This tree shoot, if not removed, has a good chance at establishing itself in the harsh Senegal climate.
Climate change is a serious issue, but there are many ways we can be working at a local level to create opportunities for change. June 5 is World Environment Day. The theme this year is 'Your Planet Needs You - Unite to Combat Climate Change'. As a new climate deal is being discussed ahead of the crucial UN convention in Copenhagen later this year, there are lots of ways we can act. Here's how some communities in Senegal, Africa are working for change in their part of the world:
FMNR or Farmer Managed Natural Regeneration is a community-led initiative in Senegal. The project aims to re-educate people to value already-existing natural resources. Prior to this project farmers cleared their fields before every planting, in the belief that trees would compete with their crops. Now farmers and other members of their communities are learning the value of naturally regrowing trees as an additional resource in their fields.
How does FMNR work?
In areas where, previously, forests had been cleared for timber or agriculture, the roots of some species of trees continue to live and grow. Each year, new shoots appeared, but were cut down again to prepare the fields. By selectively protecting and pruning a number of these saplings in the fields, they regenerate into trees rapidly and provide a sustainable timber supply. Fallen leaves provide nutrients and offer moisture retention to the exhausted soils. Other benefits include their use as animal fodder, for wild foods and medicines, and as a harbour for birds and lizards that feed on crop pests. This low-cost training initiative will help restore food production on farms and protect the local environment. And, when the project ends after four years, new income opportunities should be available for households. This project is all about building resilience to climate change at a local level, by using what's already available:
"Some years ago you are considered as a lazy person if you do not till your land before sowing. Trees, grasses and shrubs are cut and burnt leaving the soil bare. Thanks to the new techniques based on pruning the branches of the trees and scattering throughout the field, a change was noticed because the production was doubled." - Ndilmbaye Mbayo, farmer
A member of the FMNR project prunes and marks a young tree. Hopefully this will deter others, unfamiliar with FMNR practices, from removing the tree shoot, allowing it to grow and replace nutrients in the sandy soil.
"Since we are aware of the importance of trees, we have decided to let trees grow...every tree which is on the field can help fertilise the land and improve the environment." - Cheikh Omar Sall, farmer
What are the issues?
Senegal's agricultural sector is in serious trouble. Reduced rainfall, increased temperatures and years of unsustainable farming practices have left soils depleted and increased salinity. Many food producing areas are no longer viable. All this in a country filled with desperately hungry and poor people.
How will FMNR help?
Understanding FMNR is a key to understanding how development and the environment can be at one. Through promotion of FMNR, farmers gain an economic incentive for cultivating trees naturally on their own land. Rapid reforestation of the local area will help improve the efficiency of water retention and encourage soil fertility to increase productivity. Training in controlled harvesting and market strategies will enable the community, in a number of years, to sell manageable amounts of wood for fuel or construction without endangering the local area.
On June 5, World Environment Day, you too can 'Unite to Combat Climate Change'. Find out what's being done in your local area and how you can help.
Get involved
Register as an E-monitor to receive action alerts and advocate for a fair and just deal on climate change before Copenhagen in December 2009.
For supporters in Adelaide a One Just World Forum will discuss the impacts of carbon trading on people living in developing countries.
