ICRISAT Archival Report 2006 - The seedlings of success in the ...

2.2.5 Projected potential impact
• 240 households, 8 farmers groups/associations and 500 women benefited from the technology.
• 200 producers were trained in agroforestry technology and grafting techniques.
• Significant increase in the income of producers.
2.3 Rehabilitation of degraded lands and carbon sequestration: Eucalyptus plantation
2.3.1 The basis for the technology’s success
The objective of planting eucalyptus is to rehabilitate degraded lands, provide fuel wood and it is used for medicinal
purposes in the northern part of Mali.
One of the main constraints in the northern regions of Gao is the lack of sufficient fuel wood and construction
materials. The wood used primarily for construction is from eucalyptus. It provides an important source of revenues
to villages that have plantations.
This is the main incentive for rural communities to plant this variety. Eucalyptus is planted along the river banks and
in the Niger Valley. Planting along river banks is a technique for protecting crops from sand dunes and blast. It also
serves to enhance carbon sequestration and restore soil fertility.
At present more than 10 hectares of plantations of eucalyptus are established in the valleys and along the river
Niger. Interviews with farmers indicate that 3.5 m of eucalyptus are sold for US$8, which increases farmers’
income. Its use for medicinal purposes such as treatment of cough and stomachache was also highlighted by farmers.
During the workshop on agroforestry technologies for producers organized in Gao between 12-14 July 2006 by
DMP Mali and ICRAF Samanko, participants revealed that a hectare of eucalyptus plantation is more profitable than
a hectare of rice.
2.3.2 How is it implemented?
DMP Mali works with private nursery agents to produce plants to meet the needs of the various partners. Most of the
work is done in collaboration with NGOs and various associations of producers. This participatory approach enables
the involvement of the rural populations who take care of the plantations, and protection against damage by animals
and their management. NGOs and technical service units trained farmers in establishing and managing these
nurseries. Seeds of trees and plastic pots are distributed to the partners based on their needs.
2.3.3 Up-scaling the technology
In order to ensure a large diffusion of this technology very appreciated by the population, collaboration agreements
have been signed between DMP-Mali, the NGOs and technical partners. Agroforestry workshops were organized in
collaboration with ICRAF (2004 and 2006) so that producers can master techniques of production and plantation of
eucalyptus better. Other contracts of collaboration will be signed between DMP-Mali, populations, the NGOs, the
technical services in the DMP Phase 3 to continue the up-scaling of the technology.
2.3.4 Contribution to the overall DMP project goals and objectives
The plantations of eucalyptus contribute to the restoration of biodiversity and to the rehabilitation of degraded lands
(Output 2 on development and implementation of strategies for conservation, restoration and sustainable use of
degraded agro-ecosystems). They provide fuel wood and construction materials, diversify and increase the income
of rural communities (Output 4 on sustainable alternative livelihoods).
2.3.5 Projected potential impact
Approximately 30 farms and 10 villages are involved in this activity. Soil fertility is improved. The income of rural
communities is increased.
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