Contributions of indigenous silviculture to forestry development in rural areas: Examples from Niger and Mali

The slogan "planting and maintaining trees" that was adopted by Niger for its 1984 national reforestation campaign is a significant example of the efforts presently being made by a Sahelian country in its aim to provide for a less desolate environment. An initial reaction to the diminishing forest cover due to the combined pressure exerted on it for years by man, animals, and climate consists of increasing the production. Man, consequently, will reforest in order to protect the soil, to have firewood, and to enjoy the fruits from his trees. We have come to learn, during our visits in the Sahel, that man has, for a long time, been carrying out reforestation activities often on an exclusively individual basis. Some examples from Niger and Mali are given. (author)