What Happened with the Tree-Planting Development Project in Burkina Faso

Burkina Faso is a landlocked country located in West Africa. Like many countries in this region, it is faced with the challenge of deforestation. This has severe impacts on the environment, including soil erosion, desertification, and loss of biodiversity. To address this issue, the government of Burkina Faso launched a tree-planting development project in 2006. The goal was to plant 10 million trees each year and to distribute seedlings to farmers and rural communities.

The Objectives of the Tree-Planting Program

There were several objectives of the tree-planting program in Burkina Faso. First, it aimed to promote sustainable agriculture and combat desertification. The tree-planting initiative involved planting different types of trees, including fruit trees, such as mango, and shade trees such as neem. These trees help to maintain soil fertility by fixing nitrogen and other nutrients, thus improving crop yields. Additionally, they provide shade, which can help mitigate the negative effects of climate change on agriculture.

Second, the project sought to improve the livelihoods of rural communities by providing training in agroforestry and other income-generating activities like beekeeping. Trees also provide non-timber forest products such as fruits, nuts and medicinal herbs, which can be sold at markets.

Challenges Facing the Tree-Planting Program

Despite the government's efforts, the tree-planting program faced several challenges. The first challenge was the lack of funds to support the project. Planting 10 million trees each year required a significant amount of money for seedlings, transportation, and labor. As a result, the government could not meet its target, and the number of trees planted was much lower than expected.

The second challenge was the lack of ownership and involvement by rural communities. In some cases, farmers were given seedlings without proper guidance on how to take care of them. As a result, many of the trees died or were not properly cared for, which undermined the sustainability of the project.

The Role of NGOs in Supporting the Tree-Planting Program

Non-governmental organizations (NGOs) played a critical role in supporting the tree-planting program. One such NGO was Trees for the Future, which partnered with the government of Burkina Faso to provide technical expertise and training to rural communities. The NGO provided training in agroforestry techniques, including how to plant trees and maintain them. It also provided farmers with access to markets for non-timber forest products. The partnership between the government and Trees for the Future helped to increase the number of trees planted and reduce mortality rates.

The Way Forward

Despite the challenges faced in the past, the tree-planting program in Burkina Faso has the potential to be successful. To achieve this, there is a need for sustainable funding to support the program. The government should invest more in the tree-planting initiative and ensure that rural communities are involved and take ownership of the project. NGOs can continue to play a role in supporting the program, especially in providing technical expertise and training. In addition, there should be a focus on linking small-scale farmers to markets, creating a sustainable value chain for non-timber forest products.

The tree-planting program in Burkina Faso is an important initiative, not only for the country but also for the region. It has the potential to contribute to sustainable agriculture, reduce desertification, and improve the livelihoods of rural communities. However, these goals cannot be achieved without sustained effort and commitment. The government, NGOs, and rural communities must work together to ensure that the program is effective and sustainable in the long run.