Abstract

The groundnut basin in Sénégal is highly populated, densely cultivated and facing a crisis that is both economic (characterized by low productivity, poverty, food insecurity) and ecological (characterized by reduced soil fertility, erosion, desertification, fuelwood shortages, loss of biodiversity). This action-research project will shed light on the perceptions and practices of different actors, as well as the factors (social, cultural, economic, biophysical) that affect utilization of agro-pastoral resources in the basin. The study will endeavor to explain weak involvement of peasants in decision-making, management and utilization of these resources despite a prevailing policy of decentralization. The results will inform political dialogue concerning the sustainable management of inter-village agro-pastoral community resources and the resolution of conflicts between stakeholders.

Recipient Institution(s)