Learn at your own pace with our virtual audio introductory course on Analog Forestry
The International Analog Forestry Network (IAFN) as part of the Global Alliance for Green and Gender Actions (GAGGA) Program in collaboration with the Central American Women’s Fund (FCAM) and Tierra Viva Fund began to provide virtual training to women interested in becoming Analog Forestry Promoters.
During the pandemic, this pioneering course in Analog Forestry was organized 100% remotely.
What will you learn?
- What is Analog Forestry, its principles and why it is important to restore critical forests and ecosystems
- How to view the forest from a new perspective to include considerations of land use for economic, social and environmental benefit.
- Step-by-step Analog Forestry Methodology and how to apply it on your farm, garden and community
- How to do a Mapping, Ecological Evaluation and apply other practical tools in the management of a farm / site
- How to develop a design of a site and create a database of species that you select to use
Module I
Module II
Module III
Module IV
Module V
Module VI
Module VII
Module VIII
Module IX
Module X
Module XI
Module XII
Module I
Introduction
Introduction and welcome to the Analog Forestry remote course of the International Network of Analog Forestry (RIFA). This introductory audio will be followed by 11 more audio modules developed by trainers from Analog Forestry.
Listen and reflect on:
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- Situations of deforestation, monocoltures, plantations in your country / territory / community
- What are analog forests?
- Why is it important to maintain ecological functions?
- What are your goals for establishing an analog forest on your plot?
Module II
Principles of Analog Forestry
In this second module of the Analog Forestry course, you will learn about the 12 Principles of Analog Forestry (AF) and how they will help you in the process of applying the AF methodology. You learn to be observer of your surroundings, using these principles in practice. You can start to see your plots and surroundings with different eyes from a new perspective.
Listen and reflect on:
- What principles have you applied in your plot and surroundings?
- How well do you know your plot, the common names of plants and animals?
- Think about examples of how to apply the AF principles in designs and in your future work.
Module III
What is a forest, ecological succession and the functions of the forest
What is a forest?-Covers forest functions and ecological succession
In this module you will learn about the forests and how ecological succession works and what are the functions of forests that are carried out in the environment.
The key questions to reflect:
- What forest products or resources do you use in your communities? If you do not use them directly, just think what products of the forest are used or consumed in your locality.
- In what seral stage is the plot that you are going to work on? Which principle of AF are you putting into practice to identify the seral stage?
- Explain in your own words what relationship exists between the forest and the soil.
Module IV
Physiognomic Formula
Physiognomic Formula-Introduces, explains and demonstrates how to use the physiognomic formula in the field.
In this module you will learn how to use a very valuable Analog Forestry tool called the Formula Formula. With it we can describe the architectural structure of any forest and site where it is desired to establish an Analog Forestry or “analog forest” system.
Homework tasks:
- Try to observe a mature forest and write the F1
- Make the F2 on your plot
- Do a gap analysis
Module V
Ecological Evaluation
In this module, you will learn to do a quick analysis of the ecological conditions of the site where you want to create an analog forest and of the natural forest site, which serves as a reference or example.
Task: Use the Field guide format and the ecological assessment form to do the analysis to be able to compare the ecological conditions between the mature forest and the analog forestry implementation site.
Additional resources: Field guide 2020
Module VI
Initial Mapping
The objective of this module is to learn how to make the base maps that will guide you in your analog forestry design.
Task: Make the biophysical map and the current land use map on your plot.
Module VII
Database
To make a database you have to use the formula gap and think about what your objectives are.
Task: Based on the selected objectives (i.e.self-consumption, medicinal plants, flora and fauna conservation, water protection, etc.), let’s make a database of species that could be used in the design of your analog forest site.
Module VIII
Design
Analog Forestry Design in Africa
Analog Forestry Design in Asia
- Identify the goal you want to achieve with your analog forest
- Make a quick diagnosis of the farm
- Make the design of the plot.
Module IX
Improvement of soil conditions, weed and pest management
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Module X
Nurseries and seed collection
In this module you will learn how to establish nurseries, and about their management and the collection and treatment of seeds.
Some questions for reflection:
- Identify the area with the greatest potential to install your nursery and explain the reasons that justify the selection of the place
- List some of the main elements, materials, that you require to install your nursery
- How do you plan to acquire the seeds and what species would you prioritize to produce in the nursery for the first phase of your design implementation?
- How do you identify mother trees?
Module XI
Preparation, maintenance and enrichment of an AF deployment site
- What process should be respected and supported in the preparation and maintenance of the site?
- Indicate at least 2 activities that are recommended to carry out for the preparation of a site?
- How can the activity and diversity of microorganisms in the soil be increased?
- Name at least three good practices for soil conservation and enrichment
Module XII
Monitoring and Evaluation of the Analog Forestry site
