced by high winds and torrential rains, which causes severe impacts on community agricultural lands, therefore affecting their livelihood options. In previous years, community members with the support of other partners, invested in options to increase resiliency, such as traditional ? small livestock exploitation. The experience did not translated into success, and in some cases generated conflicts with park authorities, due to limited conditions to take care of animals, and to contain them out off park lands.

In order to minimize this situation, the grantee proposes a coordinated and integrated interventions in soil and water conservation, in particular the construction of anti-erosion terraces, of land, introduction of fruit plants, as well as to introduce small confined livestock (small pig farming) to poor families . The animals will be all contained in constructed pens, and will not be allowed to wonder onto park lands.

In specific terms, the grantee aims to construct 6,000 meters anti-erosion terraces, while introducing 1,500 fruit plants. 6 pig pens and 8 sheep pens will be constructed. Overall 24 sheep, 20 improved breeding pigs, will be acquired. The direct beneficiaries of the project are women heads of households and low income farmers.

The Delegation of the Minsitry of Agricuture and Environment and the Natural Park staff will be involved on to the project. They will provide technical assistance to the grantee, and administrative support when appropriate.