Southwest Regional Reforestation Project

KEYWORD: Community-based Natural Forest Management, Africa. Africa, Burkina Faso, agricultural intensification, forest enterprises, sustainable agriculture, agroforestry, degraded lands, forest degradation, reforestation, extension, policy, communication, education, population growth, evaluation. SUMMARY: This is a project evaluation report from Africa's reforestation project in the Bougouriba and Poni provinces of Burkina Faso. The project started in 1985 with financial aid from USAID, United Methodist Commission on relief (UMCOR), and the Government of Burkina Faso (GOBF). Total project budget was $2,000,000. The project's goal was to halt and avert the increasing environmental degradation of the Southwest region and develop the ability of Ministry of Environmental and Tourism (MET) to effectively address the environmental degradation of the region. The objectives of the project were to: Counteract the environmental degradation in the Southwest due to increasing population pressure; Improve agricultural production while protecting and improving the natural resource base; Foster environmental awareness by educating local people on their impact on the environment; Provide a source of revenue for the rural population through the sale of tree products. The evaluation methodology included reviewing project documents and reports. The team also participated in a four-day field trip observing project activities and interviewing project participants. Results show that agroforestry was popular. However, reforestation was not a priority for the local people as most of the area was covered with vegetation. The project was both well planned and managed. This, the report attributes to Africa's recruitment of an ex-Peace Corps forester who was familiar with the area and the diligence of the MET personnel. Another key to the project's success was supportive national policy initiatives pertaining to environmental degradation.