How do forestry codes affect access, use and management of protected indigenous tree species: evidence from West African Sahel

The nebulous nature of forestry codes in the Sahel has indubitably affected the access, use and management of indigenous tree species. The challenge lies mainly on disconnects between what the law says and practice with regards to land and tree tenure. It is difficult to convince the rural poor not to cut trees for fuelwood, fodder, charcoal and timber because they have no alternative livelihood sources and the same time claim ownership rights. Sahelian governments' policy and legislative responses although intended at controlling access, use and management of native tree species have caused more harm than balancing socio-cultural, economic and ecological objectives, and have not yet fully recognized communities' ownership rights to forest resources and land. The lack of land and tree tenure and their stringent enforcement has affected regeneration and propagation of native tree species. Forest codes protect specific indigenous tree species considered important in the livelihoods of the rural poor. Government priority of statutory tenure over customary tenure does not help promote sustainable utilization of indigenous native tree species. This study was undertaken to understand how the provisions of forest policies in the Sahel region affect the access, use and management of protected indigenous tree species as a component of Agroforestry. The study employed multiple methods to unravel the policy landscape that predicts the sustainability of Agroforestry in Mali, Niger and Senegal. In addition, the study attempted to measure the sustainability of Agroforestry systems using 15-point criteria that were developed in a participatory manner as well as understand the perspectives of different actors, their interests and power relationships which often worsen the existing situation. The objective is to build a coalition of partners which will provide platforms for sharing lessons and experiences as a way of promoting a culture of collective learning and action across the Sahel.

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