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IAEA-C2.RAF/5/048 LIMITED DISTRIBUTION

REPORT

Second Project Coordination Meeting

IAEA regional TC project RAF5048

COMBATING DESERTIFICATION IN THE SAHEL

07 to 09 April 2003

Niamey - Niger

Reproduced by the IAEA Vienna, Austria, May 2003

NOTE

The material in this document has been agreed by the participants and has not been edited by the IAEA. The views expressed remain the responsibility of the participants and do not necessarily reflect those of the government(s) of the designating Member State(s). in particular, neither the IAEA nor any other organization or body sponsoring this meeting can be held responsible for any material reproduced in the document.

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EDITORIAL NOTE

In preparing this publication for press, staff of the IAEA have made up the pages from the original manuscripts as submitted by the authors. The views expressed do not necessarily reflect those of the governments of the nominating Member States or of the nominating organisations. Throughout the text names of Member States are retained as they were when the text was compiled. The use of particular designations of countries or territories does not imply any judgment by the publisher, the IAEA, as to the legal status of such countries or territories, of their authorities and institutions or of the delimitation of their boundaries. The mention of names of specific companies or products (whether or not indicated as registered) does not imply any intention to infringe proprietary rights, nor should it be construed as an endorsement or recommendation on the part of the IAEA. The authors are responsible for having obtained the necessary permission for the IAEA to reproduce, translate or use materials from sources already protected by copyrights .

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TABLE OF CONTENTS

1 INTRODUCTION................................................................................................... 4 2 GENERAL POLICY, MANAGEMENT AND TECHNICAL ASPECTS............. 5

2.1 Welcome and Introductory Remarks. V. Nkong-Njock............................................ 5 2.2 Opening speech. Issaka Mahamane. ....................................................................... 6 2.3 Concepts and principles underlying the IAEA TC Strategy, project implementation

procedures and issues pertaining to operational management. V. Nkong-Njock. .. 6 2.4 Presentation of the objectives and scope of regional project RAF/5/048. F.

Zapata...................................................................................................................... 7 2.5 Technical considerations on the use of isotope techniques in combating

desertification. F. Zapata ........................................................................................ 7 3 HIGHLIGHTS OF NATIONAL AND REGIONAL REPORTS (2001-2002) ...... 8

3.1 Burkina Faso ........................................................................................................... 9 3.2 Mali ....................................................................................................................... 10 3.3 Niger...................................................................................................................... 11 3.4 Tropical Soil Biology and Fertility (TSBF) Programme....................................... 11 3.5 Desert Margin Programme (DMP)....................................................................... 12

4 REPORTS OF THE WORKING GROUPS ......................................................... 13 4.1 Pilot Group 1 – Burkina Faso............................................................................... 13 4.2 Pilot Group 2 – Mali ............................................................................................. 15 4.3 Pilot Group 3 – Niger............................................................................................ 16 4.4 Regional networking activities and interaction with other international

organization........................................................................................................... 16 4.5 Presentation of final reports and harmonization of experimental protocols ........ 16

4.5.1 Presentation of final reports ..................................................................... 16 4.5.2 Harmonization of experimental protocols................................................ 17

5 UPDATED WORKPLANS .................................................................................. 19 5.1 Work plan for Pilot Group 1 – Burkina Faso ....................................................... 20 5.2 Work plan for Pilot Group 2 – Mali...................................................................... 23 5.3 Work plan for Pilot Group 3 - Niger..................................................................... 26 5.4 Work plan For Regional networking Activities..................................................... 28

6 CONCLUSIONS AND RECOMMENDATIONS................................................ 31 6.1 Conclusions ........................................................................................................... 31 6.2 Recommendations.................................................................................................. 31

7 APPENDICES....................................................................................................... 32

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1 INTRODUCTION

The major development problem facing in this sub-region in Africa includes increased desertification and other problems of degradation of the natural resources base. The predominant climatic conditions (semi-arid to arid), the ever growing demographic pressure and the unsustainable utilization of natural resources and farming methods are the main determining factors of these problems. The desertification in the Sahel starts with a reduction and/or elimination of the natural plant cover, exacerbating the effects of wind and/or water erosion and resulting in a series of soil degradation processes (physical, chemical and biological). Associated socio-economic factors are the increased poverty levels of the rural population and food insecurity that contribute to aggravate the vicious degradation cycle. Also, the elimination of trees from the parklands and other natural formations for fuelwood and animal overgrazing result in a degradation and loss of these fragile resources posing serious environmental problems in carbon sequestration and biodiversity conservation in these ecosystems. Following the recommendations of the UNCDE held in Rio in 1992 (Agenda 21), all countries in the Sahel are engaged in developing and implementing global policies for the sustainable management of their natural resources, combating desertification and protecting the environment. In this context, in view of enhancing the impact of the Technical Co-operation Programme of the IAEA in the African region and to respond better to the needs of their Member States, the Board of Governors of the IAEA approved in its session of December 2000 to include the regional project RAF/5/048 « Combating desertification in the Sahel » in the biennial programme 2001-2002.

The target area is the West African Sahel and four countries are participating : Burkina Faso, Mali, Niger and Senegal. The goal of the regional project is the intensification of crop production in a sustainable manner in rainfed agriculture to increase food security in the context of combating desertification. The specific objectives of the initial phase (2001-2002) are to support research and development of improved and integrated technologies of soil, water and nutrient management in cropping systems through the use of nuclear and related techniques. It is envisaged that activities of demonstration and promotion of the adoption of the generated technologies will be undertaken during the second phase to increase the impact of the project. The first regional coordination meeting was held in Ouagadougou, Burkina Faso in February 2001. A review of the specific desertification problems in each participating country was made and national work plans were elaborated. The allocation of the IAEA required inputs in support of related national and regional activities was discussed and agreed. Conclusion and recommendations were formulated (refer to the Meeting report).

The regional project has been implemented accordingly. The project extension for the second phase (2003-2004) was approved. The second coordination meeting was convened in Niamey, Niger from 07 to 09 April 2003.

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Summary Report on the two years implementation of the project

The Second Regional Coordination Meeting aimed to assess the progress achieved under IAEA-supported Technical Cooperation projects with a view to enhance national and regional management and accountability for national TC projects in the field of soil science, irrigation and plant nutrition. An important deliverable output was improved work plans for field activities in Burkina Faso, Mali, Niger and Senegal, capacity building and regional networking activities for the countries represented. The Agenda for the meeting is herewith attached in Appendix A.

The specific objectives of the meeting were:

• To asses progress made in implementation during the first phase, to ascertain national

commitment to the project and to define at the national level the nature, scope and implementation schedule of the activities to be supported by the Agency under the project;

• To identify the necessary arrangements and mechanisms for enhanced national implementation and modalities for regional co-operation;

• To discuss the implementation strategy and produce revised updated work plans for the critical pathway of the project; and

• To identify the Agency’s required inputs in support of related national and regional activities.

The project counterparts and high-level agriculture/environment policy makers involved in combating desertification in the Sahel from Burkina Faso, Mali, Niger and Senegal were invited to participate in this coordination meeting. The full list of participants is attached in Appendix B.

2 GENERAL POLICY, MANAGEMENT AND TECHNICAL ASPECTS

2.1 Welcome and Introductory Remarks. V. Nkong-Njock.

Mr. V. Nkong-Njock, Programme Management Officer, Africa Section, IAEA Department of Technical Cooperation, welcomed senior Government officials and counterparts to the meeting. He emphasized that the meeting was timely due to several important developments at regional and international levels in the combating desertification in the Sahel. Among the most significant issues that have attracted political interest and enjoy wide constituency in the UN System and NGO’s within the region is the problem of desertification and management of water resources.

In this connection, the IAEA is strongly committed to do its part and to contribute to the extent possible within its mandate to the on-going international effort to fight this ever-expanding scourge. Subsequently, partnerships have been forged with other international organizations including the DMP programme The IAEA is pleased to have played an active role in these developments and has made a long-term commitment to support these activities through its Technical Cooperation and Research Programmes. In this connection, the IAEA Board of Governors has approved in its November session, the extension of this project for 3 more years with a total budget for 2003-2004 of over US$ 400 thousands. He concluded by

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describing the specific objectives of the meeting and the expected deliverables (see Introduction above).

The complete speech is attached in Appendix C.

2.2 Opening speech. Issaka Mahamane.

The Director General of INRAN welcomed all the participants and acknowledged the choice of Niger as the venue of the meeting. He made an account of the long tradition of collaboration between the IAEA and Niger in several fields including food and agriculture. He made a mention to the special interest given by the Government of Niger to the activities of the project RAF/5/048 “Combating desertification in the Sahel” in connection to the recently adopted «Programme d’Action National de Lutte contre la Désertification et de Gestion des Ressources Naturelles (PAN-LCD/GRN)».

He highlighted that the activities of research and development, training and strengthening of capacities implemented by Niger in the frame of the project RAF/5/048 are part of the national programme mentioned above. Therefore, the “Système National de Recherche Agronomique du Niger” (SNRA) will make every effort to support the implementation of the activities of the project.

He continued his speech requesting all the participants to work hard during the meeting to achieve the best results, which will allow to combat better the threat of desertification.

He finalized his speech by conveying to the participants the greetings of the Minister of Agricultural Development and his thanks to the IAEA for its continuing support to the activities of this project.

The complete speech of Dr. Issaka Mahamane, Director General of the “Institut National de Recherche Agronomique du Niger” at the Opening Session is attached in Appendix D.

2.3 Concepts and principles underlying the IAEA TC Strategy, project implementation procedures and issues pertaining to operational management. V. Nkong-Njock.

Mr V. Nkong-Njock, Programme Management Officer, IAEA Department of Technical

Cooperation, outlined the updated TC strategy. He described the major tools for project management and implementation, including the Central Criterion of strong Government commitment, the role of Country Programme Frameworks and Thematic Planning, the forging of new partnerships and the promotion of self-reliance and sustainability. The presentation focused on Government commitment as the central criterion for TC to maximize impact of IAEA-supported project as well as the ownership concept of dealing with a long-standing problem hampering development as HIV/AID, which was highlighted during the presentation. Meeting participants were provided with necessary guidance on how to organize the preparatory groundwork and on the modalities for conducting the necessary consultations among the various sectors relevant to Agency’s mandate and priority programmes with a view to identifying national priority needs and areas of major significance where nuclear techniques are likely to make a substantial contribution in terms of social and economic impact.

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At the management level, Mr Nkong-Njock encouraged all representatives of Member States to develop clear project documents to promote good planning and reiterated the importance of linkage of TC projects to national development Plans. Training and development of human resources should be of the highest priority and good local management structures and full commitment are the key to successful implementation of the programme.

Mr. Nkong-Njock’s presentation is attached in Appendix E.

2.4 Presentation of the objectives and scope of regional project RAF/5/048. F. Zapata.

Mr. F. Zapata, Technical Officer, Joint FAO/IAEA Division, IAEA Department of Nuclear Sciences and Applications, presented the objectives and scope of the regional project. He made an account of the project development since its formulation in 1999 and examined the implementation of the project activities in accordance to the focus of its first phase (biennium 2001-2002), i.e. to reinforce national capacities, and to establish the national teams and a network of field trials at the regional level.

In connection with the regional coordination meeting, Mr. Zapata presented the

objectives, and the agenda of the meeting. He highlighted the dual purpose of the meeting, i.e. technical review, co-ordination and further planning of the regional project and upstream work for the preparation of proposals for next TC cycle.

Mr. Zapata’s presentation is attached in Appendix F.

2.5 Technical considerations on the use of isotope techniques in combating desertification. F. Zapata

In continuation, Mr. Zapata described the technical issues related to “tapping green water

for food production” in the conditions of the Sahel. The presentation focused on the strategies and approaches to follow to develop the integrated approach to soil, water and nutrient management (SWCNM) in millet based cropping systems with a view to increase water and nutrient use efficiencies in the context of food security and combating desertification. The specific role of the nuclear techniques was highlighted. After an analysis of the main limitations / weaknesses of the technical aspects of the project, participants were shown ways and means to be taken to improve the technical aspects of the project. These included strengthening networking on Combating Desertification at both national and regional levels, establishing sound updated work plans (regional project objectives, national priorities and available resources), developing and pilot-testing SWNM interventions that promote the conservation of natural resources and protect the environment (value added increment), continuing to strengthen national capacities to combat desertification, establishing strategic partnerships for collaborative work, enhancing participatory effect (On farm trials) and increasing the public awareness of the project

Mr. Zapata’s presentation is attached in Appendix G.

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3 HIGHLIGHTS OF NATIONAL AND REGIONAL REPORTS (2001-2002)

The following table summarizes the ongoing activities per country, as shown in the reports: GENERAL FRAMEWORK OF REGIONAL TC PROJECT RAF/5/048 COMBATING DESERTIFICATION IN THE SAHEL Activity BKF MLI NER SEN Cropping systems (+ BNF legumes)

Millet/sorghum Cowpea/peanut

Millet/cowpea

Millet/cowpea

Genotypes / drought

Identification millet breeding lines best adapted to local conditions

Local nutrient sources

Phosphate rock (PR) Manure Dolomite

Phospho-compost PR+compost

Phospho-compost PR + compost

Phospho-compost PR + compost

Trees/shrubs Soil organic matter (SOM) Organic mat. characterizationN supply from prunings

Soil organic matter (SOM)

Soil organic matter (SOM)

Interactions Fertilizer NPK x local nutrient sources

Water x fertilizer N (millet) (farmer’s fields)

Water x fertilizer (trees-field) (millet-field) Use of water-absorbent polymers

Fertilizer x Local nutrient sources

Other studies Indicators degradation for drylands (LADA)

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From the table above and the country reports it may be noted the following: i) The integrated SWNM approach is being progressively adopted in millet-based cropping systems, ii) The N inputs from nitrogen fixation in cowpea and their benefit to the subsequent millet crop are being measured using the N-15 isotope technique, iii) The use of local nutrients sources to improve low inherent soil fertility is studied through the use of isotope techniques, iv) Treatments (interactions) to enhance water and nutrient use efficiency are being tested using nuclear techniques, v) Work on trees has been included as they are a basic component of the agro-silvopastoral systems of the Sahel. The studies under this project focus on the effect of the trees on soil organic matter using the stable carbon isotopic ratios at the natural abundance level and soil fertility status, vi) Other relevant studies (only Burkina Faso) involve the assessment of land degradation in drylands and the development of appropriate indicators. It was also stressed that some harmonization of the experimental protocols by specific topics, whenever possible, would be needed to ensure the achievement of the project outputs.

In continuation some highlights of the national and regional reports are briefly described:

3.1 Burkina Faso The team of Burkina Faso submitted a comprehensive report encompassing all activity

areas. The developments made in the assessment of land degradation in the country utilising existing information and a national survey were presented. It is envisaged that this basic information will lead to the identification and development of indicators of dryland degradation. This activity may be an important contribution to the recently started FAO project on “Land degradation assessment in drylands” (LADA).

Another activity area focused on the improvement of soil fertility by the legumes. Filed experiments were carried out at the Farakoba experimental station to measure the N fixed by the peanut and cowpea, and its the influence on the soil mineral nitrogen status and yield of sorghum (subsequent crop). Although there were no major differences in the % nitrogen derived from biological fixation, the N inputs are higher for the cowpea due to its higher biomass production. The fertilization treatments and the previous legume crop had both significantly increased the sorghum yields during two growing seasons (2001 and 2002).

A simplified design was adopted for the “on farm field” trials established in 5 locations of the North-Guinea savanna of Burkina Faso to pilot-test the effect of grain legumes and cover crops on the improvement of soil fertility and to utilise the legumes a fodder source for livestock production. The associated cropping maize-legume (cowpea and mucuna) increased significantly the maize yields. It is envisaged to continue the on farm trials to demonstrate the effect of the precedent legumes on maize in rotation.

Agro-silvopastoral systems are the commonest land exploitation by small holders in the Sub-Saharan Africa. The influence of trees on soil fertility status, in particular the soil organic matter and nitrogen and soil water conservation is studied. Two native tree species namely Karite (Vitellaria paradoxa) and Nere (Parkia biglobosa) predominant in the parklands of the semi-arid areas of West Africa were selected. Several studies in the laboratory and greenhouse have been undertaken to characterize the organic materials and to study their potential to supply nitrogen as litter and pruning incorporation to the sorghum crop. Also, a field experiment was started to study the origin and the stability of the soil organic matter. Samples of soil, plant and organic residues have been collected from the parklands of chemical and isotopic analysis. Preliminary results obtained show differences in the chemical composition and their decomposition rates. The karite leaves had a N immobilization effect

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due to their low N content and high content of polyphenols. In contrast the karate leaves decompose faster resulting in a high biomass and grain production of the millet.

Preliminary phenological studies of the local woody legume tress were made in potential sites to establish the experimental protocols to be adopted to study in situ inter-specific variability of nitrogen fixation. Follow-up studies will continue this year.

The full report of Burkina Faso is included as Appendix H

3.2 Mali The activities 1 and 2 focused on the identification of millet genotypes best adapted to

climatic conditions and the development of integrated management practices to improve rainfall water storage and use efficiency by the millet crop. Both experiments were carried out in the Sinébougou village in the Cinzana region, at the South-East of Segou.

Under activity 1, a recurrent selection was performed in an improved millet population (crosses of local and improved genotypes) during two cycles (2001 and 2002). Total rainfall and duration (days) of the rainy season were contrasting (615 mm in 57 days for 2001 and 540 mm in 39 days) during the duration of the study. The tested genotypes showed a marked lateness compared to the local varieties. The majority of plants spiked 10 to 20 days later. It was also difficult to conduct the improvement work in the field due to the closeness of the local varieties with a high risk of crossing by the natural allogamy of the millet. On farm trials were carried out to test integrated treatments including plot management (crops planted in contour lines and versus traditional practice), two millet varieties (Boboni, a local one and Touroniou C1, an improved one), 3 fertilization levels (check, PK no N and NPK recommended). Plot management and cropping along contour lines increased soil water storage as measured with the neutron moisture probe. Yield and water use efficiency were also increased, the effect being more pronounced for the improved variety Touroniou C1(52%) and only 7% for the local one (Boboni). The fertilization effect, in particular N application was higher for the plot management treatment. The N-15 data will demonstrate the value of this treatment. The highest yields and N efficiency were found for the improved variety Touroniou C1 (9 kg millet grain per kg N) and only 0,36 kg for the local variety Boboni. It may be concluded that the best results for the fertilization of an improved variety can be obtained when the plot management (cropping in contour lines) is adopted.

Activity 3 focused on the utilisation of local resources such as natural phosphate rocks and organic materials as nutrient sources to a millet crop. A phospho-compost has been produced based on natural Tilemsi PR. On farm field trials were carried out at Konobougou to test the agronomic effectiveness of the product. The effect of the natural Tilemsi PR is highest when applied as phospho-compost ((+ 80 % above the check treatment without P) and less pronounced when the products are mixed and applied in the field (+53% above the check treatment without P). Both treatments with the Tilemsi PR gave a higher yield that the compost alone (+35 and 15%). The yields of the plots without fertilizer NPKS are not significantly different from the plots NKS without P confirming the P deficiency of the soil.

In the parklands of the dry savannas it is well known that the soil fertility status and the amount of organic carbon cumulated under the trees is higher than in the areas without trees. Thus, in the activity 4, the sources and distribution of organic carbon under and around the trees will be studied to quantify this “litter effect” on the quantity and quality of the soil organic matter. Tree and soil samplings were carried out under and outside the canopy to analyse the stable carbon isotope ratios at natural abundance (delta C-13 method) to assess the effect of native trees (C-3) such as Karite (Vitellaria paradoxa) on the quantity of soil organic matter and soil fertility status. The full report of Mali is included as Appendix I.

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3.3 Niger The activities carried out during 2001-2002 under the regional project are grouped in

three main categories, namely a) Integrated management of water and nutrients in tree plantations in arid environment; b) Improvement of water and nutrient in millet by utilizing the polymer CMT and c) Integrated soil fertility management in a millet-cowpea cropping system. Preliminary work on the soil organic matter studies in chronosequences of forested/bush fallows (Tarna) and “brousse tigree” (Hamdallaye and Torodi) was started.

Under the first category a long term field experiment with four woody N-fixing tree species (Prosopis africana, Entada africana, Faidherbia albida and Acacia senegal) and two non-fixing species (Ziziphus mauritiana and Detarium microcarpum) was set-up in August 2001 at the forestry research station in Ndunga, some 40 km from Niamey. These species were selected because they have been identified as prioritary for the semiarid parklands of Niger from previous ICRAF evaluations. The effect of several combinations of a water absorbant polymer (CMT) and the natural phosphate rock of Tahoua (PRT) on the establishment of the species mentioned above are studied. The overall aim of the study is the fast establishment and growth of the woody tree species and the improvement of the soil fertility status to combat desertification and contribute to food security and the fight against poverty in the Sahel. Initial soil sampling was made to assess the inherent soil fertility. Measurements of tree growth parameters and the volumetric soil water content were performed in 2002 and 2003. From the soil water measurements it may be observed a better effect of the CMT during the dry season whereas the local PRT masks the effect of CMT during the rainy season. The application of the polymer CMT promoted a good survival and growth of the species. Overall, the effects of both products are variable depending on the tree species and the specific growth parameters considered. In another experiment, the effectiveness of the water absorbent CMT on the soil water status, mineral nutrition, growth and yield of millet (Pennisetum typhoides) was studied. In spite that the product was applied at emergence and surface applied and incorporated, an increase of 62% in grain yield over the control were found in a year of normal rainfall. Further studies are needed to better assess the effectiveness of the CMT and other water absorbent products.

Under the third category a crop rotation millet-cowpea experiment was established in 2001 in Tara (Gaya region) to evaluate the immediate and residual effects of the simple compost and a compost enriched with PRT in simple mixture and as phosphocompost). The crops were millet alone, cowpea alone and mixture millet-cowpea. The yield of the compost treatment is superior to the control and the composts with PRT (simple mixture and phospho-composts) are the best treatments in biomass and grain yield of millet and cowpea. Other chemical and the N-15 analyses will provide more information on the effects of the compost.

Preliminary work was done to start the sampling in the selected sites for the soil organic matter studies in tree formations. The full report of Niger is included as Appendix J.

3.4 Tropical Soil Biology and Fertility (TSBF) Programme Dr. Andre Bationo is the regional coordinator of the African Network for Soil Biology

and Fertility (AfNet) of the Tropical Soil Biology and Fertility Institute of International Centre for Tropical Agriculture (CIAT).

Land degradation is one of the most serious threats to food production in the African continent. The population is thus trapped in a vicious poverty cycle between land degradation, and the lack of resources or knowledge to generate adequate income and opportunities to

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overcome the degradation and it is urgent to invest to combat land degradation to revert this vicious circle.

Soil fertility degradation has been described as the single most important constraint to food security in sub-Saharan Africa (SSA). Soil fertility decline is not just a problem of nutrient deficiency but also of: 1) Inappropriate germplasm and cropping system design, 2) Interactions with pests and diseases, 3) The linkage between poverty and land degradation, 4) Often perverse national and global policies with respect to incentives, and 5) Institutional failures. Tackling soil fertility issues thus, requires a long-term perspective and a holistic approach.

The African Network for Soil Biology and Fertility (AfNet) of Tropical Soil Biology and Fertility institute of CIAT whose ultimate goal is to strengthen and sustain stakeholder capacity to generate, share and apply soil fertility management knowledge and skills to contribute to the welfare of farming communities is devoted to overcoming this challenge. This African-wide network has over 200 members from National Agricultural Research and Extension Services (NARES) and universities from various disciplines mainly soil science, social science and technology exchange. The paper presented is an highlight of AfNet’s main activities which include: Network field research activities, information and documentation, training and capacity building.

Mr. Bationo’s presentation is attached in Appendix K.

3.5 Desert Margin Programme (DMP) Dr. Ramadjita Tabo, the sub-regional Coordinator, West and Central Africa of the DMP

presented an overview of challenges and opportunities of the programme in the 9 participating countries including Burkina Faso, Botswana, Kenya, Mali, Namibia, Niger, Senegal, South Africa and Zimbabwe. The overall objective of the DMP is therefore to arrest land degradation and conserve and restore biodiversity in the Desert Margins through sustainable utilization of biodiversity. The specific objectives are to develop and implement strategies for conservation, restoration and sustainable use of dry land biodiversity (to enhance ecosystem function and resilience).

He examined biophysical, policy, socio-economic and institutional constraints faced by the population in these semi-arid regions. The expected outputs of the programme were presented in depth and include: i) improved understanding of ecosystem status and dynamics with regard to loss of biodiversity; ii) strategies for conservation, restoration and sustainable use of degraded agro ecosystems developed and implemented; iii) natural resource management capacity of stakeholders and target populations enhanced; iv) sound policy intervention/guidelines for sustainable resource use formulated, adopted and implemented; v) participatory natural resource management methods are implemented ; vi) the target populations are involved at each stage of the project cycle. The project workplan and activities by year were discussed, as well as the implementation of this programme, which is divided into three phases of two (2) years each. The GEF funding of the DMP is about US$ 16 millions. Mr. Tabo’s presentation is attached in Appendix L.

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4 REPORTS OF THE WORKING GROUPS

On Tuesday 8 April, the meeting’s participants following the agenda break into three groups to discuss and finalize work plans of the pilot studies in Burkina Faso, Mali and Niger, the capacity building and the regional networking activities. Based on the presentation of the DMP and comments provided by participants, the meeting also took into account the vision of the “Comite Inter-Etat de Lutte contre la Secheresse dans le Sahel (CILSS)” and DMP, in order to plan the project activities. It was advised to link the project activities to the CILSS vision and to take into account, the DMP activities under implementation with special emphasis on the second phase of this programme planned from 2004 such as the restoration of degraded soil. Future activities should focus on creating capacities for developing profitable cropping systems and thereby promoting diversification and scale of work. Drawing on inputs from the speakers and country reports as well as discussion throughout the proceedings the groups made the following recommendations aiming to the successful implementation of the projects:

4.1 Pilot Group 1 – Burkina Faso General Objective Sustainable intensification of agricultural production to increase food security and combat desertification Specific objectives

a) To develop maps of land degradation based on the utilization of efficient degradation assessment methodologies

b) To improve soil fertility by utilizing nitrogen-fixing legumes and local organo-mineral sources

c) To improve water and nutrient management in cereal-legume cropping systems d) To measure the nitrogen fixation potential of woody legume species

Description sommaire Indicateurs Mesurable Moyens de vérification

Suppositions importantes

Objectif Général Intensifier durablement la

production agricole pour accroître la sécurité alimentaire et lutter lutte contre la désertification

Augmentation des rendements des cultures

Rapports du projet, Statistiques agricoles

Adoption des techniques mises au point

Objectifs spécifiques A) Élaborer des méthodes de

cartographie de la dégradation des terres à partir de méthodes efficientes

B) Améliorer la fertilité des sols

Nombre de méthodes efficientes Nombre de cartes types Augmentation des rendements des cultures

Rapport publications, Fiches techniques Rapport, publications

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par l’utilisation des légumineuses et des amendements organominéraux locaux

C) Améliorer la gestion de l’eau et des éléments nutritifs dans les systèmes de culture céréales-légumineuses

D) Mesurer les capacités de

fixation de l’azote par les légumineuses ligneuses

Augmentation des rendements des cultures dans les systèmes à base de légumineuses Augmentation des rendements des cultures Quantité d’azote fixé par les ligneux

Rapports Rapports Rapports

Résultats escomptés 1) Des méthodes efficientes de

cartographie de dégradation des terres sont mises au point

2) Des cartes types sont

réalisées

3) Les capacités de fixation de l’azote des cultures légumineuses sont connues

4) Les technologies

d’amélioration de la fertilité par les légumineuses sont adoptées

5) L’efficacité des mulch des

espèces agroforestières locales (Karité et Néré) sur la fertilité est connue

6) Les capacités de fixation de l’azote des légumineuses ligneuses sont connues

Nombre de méthodes efficientes Nombre des cartes types Quantité d’azote fixé par les légumineuses Nombre de légumineuses identifiées Nombre de paysans ayant adopté les technologies Teneurs en nutriments des mulch Quantité d’azote fixé par les légumineuses

Rapports, publications Rapports, et cartes Rapports, Publications scientifiques Rapports, Publications scientifiques Rapports, Publications scientifiques Rapports, Publications scientifiques

Activités 1) Identification concertée des

indicateurs permanents l’évaluation de la dégradation des terres

2) Mettre au point les méthode

efficientes de réalisation des cartes de dégradation

3) Réalisation de cartes types de

dégradation des sols

4) Poursuite de la détermination

du potentiel de la FSA des légumineuses par le 15N

Nombre d’indicateurs agréés par les partenaires. Nombre de méthodes mise au point Nombre de cartes types Nombre de légumineuses dont le potentiel de fixation de N est Nombre d’IEC réalisés Nombre de producteurs

Rapport d’atelier Rapport d’atelier Cartes Rapports, publication Rapports, publication

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5) Information Éducation

Communication (IEC) sur l’amélioration de la fertilité des sols par les légumineuse et les amendements organiques et minéraux locaux

6) Conduite d`actions pilotes de

vulgarisation sous gestion paysanne

7) Évaluation d’impacts

(agronomiques, environnementales, socio-économiques) des actions pilotes en milieu paysan

8) Organisations de visites

d’échanges d’expériences au profit des populations riveraines

9) Évaluation les effets à long

terme des légumineuses sur la fertilité des sols

10) Mesurer l’efficacité des mulch des espèces agroforestières locales sur la fertilité et l’économie de l’eau

11) Identification les espèces

agroforestières (locales et introduites) à haut potentiel de FSA

touchés Nombre d’actions pilote Augmentation des rendements en milieu paysan, résultats d’analyses de sol. Amélioration du niveau de vie Nombre de visite et nombre de bénéficiaires des visites Rendements des cultures, analyses de sols Analyses des sols Nombre d’espèces

Rapports, publication Nombre de producteurs et de sites touchés Rapports,

Apports Contrepartie AIEA Contrepartie Nationale

4.2 Pilot Group 2 – Mali Global objective The general objective of this project is the sustainable intensification of agricultural production in rainfed areas to increase food security in the context of combating desertification. The project will develop improved and integrated technologies of soil, water and nutrient management for croping systems utilizing nuclear and related techniques. Specific objectives

-To identify millet genotypes rresponsive to intensification and better adapted to semi-arid environments of Mali

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-To study the effect of soil managament (contour tillage and cropping) on millet yields (same millet varieties and fertilizer rates)

-To evaluate local nutrient sources such as phopshate rocks and organic products and improve threir agronomic effcetiveness.

-To measure the nitrogen fixation potential of legume trees, and their role on the nitrogen cycling in the agro-ecosystem. To evaluate their quality in terms of N supply from prunings and feed for livestock.

-To evaluate the influence of trees on the stock and quality of soil organic matter in the Karite parklands utilisng the delta C-13 method to discriminate C3 and C4 sources.

4.3 Pilot Group 3 – Niger General Objective: To intensify in a sustainable manner food production in rainfed areas to increase food security in the context of combating dersertification utilizing nuclear (N15, P32, Neutron probes) and related techniques. Specific Objectives

1. To develop technologies of integrated water and nutrient mamagement 2. To evaluate the fertilizer value of agroforestry tree species. 3. To stengthen national capacities to combat desertification

4.4 Regional networking activities and interaction with other international organization OBJECTIVES: (i) Improve the working relationship with the DMP, CILSS, TSBF, and sub-regional organizations such as the West and Central African Council for Agricultural Research and Development (WECARD/CORAF - Conseil de Ouest and Centre Africain pour la Recherche et le Developpement Agricole), (ii) Share available resources to avoid duplication and efficiently use programme resources both financial and human, (iii) increase synergies thus the bargain power, (i) enhance impact possibilities by covering a wider agro-ecologically area, (iv) improve the communication as well as exchange of experience and information for the development of a joint capacity building, and (v) standardize and harmonize strategies, approaches, methodologies and methods.

4.5 Presentation of final reports and harmonization of experimental protocols

4.5.1 Presentation of final reports All country reports of the phase I should have standard format: Introduction, including specific objectives of the activities implemented in the country, Description of activities in format of scientific report, general conclusion(s) and recommendation (s). Complete pending activities of phase I (Cycle 2001-2002), in particular isotopic analyses. Improve exploitation of results (use of indirect method for fertilizer recovery) and presentation of data (statistical analysis and test of treatment means comparisons).

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Full reports should be available by the end of May 2003, before starting the next growing season.

4.5.2 Harmonization of experimental protocols There is a need to develop a standardised framework for the experimental work, so that results are comparable, conclusions can be drawn, expected outputs achieved, guidelines and recommendations formulated and further extrapolation of results to other Sahelian areas made.

a) All participating countries should utilise the integrated approach to soil, water and nutrient management in millet-cropping systems. The maximum degree of integration should be achieved during the second phase. In this conxet the role of nuclear techniques should be stressed.

b) On station trials are detailed scientific experiments to obtain specific information on

experimental treatments and sometimes to understand processes and influencing factors. They must be located in representative sites utilising appropriate experimental design and well-controlled conditions. On farm field trials should be used to pilot-test technologies (selected from previous experimental work) and for demonstration purposes. They should be located in farmer fields and have simplified design (number of treatments). Each farmer is a replication within a given location.

c) Cropping systems: The work done by BKF can be used as a model. The system should

include cereal and legume crops grown in rotation and/or in association. It may be also possible to include a cover (legume) crop to improve soil fertility. Utilise N-15 techniques to measure the fertilizer N recovery by the cereal and the nitrogen fixation in the legume. The legume crop should be inoculated. At least two continuous cropping seasons required. Long-term experiments are preferable. For each crop evaluate total biomass produced and grain yield plus the uptake of the nutrient (nitrogen and or phosphorus) in study and soil water status during the growing season.

d) Work on enhancing P availability from PR sources. This can be done either through

biological (composting, inoculation with PSO and mycorrhiza, crop genotypic differences and N-fixing legumes) and/or technological processes (physical mixture with a small amount of water-soluble P). P sources utilised must be properly characterized (name, deposit origin, Total P and solubility index by a known method). The agronomic evaluation of PR sources is always relative (RAE: Relative Agronomic Effectiveness) to a water-soluble source (SSP or TSP). The evaluation should be made considering immediate and residual effects in a crop rotation (legume-cereal).

e) Interactions studies (water x fertilizer or fertilizer x organic sources). These studies

should be made preferably “on station” with well-controlled conditions and the factors should be studied at several levels to ascertain the best interaction.

f) Activities with multipurpose trees and shrubs include basic preliminary studies on the

role of trees on the soil organic matter (and fertility status), the characterization (quality) of pruning from trees and shrubs, and their potential nutrient supply to crops.

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g) The identification and development of land degradation indicators in arid and semiarid undertaken in BKF is an activity to be commended because of its potential contribution to the FAO-LADA project and further utilization by other countries affected by desertification.

h) Work on selection should be made with scientific rigour schemes in multi-locational

trials in the context of a plant-breeding programme with well-defined goals and time frames. Modern techniques should be used to accelerate the process and utilising more precise selection parameters. In principle this project does not envisage breeding work.

Based on the presentation of the DMP and comments provided by participants, the meeting also took into account the vision of the “Comite Inter-Etat de Lutte contre la Secheresse dans le Sahel (CILSS)” and DMP, in order to plan the project activities. It was advised to link the project activities to the CILSS vision and to take into account, the DMP activities under implementation with special emphasis on the second phase of this programme planned from 2004 such as the restoration of degraded soil. Future activities should focus on creating capacities for developing profitable cropping systems and thereby promoting diversification and scale of work. Drawing on inputs from the speakers and country reports as well as discussion throughout the proceedings the group came to made the following recommendations aiming to the successful implementation of the regional project:

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5 UPDATED WORKPLANS The different national delegations broke into groups, facilitated by Agency staff, in order to develop updated workplans in the fourth areas of pilot groups 1 and 2, capacity building and regional networking activities. It was agreed that work plans should be revised and updated in accordance to the objectives of the project, national priorities and available resources in each country. These are presented below.

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5.1 Work plan for Pilot Group 1 – Burkina Faso

Activités Opérations Governmentinput

IAEA input Assumptions/ risks

Performance indicators

Completion date

Identification concertée des indicateurs permettant l’évaluation de la dégradation des terres

Contribution documentaire cadre de concertation et experts, logistique

Prise en charge des ateliers de concertation et confection des documents

Nombred’indicateurs agréés par les partenaires.

Nov 2003

Mettre au point les méthode efficientes de réalisation des cartes de dégradation

Contribution documentaire etméthodologique, cadre de concertation et experts, logistique

Matériel, voyages d’étude et formation, documentation, mise en contact avec des structures partenaire

Nombre de méthodes mise au point

Nov 2004

Élaboration des cartes de dégradation des sols

Réalisation de cartes types de dégradation des sols (Zone d’intervention du DMP : 100-600 mm)

Expert, données secondaires

collecte et traitement d’information, prise en charge atelier de validation et publication

Nombre de cartes types

Dec 2005

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Pourde la Fi(FSA) de

suite de la détermination du potentiel xation Symbiotique de l’Azote s légumineuses par le 15N

Experts, logistique

Fourniture 15N Nombre de légumineuses dont le potentiel de fixation de N est

Dec 2004

Évaluation des effets des légumineuses sur l’azote et la fertilité des sols Évaluation des effets à long terme des

légumineuses sur la fertilité des sols

Experts, logistique

Fourniture 15N analyses de laboratoire

Rendements descultures, analyses de sols

Dec 2006

Information Éducation Communication (IEC) sur l’amélioration de la fertilité des sols par les légumineuse et les amendements organiques et minéraux locaux

Experts, logistique, méthodologie

Prise en charge des ateliers d`animation, matériels d`animation, publications

Nombre d’IECréalisés

Mars 2004

Nombre de producteurs touchés

Conduite d’actions pilotes devulgarisation sous gestion paysanne

Experts, logistique, méthodologie

Prise en charge des action de vulgarisation, intrants, matériels, logistiques

Nombre d’actions pilote

Dec 2004

Tests des technologies en milieu paysan

Évaluation d’impacts (agronomiques, environnementales, socio-économiques) des actions pilotes en milieu paysan

Experts, logistique, méthodologie

Équipements, collecte et traitement des données, validation, publication

Augmentation des rendements enmilieu paysan, résultats d’analyses de sol. Amélioration du niveau de vie

Juin 2005

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Organisations de visites d’échanges d’expériences au profit des populations riveraines

Logistiques, experts

Prise en charge des visites d’échange

Nombre de visite et nombre de bénéficiaires des visites

Dec 2004

Caractérisation de la fertilité et du régime hydrique des sols des parcs à karité et néré

Mesurer l’efficacité des mulch des espèces agroforestières locales sur la fertilité et l’économie de l’eau

Experts, logistique

Fourniture 15N, analyses de laboratoire

Analyses des sols

Dec 2004

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5.2 Work plan for Pilot Group 2 – Mali

Activity

Government input/an AIEA input/an Assumptions/ riskss

Indicators performance

Completion date

Activité 1

Gestion de la fertilité du sol, de l’eau et des nutriments

dans les systèmes de culture mil-niébé par des technologies améliorées et intégrées à travers l’utilisation des techniques nucléaires et techniques connexes.

1. 1 : mise en place en milieu paysan d’un essai en réseau de fertilisation 15N sur mil en vue de quantifier le bilan de N-engrais dans le système sol-plante et l’économie de l’eau au champ : le matériel à utiliser sera la sonde à neutrons, les variétés améliorées sélectionnées suite aux activités (2001 et 2002) de recherche de génotypes adaptés aux conditions climatiques, l’urée marquée au 15N.

Données eau sol plante des essais au champ Recommandations et/ou fiches techniques

2003 et 2004

1. 2 : Etude agronomique des phospho-composts fabriqués en 2002 : réalisation d’une nouvelle série (essai en réseau) sur mil en milieu paysan. Utilisation de la méthode de la « cinétique d’échange isotopique » et méthode de la « valeur L » avec 32P.

Rendements agronomique et rentabilité économique et perception des producteurs

2003

1.3 : Etude des arrière-effets (sur une culture de niébé) des traitements de l’essai relatif au phospho-compost de 2002 et 2003. Evaluation de la fixation atmosphérique de N2 par cette légumineuse selon les traitements. Utilisation de la méthode de la dilution isotopique avec de l’engrais marqué au 15N.

Pour les activités 1, 2, 3 : Salaires de 8 Chercheurs pendant 4 mois (8 millions FCFA) ; Véhicule 4 jrs par mois pdt 4 mois soit 4000 km x 300 FCFA = 1 200 000 FCFA) ;Un chauffeur : 75000 x 4 = 300 000 FCFA ;3 techniciens pendant 4 mois soit 100000 x 12 =1 200 000 FCFA 20 paysans collaborateurs x 4 mois x 2 villages 3000 x 20 x 120 jrs = 7 200 000 eau, électricité, téléphone,infrastructure, fax, e.mail ;

Chauffeur10000 x 16 x 1=160000 F

Subcontrat /an Carburant mission 600 l x 500 = 30000 F Carburant moto 50 l x 3 x 4 x500 = 300 000 f Perdiem 8 cherch pdt 16 j x 15 000 = 1920000

Main d’œuvre 3000 F x 10 pdt 10j = 300 000F Visite scientifique de deux semaines Sur Fixation N2 pour un Chercheur2004

Disponibilité des appuis de l’AIEA et a temps

Risques climatiques

2003 et 2004

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Activity Government input AIEA input Assumptions/

riskss Indicators performance

Completion date

Activité 2 Opérationalisation du laboratoire des radio-

isotopes de Sotuba en 2003 par la mise en route de l’analyse de 32P et la formation d’un technicien en techniques d’analyses isotopiques 32P en 2003.

Salaire d’un Techniciend’analyse en formation 100000 x 3 = 300000 FCFA

Appui d’un expert

Un technicienest formé en techniques d’analyse isotopiques

2004

2.1. Evolution vers l’analyse de 32P par la formation de deux techniciens en 2003, Mission d’appui MOREL et Equipements complémentaires à acquérir en 2003 (liste attendue).

2.1 Atelier d’information et de sensibilisation

(de tous les acteurs) sur les résultats de TCP et les capacités du laboratoire en 2003

Salaire Chercheur en formation en techniques d’analyse 32P :

750 000 FCFA Une salle de 100 places pendant 3 jrs = 25000 x 3 = 75 000 FCFA

Equipements complémentaires

Mission d’appui

Formation PM Appui financier : 1 500 000 FCFA

Un ordinateur et une imprimante pour le staff et les facilites de communication de mail.

Deux techniciens sont formés -Nombre d’équipement complémentaires reçus

Nbre d’acteurs informes et sensibilisés (gouvernement société civile et partenaire au développement)

2003 2003

Activité 3 Formulation d’un programme national de lutte

contre la désertification utilisant les techniques nucléaires pour la période 2005-2010.

Salaire de 4 Cadres pdt 1

mois = 250 000 x 4 = 1 millions FCFA

Appui d’un expert

Un document de programme national est disponible et soumis à temps par le Gouvernement a l’AIEA

2004

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Activité 4 Utilisation des techniques nucléaires dans

l’étude en cours sur la prise en compte de l’épuisement du sol dans les comptes d’exploitation agricole.

4. 1. Requête et terme de référence 4.2. Réalisation de l’étude.

2 chercheurs pendant 1 mois (500000 FA) 5 chercheurs pendant 3 mois (3 750 000) 20 Enquêteurs 1 500 000 FCFA

Appui financier 4 Millions Analyses PM

Terme de référence et requête élaborés et envoyés à l’AIEA a temps

2003 2004

Activite 5 Etude de l’origine de la MOS et de l’influence du karité sur la stabilité de la MOS et du carbone du sol.

Utilisation de la méthode fondée sur le delta 13C, permettant que quantifier l’effet d’une ou plusieurs plantes en C3 (arbres notamment) par rapport à une ou plusieurs plantes en C4 (mil, sorgho par exemple), sur le stock de MOS du sol.

2 chercheurs pendant 1 mois (500000 FA)

Formation sur d’un Chercheur sur la technique du delta 13C (3 mois)

2004

Activite 6

Etude pour identifier les conditions pour une utilisation optimale du phosphate naturel de Tilemsi (PNT)

6.1 Prelevements de sols dans une cinquantaine d’exploitations en 2003 et dosage au laboratoire de Sotuba par la methode colorimetrique du vert malachyte

6.2 Mise en place des tests en milieu paysan en 2004

2 chercheurs pendant 1 mois (500000 FA) 20 Enquêteurs 1 500 000 FCFA

Appui financier pour les travaux de terrain

2003 2004

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5.3 Work plan for Pilot Group 3 - Niger

Activity Government input IAEA input Assumptions/ risks

Performance indicators

Completion date

Activité 1: Mise au point des techniques de plantation des arbres en milieu aride fondées sur l’économie de l’eau et des éléments minéraux. ( TDR)

- Personnel - Infrastructures - Equipements

- carburant - petit matériel - intrants - analyses -pdts chimiques - MOT -appui technique*

- sécheresse -disponibilité des moyens

- niveau de fertilité des sols - quantité et qualité de fourrage produit - taux de reprise et la croissance

2006

Activité 2 : Essai d’amélioration de l’efficacité de l’utilisation de l’eau et des éléments minéraux par l’application des produits hydroretenteurs sur systèmes de cultures de rente (irrigué et pluvial) en milieux contrôlés (TDR)

- Personnel - Infrastructures - Equipements

- carburant - petit matériel - intrants - analyses -prdts chimiques - MOT -appui technique*

-Excès d’eau pluviale -disponibilité des moyens

- rendement - revenus - superficie irriguée

2004

Activité 3 : Etude in-situ de l’efficacité agronomique des sources de phosphate local (phospho-compost,

- Personnel - Infrastructures - Equipements

- carburant - petit matériel - intrants - analyses

- sécheresse - disponibilité des moyens

- rendement -efficience d’utilisation duphosphore

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mélange PN et Phosphate soluble, apport localisé du phospho-compost) (P32 et N15)

-prdts chimiques - MOT -appui technique*

- niveau de fertilité phosphorique -valorisation des ressources naturelles locales

2004

Activité 4 : Gestion intégrée de la fertilité du sol dans un système de culture mil-niébé (N15)

- Personnel - Infrastructures - Equipements

- carburant - petit matériel - intrants -prdts chimiques -analyses - MOT -appui technique*

-disponibilité des moyens à temps - sécheresse

- rendement - fertilité des sols

2004

* Appuis Expert AIEA, stages, visites scientifiques, etc

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5.4 Work plan For Regional networking Activities

Activity Governments input OtherOrganization input

IAEA input Assumptions/ risks

Performance indicators

Completion date

Promote the participation of project counterparts to synthesis and planning meetings of relevant sub-regionalprogrammes (DMP, CILSS, TSBF, CORAF, etc.)

Facilitating meetings organization and counterparts participation.

Participate in meetings organization, timely invitation of project counterpart.

Participate in meetings organization, support thecounterpart participation

Collaborative spirit of all stakeholders and organizations, enabling policy environment.

Number ofsuccessful joint meetings organized and provision of useful synthesis reports.

End 2004

Organization of joint activities such as trainings, regional workshops, publications etc. as well as joint monitoring and evaluation of programmes.

Facilitating training events andworkshops organization and counterparts participation

Provide relevant assistance by participating in trainingevents organization.

Provide assistance intraining events organization and implementation.

Resources availability and joint planning

Number ofsuccessful joint workshops organized.

End 2004

Formalize cooperationagreements and prepare joint funds raising activities aiming to develop joint programmes and develop new research initiatives to break new grounds (opening vision)

Coordinated activities to develop a document including national priorities

Expertise Expertise Finalize abankable joint Project Development Documents (PDD)

End 2003

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Assist in a development of a common database document on desertification and food security status within the region.

Necessary input to be provided by participating States (BKF, MLI, NER and SEN)

Necessary assistance needed.

Agency’s expertise

Joint initiative supported by all groups

Number ofdocuments stored in the database

End 2004

Training workshop to develop a better understanding andknowledge on nuclear techniques for technical competent staff of the project.

Provide 2 to 3 participants.

Assist in the meeting ifrequested.

Ensure themeeting organization, preferably in Vienna.

Financial resources availability

Number of staff trained.

June 2004

Improve working relationship at the working level between the counterparts and the Sub-regional organizations.

Organize national and regionalmeetings with all stakeholders oncombating desertification

Provide relevant information and documentation to stakeholders, participate in the organization of national and regional meetings.

Provide assistance in the preparation of relevant documents Provide technical documents

Commitment of allstakeholders

Number ofnational and sub-regional organizations informed

On-going

Enhance and promoteinformation and communication exchanges between the group

Provide relevant national activities reports forinclusion in a newsletter andwebsite. Provide the list and exact

Provide relevant national and regional activities reports for inclusion in a

Develop awebsite and a group list of all stakeholders and partners.

Countries and institutions working communication systems. Commitment of all

Website available. Site inputs and connexions

July 2003

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addresses, including anelectronic address of all national stakeholders.

newsletter and website. Provide the list and exact addresses, including an electronic address of all partners.

stakeholders.

Necessary notification and co-ordination is needed between the DMP, TSBF and the Joint FAO/IAEA Division to formalize and timely implement the necessary arrangements needed for the regional activities, including the meeting.

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6 CONCLUSIONS AND RECOMMENDATIONS

6.1 Conclusions

Objectives of the meeting were successfully achieved. Progress made in the project implementation (phase I) is satisfactory, in spite of the financial constraints faced in each of the participating countries. There is scope for improvement in both technical and managerial aspects of implementation. Updated work plans (and activities) should target the project objectives and expected outputs within a well defined time frame.

6.2 Recommendations. Formulate national project proposals that will take into account the contribution of trees in soil

and water management and fertility enhancement. Strengthening networking on Combating desertification and improvement of communication

and exchange of information at both national and regional level and establishing strategic partnerships for collaborative work among participating countries Associate end-users in the implementation of the project. Develop and make available relevant technical information for the dissemination of research

outputs to the end-users and Increasing public awareness of the project. Use the outcome of this meeting as an “upstream work” for the planning and programming of

the regional project activities for 2005-2006. Development of large scale pilot plots during the final phase and enhancing participatory

effect (on farm trials) Need to develop appropriate cropping technologies for cash-crops with high income

generation. Necessary socio-economic assessments for developed technologies should be made within the

final phase. The environmental and conservation of natural resources need to be taken into account for the

developed technologies. Developing and pilot-testing SWNM interventions that promote conservation of natural

resources and protect the environment (vale added increment). Continuing to strengthen national capacities to combat desertification. The regional project on combating desertification planning and programming did not provide

to participating Member States, the necessary preparation and planning of field mechanisms to implement the project activities. Therefore, it is needed to increase the Agency’s assistance for field activities funds.

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7 APPENDICES