Itace Reforestation Project in Niger

Project summary

With around 80% of its population living under 2USD a day, Niger is one of the world’s poorest countries. This landlocked african nation also suffers from heavy droughts and food shortages, as two thirds of its surface is covered by desert. The effects of climate change will have a dramatic impact on its population in years to come.

The Itace project seeks to make Niger greener by planting 8,000 hectares of acacia trees across the country and involving local populations in forest management in the process. This project also seeks to produce arabic gum to be sold abroad, thereby stimulating the local economy and creating wealth where it is most needed.

Aligning with the Sustainable Development Goals

SDG 1: No poverty

3 Million euros generated in total for the local populations thanks to revenue generation from carbon credits and sale of gum arabic

SDG 3: Good health and well-being

Provision of pharmaceutical products and healthcare infrastructures in these rural areas

SDG 4: Quality education

Provision of school equipments in rural areas

SDG 8: Decent work and economic growth

Over 71 000 jobs created for rural, poor and isolated populations thanks to the project

SDG 13: Climate Action

150 000 tons of CO2 Captured so far and 25 000 tons per year on average over lifetime of project

SDG 15: Life on land

Fight against desertification, enriched ecosystems

The result

• The project seeks plant around 8,000 hectares of Senegal Acacia Trees across 26 sites of the country. So far, around 7,200 hectares have been planted in the project’s history.
• 7 Million trees planted, contributing to the fight against desertification in the Sahel region
• Around 71,500 jobs have been created to cultivate, collect and manage the Acacia plantations, providing thousands of families with a source of revenue.
• Around 80% of the revenues generated from the sale of carbon credits are shared with the local villages.
• Around 116 000 beneficiaries across the project thanks to the creation of jobs, provision of pharmaceutical equipment, school supplies, healthcare equipment and housing
• Creation of part time, seasonal jobs for women through the setting up of vegetable cultivation
• 22 poor rural communities involved and contributing to the development of the Arabic gum industry in Niger.
• 150,000 tons of CO2 captured so far thanks to the project