Farmer Managed Natural Regeneration: The Niger Experience

BACKGROUND

This paper reviews the farmer managed natural regeneration (FMNR) program introduced in the Maradi region of Niger around 1983 to restore degraded parts of the lands. FMNR was started in response to past failures of restoration projects that were modeled for temperate climates and in societies and cultures different from those in West Africa. This prompted the use of more conventional traditional methods of regeneration from re-sprouts of felled trees without running expensive nurseries.

GOALS & METHODS

The paper reviews the FMNR approach by looking at factors that are considered in the approach. It suggests that selection of species in FMNR approach depends on a number of factors including; which species occur naturally and are able to coppice; local beliefs and preferences; competitiveness with crops, and growth rate. Some benefits of FMNR are provision of timber and firewood, reclamation of degraded lands, positive impacts on crop yields and animal production among others.

CONCLUSIONS & TAKEAWAYS

The paper concludes that FMNR is cheap to implement and has the potential to increase tree species cover on degraded lands and on a large scale. It also claims that FMNR is easy to adopt and adapt to local needs and should therefore be considered as a rapid and cost effective approach to reforestation.