8 074 020Trees planted

Reforestation in Senegal

In Senegal, Reforest'Action plants trees in agroforestry so as to restore soils depleted by decades of groundnut cultivation. Planted by and for the local farmers, the trees protect their fields and secure their crops. The trees' fruits and seeds are enhanced within a local and circular organic food distribution chain. The additional income from this activity allows the farmers to feed their families better over time.

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.

Femme triant des graines

 

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.