Sustainable resource management and community development

Project description

Title: Sustainable resource management and community development
Commissioned by: Bundesministerium für Wirtschaftliche Zusammenarbeit und Entwicklung (BMZ)
Country: Niger
Lead executing agency: Ministry of Economics and Finance
Overall term: 2004 to 2015

Context

Almost two thirds of the Republic of Niger lie in the Sahara. The population lives predominantly from agriculture. But the county’s natural resources are threatened by rapid population growth combined with inappropriate resource management. Land used for agriculture, forestry and pasture farming is being denatured and is no longer suitable for use. As a result there are poverty and conflict among sectors of the population.

Objective

The population, its self-help organisations and the local communities are successfully supporting social and ecologically sustainable development in the regions of Agadez, Tahoua and Tillabéri.

Approach

GIZ is working with the population to draw up community development plans in the regions of Agadez, Tahoua and Tillabéri, integrating all groups into this process: farmers, livestock owners, women, settled populations and nomads, traders and young people. An important role is also played by elected community representatives, who are responsible for the planning, management and implementation of social and economic development in their community. They are advised and trained by GIZ. Community planning defines, for example, afforestation areas that will in future provide timber for construction and firewood, as well as pastureland not designated for crops. These plans are developed jointly by all parties involved, to avoid future conflicts. In order to ensure that community planning is in line with national policies and legislation, it is coordinated with higher administrative authorities.

In Niger and in the Sahel region there is already comprehensive experience in the conservation of natural resources and recovery of denatured areas for agriculture, forestry and pasture farming. The use of both traditional and modern methods makes it possible to restore soil fertility and stop soil erosion – important prerequisites for alleviating poverty in rural areas. In its advisory role GIZ makes use of this know-how. By optimising the use of surface water and protecting against erosion, soil fertility can be improved, resulting in increased agricultural yields and additional income for farmers. This makes it possible, for example, to cultivate products such as onions and tomatoes even in the dry season. The communities and population also receive support from local service providers, who are advised by GIZ.

Results achieved so far

GIZ has worked with 16 communities in the project region to draw up development plans. The plans are also an important basis for cooperation with other partners. For example, they enabled the Kourfey-Centre community to obtain more than 500,000 euro from other organisations. The funds are used to protect resources and develop infrastructure. In 2005, over 15,000 ha of land in the Tillabéri region was opened up for agriculture, forestry and pasture farming.

In the Tahoua region around 1,500 ha of land was reclaimed for the production of staple foodstuffs. The majority of the area can also be cultivated during the dry season. This guarantees an additional income for around 1,200 families.