The project will install solar panels as a mitigation strategy against climate change. Solar energy is a renewable form of energy production that reduces or eliminates the release of carbon in the form of carbon dioxide and other greenhouse gases which at high levels in the atmosphere causes global warming. The solar energy produced will be utilized on the farm to power a solar water pump, a cold storage unit for extending the shelf life of produce from greenhouses and open field production that farmers will be engaged in. This approach to agriculture will have far reaching impact on the environment by making the livelihoods of farmers more sustainable. It will provide a model and an alternative to unsustainable practices such as slash and burn agriculture. The soil will also be preserved as farmers do not need to move on to more fertile areas when the lands become infertile after decades of planting the same crop with little contribution to soil health. Greenhouse production and

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aquaponics are very profitable alternatives, and this project will demonstrate to the farmers that these systems can provide a profitable alternative. Currently exists is a 60-year land lease with the Help Centre, that will be used for the implementation of project activities.

The primary objective of this project is to improve farming practices for soil conservation and sustainable forest management using renewable energy. Alternative energy sources will be used by farmers as a climate change mitigation strategy for preserving the environment and more specifically the forests, while ensuring sustainable livelihood for its citizens. The project aligns well with the overall goal of vision 2030 as well as the GEF SGP focal area that will generate global environmental benefits. The expected results are:

? Increased Awareness and Capacity among farmers on clean energy and their applications - through trainings and workshops in greenhouse farming and how to operate and maintain solar system. Knowledge products will also be developed on how to maintain greenhouse and solar system.

? Reduced Emissions in Agricultural Activities ? through the installation of off grid solar system where kilowatt of energy produced to power a storage and packaging facility, water pump and other farm equipment. This will improve the production of fruits and vegetables by the farmers and to increase their postharvest quality and shelf life.

? Improved ecosystems and agricultural sustainability - through greenhouse production and water harvesting. When farmers apply these strategies, there will be less deforestation and the ecosystem will be maintained and improved as critical habitats will be saved. Farmers trained

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