What is FMNR?

FMNR (Farmer Managed Natural Regeneration) is a simple, scalable, and community-driven approach for restoring degraded landscapes. FMNR is all about regrowing trees from stumps with living root systems through careful pruning and protection. This pruning practice can even be done with existing seedlings and saplings. Many of these come from trees that were cut down long ago but are still alive underground (also known as the underground forest). Many organisations worldwide have embraced FMNR due to its effectiveness. It doesn’t require expensive tools, just some training and something simple like a knife or machete. Anyone can do it, but it works best when the whole community works together.

What evidence is there of the impacts and benefits of FMNR?

Research shows FMNR restores degraded land, boosts crop yields, improves biodiversity, and strengthens food security and livelihoods. Millions of hectares have been regenerated globally, benefitting millions of people. Explore the full evidence base in our research library.

Practices that go well with FMNR?

FMNR is most powerful when combined with other complementary practices. FMNR when combined with other land restoration methods like soil conservation, water management, and sustainable farming, can improve water access and management, strengthening livelihoods and food systems. FMNR can be used in different landscapes, from farms to forests to grazing land and even in water. Livelihood interventions can be paired with FMNR to improve income, nutrition, and resilience at household level. By combining FMNR with other efforts, communities can tackle social, economic, and environmental challenges more effectively.