ML-BioCarbon Fund MASPP & Biomass (FY06)

This project (MASPP) aims to restore deforested and highly degraded land in Mali by empowering local communities to adopt sustainable agro-forestry practices for Acacia Senegalensis plantations. While local agro-forestry used to rely on the natural regeneration of the Acacia tree after logging, increased deforestation has significantly hampered re-growth, and degraded the soil to the extent that agricultural activity is no longer possible. This project represents the first effort in Mali to establish Acacia Senegal plantations where natural dry forests are no longer able to regenerate on their own. Carbon sequestration will make the project viable by providing an additional revenue stream that will supplement income generated by the sale of Arabic gum from the Acacia tree and inter-cropping with groundnuts, cowpeas and other local crops. MASPP is based on an innovative public-private partnership of three parties: ' Mali Institute of Rural Economics (IER), a public research and development institute dedicated to improving agro-forestry practices in the Sahel region of Africa; ' Deguessi Vert, a local private entrepreneur of agricultural goods; ' Local communities and farmers, who will benefit from the economic growth and employment provided by a new agro-forestry sector. Together, IER and Deguessi Vert will establish a joint venture company to better manage and coordinate the activities proposed by the project. Local communities will be involved at different levels (described below) and will benefit significantly from the scientific know-how and market access provided by the joint venture.