Assessment of forage production and socio-economic effects of a developed site: the case of the Samtigué sylvo-pastoral site (Western Niger)

Today's Sahel is a zone of multiple challenges. Security and social crises are compounded by endemic food insecurity. The appropriate response to these problems requires the implementation of integrated activities in several sectors. The aim of this study is to assess the effects of reclaiming the Samtigué plateau (Ouallam/Niger department) on socio-economic and environmental dimensions. The methodology used consists in assessing the forage produced, using the yield square pause technique, followed by full cutting and weighing. Socio-economic effects were assessed in terms of food security, social cohesion and beneficiaries' income. The results show that an average of 1.7 kg of dry fodder is produced per work. This corresponds to a yield of 353.6 kg per hectare and a carrying capacity of 0.068 TLP/ha/Up. In addition to fodder production, small animals are beginning to return. The development of the sylvo-pastoral site has helped to strengthen the capacities of the beneficiaries, as well as improving social cohesion within the population. In terms of income, a participant in the work earns a monthly income of 26,000 CFA francs. The works have had a positive impact on the lives of the beneficiary communities and on the environment.