PROJECT SENEGAL IN BRIEF
Launch date : 2011
Planted species : mango, jatropha, lemon tree, eucalyptus, moringa
Objectifs : restauration des sols, restoration of soils, fight against deforestation, energy autonomy, economic development of populations
Plantation type : agroforestry
Activities : plantations, valorisation of wood and non-wood products, production of biofuel and green electricity, raising awareness as to the environment in schools.
Partners : Kinomé, SOPREEF, town hall of Sokone, The National Agency for Rural Electrification, local schools
THE CONTEXT : DEPLETED SOILS AND DEFORESTATION
In Senegal, rural populations rely on forests by 80 % for their livelihood (food, energy, health). However the vegetation cover is deteriorating under the mounting pressure of farming and firewood gathering. Intensive groundnut cultivation has depleted the soils over the years and led to a yield rate drop. Farmers today need to diversify their cultures and find new sustainable options to secure their crops and improve their income. They need to restore their land.
OUR ACTION
The project is carried out in the field by the SOPREEF (Society for the Promotion of Access to Energy and Water in the Foundiougne Department). This Senegalese social venture was created by an association of 600 farmers supported by the non-profit organization Présent d'Avenir and the research department Performances. Locally called EESF (Energy Water Solidarity of Foundiougne), the project draws upon the talent of the villagers. They manage the tree nurseries, plant trees on their land, and reap the benefits of their work and their trees. They own their business and contribute to its development. The planted trees are monitored during the first two years, the most critical for their growth. If a tree withers away before then, another tree is planted. Quality control of the project is carried out by the French firm Kinomé.
POSITIVE IMPACT OF THE PROJECT
Obtaining Food security thanks to agroforestry
Planting trees in agroforestry, that is in and around the fields, enables farmers to protect the subsistence crops associated with them (sorghum, millet, groundnut) and thus to secure food for the villagers.
Developing the economic yield of trees
Planting trees enables local communities to diversify their sources of energy (biofuel and green electricity) and increase their income through the sale of fruit or manufacture of soap.
Raising awareness as to sustainable development
Thanks to the support of our school program, school children are aware that trees and forests are a major issue and so will be their best defenders.