New tree sprouts in front of the farmer, harvested wood in the background. Note the proximity of the crop (millet) to the tree without detrimental effect (Tony Rinaudo)
The naturally occurring seedlings and/or sprouts are managed and protected by local farmers. Most suitable are species with deep roots that do not compete with crops and have good growth performance even during poor rainy seasons. In the case study area the three most valuable species – as perceived by land users – are Faidherbia albida; Piliostigma reticulatum and Guiera senegalensis.
Purpose of the Technology: This option allows idle land to become a productive resource during an otherwise unproductive eight-month dry season.
Establishment / maintenance activities and inputs: The ideal density, when grown with cereal crops, is between 50 and 100 trees per hectare. For each stump, the tallest and straightest stems are selected and side branches removed to roughly half of the stem height. Excess shoots are then removed. Regular pruning of any unwanted new stems and side branches stimulates growth rates. Farmers are encouraged to leave 5 stems / shoots per tree, cutting one stem each year and letting another grow in its place. On removing a shoot, the cut leaves are left on the surface where they reduce erosion and are then eaten by termites, returning the nutrients to the soil. The remaining shoots continue to grow, providing a continuous supply of wood. From the first year, firewood is collected from trimmings. From the second year on, cut branches are thick enough to sell. A more intensive form of FMNR is to profit from every stump sprouting on the land.
Natural / human environment: FMNR is a simple, low-cost and multi-benefit method of re-vegetation, accessible to all farmers, and adapted to the needs of smallholders. It reduces dependency on external inputs, is easy to practice and provides multiple benefits to people, livestock, crops and the environment. Tree layout will need to be carefully considered if ploughs are used for cultivation.
Location: Maradi, Niger
No. of Technology sites analysed:
Spread of the Technology: evenly spread over an area (50000.0 km²)
In a permanently protected area?:
Date of implementation: 10-50 years ago
Type of introduction
| Specify input | Unit | Quantity | Costs per Unit (USD) | Total costs per input (USD) | % of costs borne by land users |
| Labour | |||||
| Labour | ha | 1.0 | 6.0 | 6.0 | 100.0 |
| Total costs for establishment of the Technology | 6.0 | ||||
| Total costs for establishment of the Technology in USD | 6.0 | ||||
| Specify input | Unit | Quantity | Costs per Unit (USD) | Total costs per input (USD) | % of costs borne by land users |
| Labour | |||||
| Labour | ha | 1.0 | 4.0 | 4.0 | 100.0 |
| Total costs for maintenance of the Technology | 4.0 | ||||
| Total costs for maintenance of the Technology in USD | 4.0 | ||||
At least doubled
Nutritious pods as fodder
Production value increased by 57%
Annual clearing and burning of tree stems (for land preparation) is not necessary any more
Edible leaves/fruits; bridge food shortages
Reduced wind speeds and dust; shade is available; barren landscape is returning to a natural savannah
FMNR acts as an insurance policy
Quantity before SLM: 30
Quantity after SLM: 45
trees / ha
Increased tree density on farmland
Dung; livestock spends more time in fields with trees
From leaf fall and trimmings
Creation of habitat, food and shelter for predators of crop pests
Resulting in greater deposition of rich, wind blown silt; improved micro-climate
