Desertification Control in Niger: The Medium Term Action Plan 2006–2011 - Combating Desertification in Asia, Africa and the Middle East - page 196

Fig. 10.8 Bush burning for agricultural purpose (create more arable land)

Beginning in the 1980s, a new method of reforestation, Farmer Managed
Natural Regeneration (FMNR), became an increasingly popular solution to the rapid
deforestation problem.
During the 1950s and 1960s, rapid deforestation of land in Niger for agricultural
purposes (Figs. 10.8 and 10.9 ) resulted in severe desertification.
Conventional tree planting to combat desertification had only limited success.
Beginning in the 1980s, a new method of reforestation, FMNR, became an
increasingly popular solution to the problem. FMNR is based on the regeneration of
native trees and shrubs from mature root systems of previously cleared desert shrubs
and trees. Regeneration techniques are used in agricultural cropland and to manage
trees as part of a farm enterprise. FMNR in the savannas of southern Niger adapts
centuries-old methods of woodland management to produce continuous harvests
of trees for fuel, building materials, and food and fodder without the need for
frequent, costly replanting. Trees are trimmed and pruned to maximize harvests
while promoting optimal growing conditions (such as access to water and sunlight).
Government decentralization policies supporting land tenure and tree growth
reforms. Not for profit organizations, donor governments, and international aid
agencies are encouraged and these have assisted farmers in adopting low-cost
techniques for managing the natural regeneration of trees and shrubs.
The benefits of the project are as follows:

• Improved food security as at least 250,000 ha of degraded land reclaimed for

crop production;