Agroforestry is a system that combines trees or bushes with agricultural crops on the same plot of land. This system brings together the best of both worlds. On one hand, (re)forestation is essential in the fight against climate change; on the other hand, agroforestry does not compromise food security. OVO, in collaboration with local partners, has successfully launched such a project in Senegal.
interview and article by Marc Van de Velde
Smart Mbey, as the project is called, is being implemented in several communities about 225 km north of the Senegalese capital, Dakar. It is not limited to agroforestry and is actually based on three pillars:
- solar energy,
- agroforestry
- and "Clean Cooking
But it all began with solar panels. Björn Macauter, the general director of Entrepreneurs for Entrepreneurs (OVO), explains: “If we want to stimulate economic activities in rural areas, which is OVO's goal, energy is, of course, necessary. However, after several field visits and discussions with local stakeholders, it quickly became clear that we first needed to meet basic needs, namely drinking water and food. Thus, a few years ago, the Smart Village project was launched. The aim was to replace the diesel pumps that supply the region's water towers with a solar panel system.
This way, we could better guarantee the availability of drinking water. Indeed, diesel pumps frequently broke down, and maintenance costs were significant. The transition to a more reliable solar energy system was financed through a loan taken out by the local population. As they could start saving on monthly costs, such as maintenance and diesel, from day one, there were immediate profits. After three years, the system belonged to them.”
From water tower to well
Philippe Convents, a volunteer with OVO, has been involved in the project from the beginning. “At one point, the water was privatized. The profits that the local population made from the solar panels were thus lost. This is how Smart Mbey was launched. The principle remained the same, but no longer for water towers but for wells. The diesel pumps used to pump water from wells will be replaced by a system with 4 solar panels and a small pump.
Financing is through a loan: we are facilitating loans of €3000 for the switch from diesel to solar energy, only to farmers willing to switch to agroforestry. Of course, they have to meet some conditions. They must have at least 1 ha, fenced with acacia bushes, for example, to keep goats and other animals out, and be willing to plant a combination of plants and trees. Initially, these are mainly fruit trees. Currently, 10 producers are already participating in the project.’
Good news for the farmers is that each is supported to get started with the necessary plants but more importantly, with basic training and follow-up.
Collaboration with local partners
In addition to OVO, two Senegalese partners are also involved in the project: MEZCOP, the Mutual Savings and Credit Union of the Potou area, and APAF, the Association for the Promotion of Fertile Trees in Agroforestry and Forestry. Smart Mbey is closely monitored by Daha Diallo, OVO’s local representative together with Birane Nguer, who is in charge of operational guidance. He provides an update: “Ten producers have received funding for the installation of a solar-powered pump system, for planting a natural fence, and for agricultural crops. More than 4,000 trees have already been planted. Of course, this transition is not easy for the farmers. We try to convince them by providing training and highlighting the major problems they face: climate change and the cost of energy. Finally, I would also like to emphasize the third pillar of the project: ‘Clean Cooking.’ To prevent excessive deforestation for cooking, we had local craftsmen make wood stoves that use up to 50% less wood than traditional methods, resulting in less smoke and CO2 emissions. 10 have already been distributed in a pilot project, the next 15 have been ordered because everyone is really very enthusiastic."
