Land degradation: In Burkina Faso, the CBO Association de Lompar de Gorongo implemented a project to promote non-timber forest products and improve soil fertility, in Boèga and Saregou villages of the commune of Garango, in the Center East region. The objectives of the project were to - create potential for valuing non-wood forest products by planting appropriate species; increase the productivity of agricultural land; and strengthen the resilience of populations to the effects of climate change.



The project recovery of 125 hectares of land degraded by stone cord techniques, planted 2,500 local trees, produced 5,000 tons of organic manure and improved soil with organic manure. It built the capacities 400 producers in techniques of land recovery and development of non-wood forest products. The practice of the stone cords reduced the runoff of rainwater by 75% and the loss of land by 70%, and increased soil moisture. The arrangement of the stone cords and the use of organic manure resulted in an additional harvest gain of around 70% for each family and a monetary gain of approximately USD 53,400, with the value of additional crops per household head is around US $ 800. According to the beneficiaries, the project also contributed in reducing child malnutrition and infant mortality, improving the health of farmers and improved children's academic performance. The lean period has been reduced by over 30 days. Through the exploitation of non-timber forest products women can have about 950 per year. The project directly benefitted 700 people (300 women and 400 men) and indirectly benefitted 2,000 people (800 women and 1,200 men).