A UK-funded project in northern Senegal will help communities tackle the impacts of climate change through agroforestry and permaculture.

An article in the Scotsman outlines how over the next 3 years, the project will directly benefit 3,000 community members through supporting both “traditional and modern land-use systems in which trees are managed together with crops and/or animal production systems in agricultural settings”.

The aim of the project is to develop 150 hectares of community land to produce more food more efficiently, and increase the communities’ resilience and capacity to adapt to the advancing effects of climate change. Women in particular will be involved in the project to enhance their agricultural and economic knowledge and skills.

In the Podor region of Senegal, the forests have been denuded, food production has shifted from local to export production and misguided agricultural policies over the years have turned fertile soil into barren wastelands.

Despite these challenges, local people are optimistic. Through a series of ‘visioning’ exercises, the community has outlined a path towards reversing previously destructive practices and building resilience to floods, droughts and climate change. They have committed to working together to reclaim their land; “the young will collect seeds, men will start fencing, women will engage with soil restoration”.

Introducing agroforestry in this region is expected to enhance ecosystems by storing carbon, prevent deforestation, increase biodiversity, protect water resources and reducing erosion.

“If you support people in their livelihoods you give them wings!” says a local farmer.

Read the full story: Building the future in face of adversity