The Contribution of Assisted Natural Regeneration (ANR) Towards Farmers’ Livelihoods in Burkina Faso
Background
Burkina Faso is a Sahelian country with an essentially agricultural economy. Non-timber forest products contribute towards food and household income, especially in
rural areas. Since the end of the 1970s, drought sequences, insufficient and/or poor spatiotemporal rainfall distribution and anthropogenic actions have significantly affected ecosystems and production conditions. Faced with this environmental problem, various agricultural and forestry actors are looking for ways to mitigate the problem. Several methods have been developed at national level to recover vegetation cover, safeguard biodiversity and reduce the pressure on natural resources. Assisted natural regeneration (ANR) is one technique adopted by farmers to improve the conservation and management of agroforestry parks. This practice is important for the environment, and for improving farmers’ food security.
Description
A literature review and interviews with questionnaires were used to evaluate the impact of ANR on farmers’ livelihoods in the municipality of Ouahigouya in northern
Burkina Faso.
The study showed that ANR has resulted in the maintenance of water in the fields and improvements in plant cover and biodiversity, thus providing more useful species for soil fertilisation. Trees have an anti-erosion effect against wind and water erosion.
In terms of food security and nutrition, the results of the study showed that ANR products contributed towards improving the quantity and quality of food, thanks to certain leaves and fruits. Trees help to ensure a quantitative and qualitative food supply for animals. The surveys showed that ANR products play an important
role in improving household income. Processing and selling these products creates jobs, and represents a source of income.
Figure 1: Shea butter made from shea nuts.
Impact
The project is expected to:
- Increase crop production
- Improve food and nutritional security in terms of quality and quantity
- Increase producers’ income
- Increase foraging species for animals during the dry season.
It should also solve the problems of uncontrolled clearance and deforestation of new land.
Lessons learned
- Involving administrative and customary authorities in outreach activities is recommended, as they can contribute financially and internalise practice when implementing their investment plans.
- Sharing the results broadly helps build interest in the practice among other stakeholders as well as policymakers.
Country: Burkina Faso
Sector: Agriculture
Key words: Assisted natural regeneration, food security, agricultural income
This project was carried out by the author as part of the International Training Programme (ITP) on Climate Change Mitigation and Adaption 2015-2022 organised by SMHI and financed by SIDA.
Contact details:
Mrs POKO, Sama
sanogomoctar@yahoo.fr
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