Geoscience Reference
In-Depth Information
National Program of Action to Combat Desertification (PAN/LCD). The Program
of Action defines a framework of measures to assist people and local organizations
in securing a sustainable improvement in dryland management. It identifies factors
contributing to desertification and concrete measures to combat it and mitigate the
effects of drought. It is to incorporate long-term strategies to combat desertification
and be integrated with national policies on sustainable development.
One of the most pressing issues for Chad is the rate of desertification due
to deforestation, inappropriate farming techniques and crop selection. In fact, the
country is experiencing environmental problems. The main ones are:
Encroachment of sands into oases and croplands
Lack of soil protection and regeneration and an absence of an agency to
coordinate water and soil conservation;
Inadequate nature conservation measures and the failure to implement existing
regulation
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Political and Strategic Considerations
Because of political instability and subsequent clashes, which have occurred at
the same time as periods of drought, Chad has been unable to implement a real
strategy to combat desertification to the extent of other Sahelian countries. Al-
though activities have been undertaken within the general framework of combating
desertification, they tended to be aimed at improving the environment (the green
belt of N'djamena) or promoting agricultural production ( Acacia albida, Karite )
or forest production ( Acacia senegal ). In all cases, these projects were instigated
by the forestry service, or under its auspices, and their objectives were essentially
sectoral.
Furthermore, these actions were too limited in terms of both their time frames and
the affected land areas to have any significant impact on the desertification process.
In a significant number of cases, they did not achieve their sectoral objectives.
Because of this, it became apparent that, if Chad was to be successful in fighting
desertification, there was a need to implement a rational and consistent strategy;
drawing on accumulated experience and a more objective analysis of the situation
It was determined that this strategy should be inspired by the regional structure
outlined in the Nouakchott strategy (CILSS 1994 ), and should be translated at
the national level by a General Plan to Combat Desertification ( Plan directeur de
lutte contre la desertification , or PDLCD). The PDLCD would need to analyze the
process of desertification, define directions in line with development options, put
forward a strategy and, finally, propose an action program. In brief, it would guide
actions, in view of proposing solutions better adapted to the specific problems of
desertification in Chad.
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