Abstract

In the vast regions of Africa's Sahel region, the shortage of firewood and forage is accelerating as desertification claims more and more natural forests. Some forestry programs have depended exclusively on the introduction of exotic forest species to combat the critical situation. However, species indigenous to the region are already adapted to climatic conditions and could play an important role. In Mali, officials would like to include indigenous plants in their reforestation programs, but little is known about the characteristics of local species. This project will study in detail the life-cycle of the plants; identify methods for conserving, storing and treating their seeds; develop nursery techniques and analyze plant behaviour; and compare the survival and growth of local plants cultivated using different production techniques in the nursery.

Recipient Institution(s)