A review of public versus private reforestation programs in the Senegalese Sahel: taking stock of realities and challenges

Abstract

The Great Green Wall (GGW) across the Sahara is expected to generate a wide range of ecological and socioeconomic benefits. Ideally, ecosystem recovery should be assessed using measurable indicators (Society for Ecological Restoration [SER] principal 5). This requires agreement on only a few clear goals and targets and the establishment of effective measurement systems, yet in practice, each stakeholder and funder brings different targets that the GGW must achieve. Alongside its ecological objectives and biodiversity indicators, the GGW must also demonstrate meaningful socioeconomic benefits, engage communities, and contribute to green economic development in the restoration areas. Since the engagement of the private sector is presently seen as a critical challenge, we compare the current GGW approach and performance with that of an established Acacia senegal plantation focusing more narrowly on a commercial objective to produce gum arabic for export. Our analysis of information from both programs demonstrates strengths, weaknesses, opportunities, and threats to the restoration successes achieved. These insights can help to guide ongoing programing and evaluation of the GGW toward both ecological and socioeconomic objectives in Senegal. They also reflect on emerging global discussion of business cases for reinvestment by all stakeholders to halt and reverse ecological damage.

Rangeland afforestation is not a natural climate solution

“…Afforestation has blocked critical livestock migration routes, and rangeland enclosures and tree plantations have obstructed rangeland access to local herders (Ndiaye 2016;Turner et al 2021). In Niger, projects have created opportunities for privatization of communal lands by local elites against the interests of the rural poor-an outcome that is consistent with GGWI goals to restore land to make it more attractive for outside investment (eg crop production or peri-urban development; Sarr et al 2021;Turner et al 2021). In the Sudano-Sahelian region, afforestation programs frequently benefit local or extra-local elites while exacerbating the risks to and vulnerability of rural communities that depend on livestock production and wild foods for subsistence.…”