‘Trees are not all the same’ Assessing the policy and regulatory barriers to the upscaling of Famer Managed Natural Regeneration (FMNR) in Senegal

Abstract

ABSTRACT Ecosystem restoration remains high on development agendas worldwide. In the Sahel, including Senegal, knowledge gaps remain on how the underlying policy and regulations for rights and ownership influence farmers’ incentives for upscaling land restoration. We contribute to filling these gaps by i) analysing agroforestry related policy and regulations, and ii) assessing key stakeholders (foresters, animators, and farmers) perceptions in Kaffrine, Kaolack and Fatick regions using semi-structured interviews. The results show that tree rights and use procedures are determined by the Forestry Code and vary according to the status and location of the tree. However, the Forestry Code was found to be inappropriate for managing agroforestry systems where farmer managed natural regeneration (FMNR) is practiced, hence creating barriers to its adoption. Contrasting perceptions and potential solutions emerged. While the field animators and farmers find the tree use procedures burdensome and constraining for the practice of FMNR, most foresters find them not burdensome and appropriate for environmental protection. As solutions, animators and foresters suggest farmers’ sensitization, capacity building, and rewards, whereas the farmers call for an easing of tree use procedures and a reduction of taxes and permit fees. These results suggest farmer-centric and inclusive policy reform of tree rights in Senegal.