Agroforestry is helping farmers in Mali increase their resilience to the impacts of drought and climate change and providing them with a range of products.

The Food Tank website outlines how the International Fund for Agricultural Development (IFAD) has initiated the Sahelian Areas Development Fund Programme (FODESA) to work with farmers in Mali on regenerating endangered native species and introducing plant varieties that are drought resistant.

As a major partner in the programme, the World Agroforestry Centre has introduced a parkland agroforestry initiative to grow native trees alongside staple food crops such as millet and sorghum. The trees help to improve soil fertility and water conservation and provide local people with food, medicine, fuel, building materials and livestock fodder. The Centre is also working with local people to track the disappearance of plant species and archive local knowledge about the uses and management of native plants.

“Overall, we want to encourage a culture of nurturing plant and tree species and relieve pressure on natural resources,” says Joseph Dakouo, coordinator of the program.

Drought has periodically devastated countries in the Sahel region for hundreds of years. As a result, native vegetation has been removed and soils left heavily degraded. Climate change is likely to pose a further challenge to this already impoverished region.

The FODESA programme aims to establish a support system that will enable local municipalities and village associations to maintain resource management programs over time.

Village nurseries have been established to cultivate more drought-resistant native species to address deforestation in Mali. These nurseries test plant species for suitability as well as serve as education centers where locals can learn and apply conservation practices for soil and water management.

Read the full story: Food Security Program in Mali Inspires Culture of Conservation