[On the basis of the Project Idea Note of 6 March 2007]

Plantation of gum trees (Acacia senegal) in an area characterised by agro-forestry for the production of Arabic gum on degraded land, granted by the rural councils after consultation, and once used as grazing areas for livestock.

Within the total target area of 40 000 ha, the project has already implemented a plantation of 20 000 ha from 2000 to 2007 in the first phase. The reforestation project in the second phase will continue the reforestation activities of the first phase, with a target of 20 000 hectares over a period of six years (from 2008 to 2013).

Reforestation in this area requires the production and the plantation of 8 000 000 Acacia senegal seedlings on the basis of a density of 400 trees per hectare. The required lands have already been made available for the second phase of the project by the local communities.

The strategy of ASIYLA’s land acquisition is based on the fencing of the granted parcel, a system of sharing the revenues/crops, the gum trees plantation, and the cultivation contracts entered into with the villagers. ASIYLA thereby secures the land tenure and avoids any future dispute over the property of the gum trees and the produced gum. The seedlings for reforestation are produced in village nurseries established by the society.

To secure reforestation against cattle grazing, guards are hired at the rate of one for 200 ha. After planting, animals are not allowed to enter in the plots in the first year. In the 2nd year, the local people can grow within the plots groundnuts, cowpeas, and watermelons (Taungya system).

Finally, in the third year, sheep and cows are allowed to graze in the plots and the population will continue to practice their cultures. All these activities will be made from labour force recruited in the surrounding villages. Payment will be provided by the company as in the first phase. The experience gained during the first phase will be taken into account and will enable an efficient execution of the different tasks according to their progression.

If you would like to read the PDD of the project, please contact the project developer at the above email address.