Abstract

The Buyo area (population: 100 000) is favored with impressive hydro-electric facilities, Lake Buyo and good soil. It thus has considerable potential for expanding the regional economy, especially through farming and fishing. However, a number of major national parks and sanctuaries (Taï National Park, Mount Peko, N'zo Wildlife Refuge, etc.) are located in the area and constitute priceless biological reserves requiring protection and conservation. This project will examine the process of incorporating agriculture into the Buyo environment, with a view to promoting sustainable development. Scientists will develop instruments for analyzing the state of the environment in order to identify major obstacles to improving production systems, and the quality of life and living environment of the population. The results will be disseminated and micro-projects will be developed. The first step, to be conducted over 6 months, will include a launching seminar, preliminary activities and pretests. Step two will involve in-depth field research. Scientists will assess the state of aquatic biodiversity, water quality, and the degree of surface-water and groundwater pollution; evaluate the relationship between biodiversity and human health; identify suitable crops and promising techniques for watershed populations; and, based on the outcome of modeling exercises, propose ways of protecting the water resources of the basin. Researchers will also assess the impact of demographics, agricultural management and fishing; inventory useful traditional knowledge; and suggest strategies for optimizing the incorporation of agriculture into the Buyo environment.

Post-Project Summary

A postproject abstract could not be written due to lack of documentation (final report) in the IDRC library.

Recipient Institution(s)