Increased production of fuel wood, fodder and non-timber forest products

Photo credit: Pixabay

Niger: Sand storm

Rights to Trees and Livelihoods in Niger

Traditionally, farmers in Niger and across the Sahel had developed practices to ensure the sustainable use of trees and tree products. But, beginning with the French colonial government, laws and regulations in Niger made all trees state property, and penalized farmers who felled or pruned trees.

With no incentive to maintain trees on their property—and with families to feed—farmers in need of agricultural land removed the trees and other natural vegetation. This had the unintended consequence of worsening erosion and reducing soil fertility and yields, which pushed farmers to cultivate ever more marginal lands.

Read the full article: allAfrica

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Photo credit: WVC – 1998-02-ceinture-verte-03 copy.jpg

Niamey, Niger 1998 : Participation of TC-Dialogue (Belgium) in the Ceinture Verte de Niamey (Green Belt around Niamey) of the National Reforestation Programme of Niger. Handing over of tree seeds and TerraCottem soil conditioner.