Description

The "Communities Regreen the Sahel" project implemented in Burkina Faso, Niger and Senegal is part of a dynamic of support to agricultural and fodder production through the introduction of trees in livestock breeding and farming areas, using the technique of assisted natural regeneration (ANR). The aim is to support communities to achieve the rehabilitation of degraded land. The programme thus aims to build the resilience of populations and ecosystems through inclusive governance of natural resources. The expected results are the restoration of 200,000 hectares and an increase in agricultural production, food security, biodiversity preservation and, by ricochet, an increase in the income of households involved in the regreening process. The project will support the valorization of resources that will result from regreening actions by facilitating market access to non-timber forest products that are available in those areas. 

Major issue

Governance of Natural Resources 

Goals

To work towards the recognition (by communities, governments, NGOs and the private sector) of regreening as a viable method of combating desertification and restoring land; and to work jointly towards its large-scale deployment. The specific objectives are to:- 

 

- Regreen a total area of 200,000 hectares in three countries through ANR by and for communities;

 

- help develop laws, policies and support programmes (local and international) to support assisted natural regeneration in the three countries;

 

- Organize and facilitate market access for farmers using assisted natural regeneration that adds value to their ANR products.

Expected results

1) An area of 200,000 ha is being regreened, including 60,000 ha in Senegal. 

 

2) An average density of 50-80 trees per hectare is achieved. 

 

3) A diversity of 30-40 tree species for biodiversity. 

 

4) 35-40 municipalities implement ANR. 

 

5) 800 village committees are established and/or strengthened and 1/3 of them are women. 

 

6) 180-210 villages have established agreements between farmers and pastoralists. 

 

7) 4,500-5,000 farmer champions are trained. 

 

8) An average increase in farmers' yields (millet, sorghum) is observed. 

 

9) 45-50 policy and budgetary measures are introduced/improved to support ANR or land governance