| Main info | |
|---|---|
|
Name / Location |
Kolda / Kolda Region, Southern Senegal |
|
Partner |
Senegalese Agricultural Research Institute – ISRA |
|
Agroecological Zone |
Semi-arid |
|
Climate Classification |
Arid, steppe, hot |
|
Land Ownership |
Public (owned by ISRA – Agricultural Research Centre of Tambacounda) |
|
Total Area (ha) |
19 ha |
|
Area Under AF (ha) |
3 ha |
|
Non-AF Farmland (ha) |
3 ha |
|
Support Organization |
ISRA-Tambacounda |
Dedicated to reversing land degradation and desertification by integrating forest and fruit trees with livestock systems
Located in the semi-arid Upper Casamance region, Senegal’s Living Lab is dedicated to reversing land degradation and desertification by integrating forest and fruit trees with livestock systems. Hosted by ISRA-Tambacounda and supported by a strong team of on-site technical staff, the lab serves as a hub for applied agroforestry research, sustainable land management testing, and technical demonstrations. Its work strengthens rural resilience, supports community development, and facilitates the exchange of practical knowledge for managing fragile ecosystems.
Main Challenges
- Desertification, driven by unsustainable land use and climatic pressures
- Land degradation, reducing soil fertility and agricultural productivity
- Poverty, limiting access to resources and opportunities
- Extreme weather events, such as droughts and heavy rains, impacting farming systems
Agroforestry response
In response, Senegal’s Living Lab promotes integrated agroforestry systems that combine forest and fruit trees with livestock to restore land productivity and enhance ecosystem services. Key crops in the system include groundnut, maize, and millet, providing both food and market value. Livestock, primarily cows and sheep, are integrated to improve soil health, support nutrient cycling, and diversify income streams. This approach offers a sustainable pathway to build climate resilience, reduce poverty, and support rural development in one of West Africa’s most vulnerable regions.
