Senegal reforestation project

The project"s policy analysis, motivational, training, private sector, and matching grant activities will be implemented by the Soil Conservation and Reforestation Division (DCSR) of the Ministry for Protection of Nature (MPN) with help from a U.S. contractor. Policy studies and meetings will be conducted to develop recommendations for senior Government of Senegal (GOS) decisionmakers with respect to stimulating greater participation in tree planting. Policy studies will be broadly based and will include such topics as the Forest Code, the GOS"s role in promoting private sector activity, tree produce pricing, and local participation in natural resource planning and management. Technical, marketing, and motivational information on tree planting will be provided through a media campaign, which will include radio and TV programs, newspaper articles, and audiovisual kits for extensionists. The promotions will aim to integrate the tree into basic elements of Senegalese society (e.g., religion, the family, reverence for children). Forest service headquarters personnel and field agents and other GOS personnel will be trained in (1) forestry and agroforestry techniques, management, and policies; and (2) means of informing and motivating farmers, community leaders, and the private sector. The training will include 20 short-term courses, 5 advanced degrees, study tours for 200 persons, and in-country training of 740 persons. Private sector participation in forestry (now limited, primarily to charcoal production) will be encouraged through: (1) establishing nurseries; (2) contracting out roadside planting and maintenance currently performed by MPN; and (3) investing in tree product (e.g., fruits, nuts, gum, bark) processing and domestic and export marketing. To reduce competition with private nurseries, the GOS will sell its seedlings, so far as possible, at nonsubsidized prices. To encourage local groups such as rural and municipal councils to begin or enlarge tree planting programs, the project will provide matching cash grants, equal to about 50% of planting costs; the grants will be based on a fixed rate paid for trees actually planted. Amendment of 7/8/91 funds additional TA and places more emphasis on training and private sector promotion. Specifically, the amendment: extends the positions of the forestry and private sector advisors until PACD; adds short-term TA in technical training/extension; funds an M.S. in forest products/marketing for one person as well as additional study tours and short courses, and in-country seminars. Also planned are 8 additional feasibility and marketing studies (on such subjects as a market monitoring system, uses for wooden poles, and portable sawmills) and the provision of motorbikes and audiovisual, photocopying, and computer equipment. (PD-ABD-141) Amendment of 8/11/92 extends the PACD 1 year to 9/94 at increased funding. Key efforts of the amended project are to: (1) help implement the policies of the proposed new Forestry Code, development of which has been abetted by several project studies; (2) expand the scope and targets of the matching grants and roadside planting programs; and (3) provide technical and financial support to the Executive Secretariat of the Superior Council for Natural Resources Management and the Environment (SCNRME), to be established by the GOS on 6/15/93. The amended project will also pilot-test some activities being considered for the Community-Based natural Resource Management (CBNRM) project (6850305), scheduled to begin 6/94, and ensure a smooth transition to it from the present project. (PD-AP-630)