With the world racing to achieve a net zero world, leveraging locally-led practices and calling for more innovation, the FMNR is an approach important for ecological restoration, soil fertility, biodiversity conservation, livelihood improvement, sustainable land management and climate mitigation and adaptation.

What is FMNR

Farmer Managed Natural Regeneration (FMNR) is important as it restores degraded landscapes, enhances biodiversity, improves soil fertility, mitigates climate change, supports sustainable agriculture, provides livelihood opportunities, and fosters community resilience. It is a cost-effective and accessible approach that promotes environmental sustainability and benefits both farmers and ecosystems. It offers a nature-based solution that addresses environmental challenges while supporting the well-being of farmers and local communities.

The Potential of the FMNR Apporach

Farmer Managed Natural Regeneration (FMNR) is important as it restores degraded landscapes, enhances biodiversity, improves soil fertility, mitigates climate change, supports sustainable agriculture, provides livelihood opportunities, and fosters community resilience. It is a cost-effective and accessible approach that promotes environmental sustainability and benefits both farmers and ecosystems. It is relevant for carbon reduction due to its ability to sequester carbon dioxide from the atmosphere. The regrowth and management of trees in FMNR systems contribute to carbon storage in biomass and soil. By promoting FMNR, carbon emissions are reduced, climate change is mitigated, and sustainable land management practices are fostered.

FMNR promotes the growth of trees with deep root systems, which help improve soil structure, prevent erosion, and enhance nutrient cycling. The trees' leaf litter contributes organic matter to the soil, improving its fertility. The presence of trees in FMNR systems helps regulate water cycles by reducing water runoff, increasing water infiltration, and improving groundwater recharge. This enhances water availability for crops and helps mitigate drought effects. It encourages the regrowth of native tree species, which provide habitat for diverse plant and animal species. This promotes biodiversity conservation and supports ecosystem resilience.

As FMNR enhances the resilience of agricultural systems to climate change, the trees provide shade, reducing the impact of extreme temperatures on crops, and act as windbreaks, protecting against strong winds and soil erosion Additionally, it additional benefits to farmers, such as fodder for livestock, fruits, nuts, and timber. This diversifies income sources, improves food security, and enhances livelihoods in rural communities.

FMNR promotes sustainable land management practices by utilizing existing tree stumps, roots, or seeds for regeneration, reducing the need for external inputs. It is a low-cost and accessible approach that can be easily adopted by farmers. It has been successfully implemented in various regions, particularly in dryland areas, where it has shown significant potential for restoring degraded agricultural lands, improving soil fertility, and enhancing farmers' resilience to environmental challenges.

FMNR is important for ecological restoration, climate change mitigation and adaptation, soil fertility, biodiversity conservation, livelihood improvement, and sustainable land management.