National | PANORAMA

Identify and prepare suitable planting microsites, especially protected sites with suitable conditions that can support the species growth

Soil sampling

Adigla Appolinaire Wedjangnon

The purpose is to find the best locations for planting the seedlings. We look for microsites with suitable biotic and abiotic conditions that will help the plants thrive. Identifying suitable microsites involves performing soil physical and chemical analysis. Preparing these microsites involves clearing weeds and making sure the soil is ready for new plants.

The soil quality and accessibility are important as soil nutrient and permeability state are vital for seedling survival and growth. The microsites should be easily accessible to ensure maintenance activities and monitoring.

Identifying suitable microsites can take time and requires thorough soil analysis. We discovered that not all nutrient-rich areas are easily accessible, so having backup microsites is helpful. Additionally, clearing the microsites effectively is vital to ensure no competing plants hinder seedling growth.

Implementation

Local

National

Seed collection, germination, and seedling production

Samara fruits of Mansonia altissima

Adigla Appolinaire Wedjangnon

Fruits of Mansonia altissima

Adigla Appolinaire Wedjangnon

Seedlings of Mansonia altissima

Adigla Appolinaire Wedjangnon

Making materials avilable to initiatite the restoration and conservation process for the plantation of seedlings. The purpose is to ensure that we have enough young plants for the species introduction into the identified protected forest ecosystems. We collected seeds from the existing population of the target species and sowed them in polyethylene bags filled with forest soil at the forest nursery. This block also focuses on providing the right care and environment for young seedlings to grow strong. It includes watering, protection from pests, and ensuring they get enough sunlight. Healthy seedlings are more likely to survive when planted. We raised the prouted seedlings for six months in field conditions before planting them.

As conditions important for successful seedling production, conservationists need high-quality and healthy seeds, a nursery with poor light-penetrated shading, a permanent water source, containers, and a medium. Establishing a reliable schedule for watering, fertilizing, and monitoring light conditions helps seedlings to grow faster. Regular checks for pests and diseases are necessary to protect seedlings and ensure healthy growth of plants.

Mass production of seedlings for restoration and conservation requires many financial resources and human capital for nursery care. However, this is a way to secure the establishment of planted trees in forest ecosystems. We also learned that seeds of different species may require tailored germination techniques. There is no one-size-fits-all approach to grow seedlings of all species. It is crucial to understand the specific needs of each seed type before starting.

Implementation

Local

National

West and Central Africa

Conservation of Critically Endangered Tree Species: The Case of the African Black Walnut (Mansonia altissima A. Chev.) in Benin

Adigla Appolinaire

Wédjangnon

Seed collection, germination, and seedling production

Identify and prepare suitable planting microsites, especially protected sites with suitable conditions that can support the species growth

Partnerships: indigenous people and local communities engagement

Monitoring and research

West and Central Africa

Conservation of Critically Endangered Tree Species: The Case of the African Black Walnut (Mansonia altissima A. Chev.) in Benin

Adigla Appolinaire

Wédjangnon

Seed collection, germination, and seedling production

Identify and prepare suitable planting microsites, especially protected sites with suitable conditions that can support the species growth

Partnerships: indigenous people and local communities engagement

Monitoring and research

Enterprise development through value chain enhancement to sustain tree cultivation and improve livelihoods

The tree farmers are encouraged to participate in different value chains/enterprises developed for alternative income sources rather than depending on tree and land sale cutting for income.

Access to arable land on farmers' private properties and within the central forest reserve enables farmers to cultivate various crops, raise poultry, and rear small ruminants, all of which are in high demand and have readily available markets.
Technical support from FAO on value chains development and the accelerator programs to support with making the farmers business ready and youth upskilling. In partnership with Rural Communities in Development(RUCID) designed skilling program for girls and women in the following enterprises; Bakery, Juice, wine, roots and cereal processing, Banana, coffee and organic input production and briquattes making for fuel energy all aimed at income generation for the women and girls.

Agribusiness practices that integrate mixed farming with tree growing offer a sustainable approach to restoration. This method enhances plant, crop, and soil health by leveraging the natural benefits that different species provide to each other. In turn, crops can support tree health by preventing soil erosion and enhancing soil structure. This complementary relationship promotes a more resilient and productive agricultural system, fostering long-term ecological balance and sustainability.
Farmers practicing mixed agriculture within an agribusiness framework benefit from diversified sources of income and food. This approach mitigates the risks associated with climate change, such as prolonged droughts or floods, by not relying on a single crop or enterprise. Diversified farming systems ensure that if one crop fails due to adverse weather conditions, other crops or agricultural activities can provide income and sustenance. This reduces vulnerability and enhances food security, allowing farmers to sustain their livelihoods despite environmental challenges.
For long-term sustainability, farmers must align their expenditures with various income sources. It is crucial to have a daily income source to cover ongoing expenses and manage financial risks effectively. Diversified income streams from mixed farming, including crops, livestock, and tree products, provide a steady cash flow that can support daily needs and unexpected expenses. This financial resilience enables farmers to invest in their land and resources continuously, promoting sustainable agricultural practices and improving overall economic stability.

Local

Subnational

National

Restoration of degraded land in both forest reserve and on individual private land

The communities living adjacent to the degraded Atigo and Angutawele Central Forest reserves were mobilized to participate in the restoration of parts of the forest under Collaborative Forestry Management approach in partnership with the National Forestry Authority and the community.

Degraded forests and privately owned lands that urgently require restoration to mitigate severe climate change impacts.
Farmers' enthusiasm to participate in tree planting and management as part of the restoration efforts.
Supportive government policies that encourage community involvement in restoration activities, backed by technical leaders from Alwa and Kaberamaido Sub-Counties in Kaberamaido District.
Technical assistance from the Food and Agriculture Organization through the Saw Log Production Grant III, which facilitated the creation of a 5-hectare community demonstration woodlot.

The community needed extensive sensitization and education to understand the importance of restoration.
We established a tree nursery to supply seedlings to farmers locally, reducing the costs associated with sourcing seedlings from distant locations.
Initially, we planted exotic species like pine and eucalyptus, but have now shifted our focus to promoting indigenous trees and avoiding monoculture.
When we integrated crops that provided short-term income and demonstrated cash flow for farmers, our pitch decks attracted significantly more attention, as evidenced by projects like the NSSF Hi Innovator Project and Land Accelerator.

Local

Subnational

National