Ouagadougou:The Forest Governance Action Group (GAGF) and the Media'Vert association are urging Burkinabe authorities to adopt a regulatory text to govern assisted natural regeneration (ANR). This initiative aims to enhance land restoration and boost agricultural productivity.
According to Burkina Information Agency, the advocacy efforts seek to establish standards and guidelines through a decree that would unify the activities of various stakeholders in the forestry and agricultural sectors. Sidnoman Issaka Kabor, the moderator of GAGF, emphasized the need for this regulatory framework to improve collaboration among farmers, livestock breeders, and forestry actors while bolstering environmental protection.
The proposed decree is expected to be adopted by 2026 or early 2027. It will define ANR according to different ecosystems, clarify ownership and taxation of trees resulting from the practice, and outline a technical protocol for implementation. The initiative also seeks to involve decentralized technical services and local authorities in the dissemination and monitoring of this protocol, integrating it into local planning documents.
The advocacy group plans to engage with decision-makers, consult stakeholders on the ground, and prepare a draft text in collaboration with the Ministry of Agriculture. They will also conduct awareness-raising activities, field visits, and media outreach to promote the initiative. Kabor noted that this approach addresses grassroots concerns and could lead to enhanced productivity and benefits in rural areas.
A study by the CIFOR-ICRAF research center, cited by the advocacy groups, indicates that natural regeneration can significantly improve soil fertility and agricultural yields. In southern Niger, yields reportedly increased by 15 to 30% across five million hectares, depending on the tree species, location, and crops.
GAGF, established in 2008, focuses on the governance of natural resources, particularly in forests, biodiversity, and agro-sylvo-pastoral management. Meanwhile, Media'Vert is an association of journalists and communicators dedicated to environmental protection and advocating for the preservation of natural resources.