Desertification control in Niger: The medium term action plan 2006-2011

Abstract

Synopsis: The Chapter identifies some best practices and success stories and lessons learned that can inform the development and implementation of effective interventions to manage drought impacts and combat land degradation. This chapter is divided into three parts: 1. The environmental challenges and responses of Niger Republic 2. The medium term action plan 2006-2011 (MTAP) 3. Past and current measures to arrest and reverse desertification Key Points The vast landlocked West African country of Niger faces an increasing demand upon its scarce water resources, the lack of which - when added to poor sanitation and hygiene - results in high levels of death and disease among its 17 million inhabitants. Niger is one of the countries that form the Sahel Region which has seen recurring drought, food insecurity, and increased desertification over the last 30 years, a result - at least partly - of global climate change and overuse of scant natural resources. Specific causes of desertification in the dry lands of Niger include land degradation resulting from drought, inherent low soil fertility/declining soil fertility, inadequate feed and fodder for livestock, depletion of surface and ground water resources, low forest cover, poor legislative framework, poor coordination of program activities and inadequate capacity for program planning, formulation and implementation. These specific issues relating to desertification and factors responsible for them are being tackled under the National Action Plan to combat desertification and the implementation of the MTAP. Significant efforts have been made during the last 30 years in order to reduce the impacts of the environmental scourges and reverse the tendency to the deterioration of natural resources and areas. The efforts are increasing since 1984 following the national debate on the desertification control and particularly during the last 5 years with the effective engagement of the highest authorities. An outcome of the Environment and Desertification Control initiative was the Medium Term Action Plan and this, it is hoped, will guide Niger's effort to combat desertification. The purpose of the MTAP is to implement the orientations, strategies and programs of the SRP (strategy to reduce poverty) and the SRD (strategy for rural development) in relation to environment and desertification control. Rural population pressure is responsible for over exploitation of land in a bid for survival. The problem is exacerbated by climate variability driven by global climate change, in this case prolonged drought, desertification, higher temperatures and greater rainfall variability. The trend poses serious challenge and concern to the national government and communities directly affected. There is urgent need to tackle the situation or Niger will face irreversible loss of biodiversity and reduction of land fertility which will seriously affect agriculture, food security, the corresponding living standards and economic well being of the local communities. Soil desiccation and sparseness of vegetation cover are responsible for speedy removal of topsoil by wind action leading to dusty or hazy weather and widespread desertification.