Feasibility study of the Dundi Ferlo project – Reforestation for sustainable management of pastoral lands Senegal

Context of the service

In Senegal, the sylvo-pastoral zone of Ferlo has been experiencing a process of desertification since the 1960s, following a decrease in rainfall patterns. The reduction in biomass, correlated with the reduction in rainfall, has particularly affected the living conditions of local populations.

In addition, the demographic growth of pastoral societies and the increase in herds have put the Ferlo ecosystem under severe pressure and severely compromised its capacity for sustainable regeneration.

The aim of the Dundi Ferlo project is to contribute to the restoration of degraded land and to support pastoral communities in sustainable land management and the development of value chains based on forest and fodder resources.

This project is implemented by a consortium of NGOs and research institutes composed of Agronomists and Veterinarians Without Borders (AVSF, lead partner), WeForest, the Senegalese Institute for Agricultural Research (ISRA) and the Centre for International Cooperation in Agricultural Research for Development (CIRAD).

Services provided

- In-depth literature review and development of the study methodology

- Data collection mission, including visits to the plots to be reforested, interviews with pastoral communities, expected beneficiaries and other key actors: AVSF, WeForest, CIRAD, ISRA, national institutions and their decentralised services (livestock, water and forests, Great Green Wall, etc.), local authorities, livestock farmers' organisations, etc.

- Analyses to update/complete missing information elements, particularly on the context of intervention and the challenges (environmental, socio-economic, land, institutional, etc.)

- Well-argued answers to the questions of the Scientific and Technical Committee (STC), the Secretariat and the Steering Committee of the FFEM (sustainability of actions, choice of reforestation techniques, taking into account the carrying capacity of the environment, involvement of breeders, etc.);

- Drafting of the Commitment Note (NEP) including a detailed budget and financing plan, as well as a project summary.

Summary of the service

Feasibility study and drafting of the Project Commitment Note (NEP) for the project "Dundi Ferlo - Restoration of Ferlo for sustainable management of pastoral forests" for approval by the FFEM Steering Committee; Updating of contextual elements; Answers to the FFEM's questions (choice of reforestation techniques, involvement of pastoral populations, etc.); Review of the intervention logic and the institutional set-up: budget proposal and financial plan.