Abstract

There are severe shortages of firewood in the dry zones of Mali. With the proper techniques, however, large areas of uncultivated land could be turned to the production of wood and forage. In the previous phases of this project, researchers studied irrigated forest plantations in the Niger River area. They mastered nursery and plantation techniques, identified the best adapted and most productive species, trained engineers and supported pilot plantations set up by villagers. Phase III will concentrate on developing the best reforestation management techniques, by describing simple rules of silviculture and studying production methods.

Post-Project Summary

The researchers developed techniques for nursery production, planting, silviculture, and utilization of three tree species: Eucalyptus, Leucaena and Gmelina. For each species, they established a harvesting rate for ensuring perennial growth and promoting optimal production of cane and firewood. The N'Debougou station distributed between 10 000 and 15 000 plants per year to the local communities as well as whatever seeds were required by the annual planting programs of the forestry services and the various reforestation projects. The peasants around the station quickly realized the economic advantage of planting these types of trees and planted them around their fields and in their orchards. Stands planted by the community, however, were regularly abandoned and decimated by livestock. A sociological study undertaken as part of the project found that trees planted by individuals, with choice of species and location left entirely up to them, did better than trees in communal plantations.

Recipient Institution(s)