Community management of the hippo population and and development of eco-tourism, Namaro, Niger
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Project Title | Community management of the hippo population and and development of eco-tourism, Namaro, Niger
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Timeframe | 2008 - 2009
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Status | Ongoing
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Description
Like the other countries bordering the River Niger, Niger has built hydro - agricultural oriented rice on the banks of the River Niger. This has resulted in a systematic clearing of the basin and natural habitats of wildlife, and consequent loss of control of land both for local populations for the existing biodiversity. The most striking is the decline, both quantitatively and qualitatively, of lush pasture that once consistuted the terraces of the river. This has compelled hippos to disperse, and with the total absence of grazing area, the coexistence of agro-communities and hippopotamus' is increasingly difficult. Two to three hippos are slaughtered each year in reprisal for damage to crops. This situation causes an irreversible decline in the strength of the main population of hippopotamus in the country. Solving the problem of coexistence between humans and this species comes from a strong social demand that has increased in recent years. In this context it is necessary to find solutions that balance the need to preserve biodiversity and imperatives of sustainable socio-economic development based largely on the knowledge acquired by endogenous populations over time.
Over the past few years, the Ministry of Environment has established several mechanisms for conflict prevention betwen man/hippopotamus. This has included fencing of several islands in the Niger River which was abandoned agriculture, so as to maintain natural pastures for the hippo. The remarkable awareness of the disappearance of the natural habitat of the hippopotamus has unfortunately not had the desired effects on the preservation of the species because local bourgou harvest the wild along the river especially during the dry seasons to feed their herds. Indeed, the lack of awareness and reducing the available forage for domestic livestock led users of the wetland to transgress the establishment of sanctuaries for grazing domestic.
Following this and the failures of some attempts by the state, this project responds to the main need identified by local communities (especially farmers and ranchers). The project responds to a need for diversification of economic activities in developing tourism vision in the region. It provides technical and scientific support in improving the demographic and ecological monitoring of populations of hippos meet the needs of local authorities in this area.
Expected Outcomes
Achievements: Results and Impact
Lessons for Replication
TYPE LESSONS HERE
References
See also
- Reversing land and water degradation trends in the Niger River Basin
- Reversal of land and water degradation trends in the Lake Chad Basin ecosystem
- Provision of wells for the supply of potable water to the rural community of Gueskerou
- Provision of potable water to the rural community of Kahi Garin Jeji, Niger
- Provision of potable water to the rural community of Boula Aminami, Niger
- Project for a drilling at Moidiodie- Leye in the rural village of Pignari.
- Improving access to water by sinking wells in the village of Garin Mallam, Zinder Region, Niger
- Improving access to safe drinking water in Mallam Boulamari village, Niger
- Improving access to safe drinking water by sinking modern OFEDE type wells in Teguessa village, Diffa Region
- Improving access to drinking water in the village of Mallam Boulamari, Niger
- Controlling sources of pollution in the River Niger
- Construction and management of latrines by the Hanzari female group in the village of Matankari, Niger
