Gaya, June 5, 2026 — On Friday, the urban municipality of Gaya initiated a major initiative to reclaim 500 hectares of degraded pastoral land. The project, funded by the Integrated Urban Development and Multisectoral Resilience Project (PIDUREM), marks a significant step toward restoring ecosystems vital for livestock farming in the region.
The launch ceremony was held at two symbolic sites: Gaya and Tara. Early in the morning, the Prefect of the Gaya department led the event, symbolically breaking ground alongside key figures including the municipal administrator, the prefecture’s secretary-general, the canton chief’s representative, and the PIDUREM regional coordinator. Also present were the Deputy Regional Director of Environment for Dosso, the departmental director of Environment, representatives from ten partner NGOs, the Tara village chief, and local residents.
Restoring pastoral land and strengthening resilience
The PIDUREM-funded project aims to rehabilitate severely degraded pastoral plots, protect soil from erosion, and enhance land capacity for livestock. Key measures include reforestation, installation of barriers to combat wind and water erosion, construction of bypass structures, and rehabilitation of access roads to improve pastoral activities and monitoring.
Economic and environmental benefits for local communities
Local authorities highlight that these interventions will bolster community resilience against climate change impacts while preserving natural resources. The PIDUREM regional coordinator emphasized that the project will generate temporary employment for nearby populations, providing immediate economic benefits during the implementation phase.
This initiative is part of a broader effort by PIDUREM in the region to combat land degradation, support food security, and reduce conflicts between farmers and herders. The project includes technical and environmental monitoring to assess the effectiveness of the interventions and adjust practices based on outcomes.
Direct beneficiaries and the role of partner NGOs
The project will directly benefit pastoral households and herders in neighboring villages, whose grazing routes will be restored and secured. Partner NGOs, involved in implementation, will conduct awareness campaigns to promote sustainable land management and ensure the upkeep of completed works. Construction has already begun, with an initial phase of land preparation and planting scheduled in the coming weeks. Regular evaluations and progress reports will be produced to ensure transparency and inform future disbursements from donors.
