NFP Facility Partnership
Niger
The Facility Partnership with Niger, finalized in 2003, intended to advance Niger's nfp process and update the previous National Forestry Action Plan by bringing together recent strategic developments, new participatory approaches adopted in the forestry sector, and progress made under several sub-sector projects during the last 10 years. Facility support made it possible to revive a dormant nfp process, to integrate it into broader sustainable development strategies, and to strengthen nfp implementation. A two-phase approach was used: taking stock of the forestry sector first and, after time was left to develop the “Stratégie de Développement Rural” (SDR) as a broad framework for rural development, resuming support to develop a national forest policy. In terms of “nfp principles”, the Facility impacted mainly on clusters 1 (Country leadership) and clusters 2 (Integration in other sectors).The main achievements are:
- Rather slow but steady and productive partnership which adhered well to the Facility principles and modus operandi.
- Sector wide and participatory assessment of the forestry sector under thematic studies (legal & institutional aspects, technical issues and solutions, economic & financial aspects) and site specific studies in the 3 main eco-geographic zones of the country.
- Participatory development of the “Programme Forestier National” (PFN) in line with the SDR, based on a bottom-up process;
- Targeted initiatives to enhance PFN implementation on a variety of topics such as developing operational guidance (decentralized NRM in general, and forest management for woodfuel production at the grassroots level), and designing sector strategies for the future (national forest inventory system, and promotion of forest species for food).
Lessons learned
- Commitment, motivation and continued involvement of nfp focal points are essential for a successful partnership, as was the case in Niger where the focal points (only 2 over almost ten years time) would have benefitted from in-depth briefing by the Facility Team in Rome.
- Facility support works well when the nfp process has to comply with national legal requirements, as was the case in Niger where the recent forestry legislation made it mandatory to develop a participatory national forest programme.
Points of Contact
- National Director of Forestry
Monsieur Adamou Issaka Ounteini, Directeur Général de l'Environnement et des Eaux et Forêts Ministère de l'Eau, de l'Environnement et de la Lutte Contre la Désertification Niamey Niger - NFP Focal Point
Ibro Adamou, Directeur des Inventaires et des Aménagements Forestiers - Day-to-day NFP Facility Focal Point
Ibro Adamou, Directeur des Inventaires et des Aménagements Forestiers - NFP Facility Coach
François Wencélius
01 Feb 2008
Assessment of the nfp
In order to assess the progress and status of the nfp process, the Facility and FAO have designed a matrix to provide a clearer picture of how the country nfp processing are evolving, which elements are well developed and which elements remain weak and in need of further attention. The matrix has been tested in the countries to ensure the relevance of its indicators.
The matrix contains indicators for each phase of the nfp process: analysis, policy formulation, implementation and monitoring and evaluation. The indicators are clustered according to the primary nfp principles: country ownership, inter- and intra-sectoral linkages, partnerships and participation.
The matrix below was completed by stakeholders, in a participatory way, during a national workshop.
Each indicator was rated as follows:
 | the indicator has not been developed |
 | the indicator is absent from the country nfp process |
 | the indicator exists but is incipient |
 | the indicator is progressing well within the country nfp process |
 | the indicator is completed to the country’s full satisfaction - can serve as a model for others to follow |
- Country leadership
Analysis: Assessing the situation of the forest sector and its development
Forest sector review Forest information (in website and other depositories) freely available and accessible to all stakeholders Forestry outlook study Policy formulation: Identifying objectives and priorities and proposing policies and strategies for implementation
Existence of an officially adopted and broadly accepted Forest Policy Statement Nfp coordination mechanism established Mechanisms for decentralised policy debate and feed back are in place Existence of national and sub-national forest development action plans Existence of a financial strategy for sustainable forestry development Existence of subject-specific strategies, e.g. to promote plantations, to combat illegal logging, to control forest fires, etc. Country participation in UNFF and other international or regional forest related meetings Implementation: Implementing policies in accordance with the nfp principles
Recent review or reformulation of forest legislation Capacity building of stakeholders to implement nfp related activities (training programmes of FD, NGOs, private sector representatives, etc) Level of domestic (public and private) funding for national forestry programme related activities to promote sustainable forest management. Donor coordination mechanisms under the leadership of a national institution are in place. Recent institutional reform and/or modernization of forest related institutions and services Efforts to improve law compliance, governance and transparency in the sector Participation in networks, regional and international initiatives to promote sustainable forest management Evidence of contributions to the regional and international forest debate Monitoring and evaluation: Evaluating progress including lessons learned, and making adjustments to improve the nfp; includes knowledge management and information sharing
Regular data collection and assessment/review of forest development action plans National forest program evaluation reports Evidence that lessons learned are used to adjust/improve the process Regularly updated forest information available to support strategic planning of government and others Revised policies, nfp documents and action plan Country implementation of IPF/IFF proposals for action regularly appraised - Inter and intra-sectoral linkages
Analysis: Assessing the situation of the forest sector and its development
Analysis of the consistency of laws and legal prescriptions related to forestry Identification of traditional forest-related knowledge Compilation and analysis of policies, laws, regulations and strategic plans of other sectors that influence forestry Assessment of the role of forests in the national economy (including valuation of its contributions) and the linkages with central issues in other sector strategies Assessment of impact of other sectors on forestry sector development Identification of approaches for intra and inter-sectoral dialogue (working with Ministry of Local Government on Rural Development Project, others are Ministry of Food and Agriculture on Integrated Forest Plantations, etc.) Policy formulation: Identifying objectives and priorities and proposing policies and strategies for implementation
Evidence that inconsistencies in the forest related policy and legal framework have been addressed Harmonization of forest policy with other sector policies and development plans Participation of the forest sector in other sectors’ strategic planning exercises Thematic working groups for policy related discussions Implementation: Implementing policies in accordance with the nfp principles
Recognition of customary laws and traditional rights related to forestry Assessment of contributions of the forest sector to the economy, taking into account the multiple benefits of forest products and services Integration of forestry in national poverty reduction strategies and strategies Joint meetings with other sectors to promote integrated natural resources management (e.g. soil conservation / watershed management) Inter-ministerial or inter-institutional mechanisms to support nfp implementation are in place Coordination with country units/focal points responsible for implementation of international Conventions (CBD, UNCCD, UNFCCC, CITES, etc) Monitoring and evaluation: Evaluating progress including lessons learned, and making adjustments to improve the nfp; includes knowledge management and information sharing
Coordination of nfp monitoring mechanisms with other monitoring mechanisms of poverty reduction and similar development strategies Revision of nfp progress with all relevant stakeholders from within and outside the forest sector Harmonization of revised nfp documents with strategic planning of other sectors - Partnerships and participation
Analysis: Assessing the situation of the forest sector and its development
Stakeholder analysis: identification of stakeholders, their importance/influence Training in use of participatory tools to promote stakeholder participation Existence of qualified staff to conduct participatory processes Policy formulation: Identifying objectives and priorities and proposing policies and strategies for implementation
Mechanisms for stakeholder consultation and participation are established and functional The mechanism of the participatory process is well-known by all relevant stakeholder groups Stakeholders are sufficiently organized to participate in the nfp process. Evidence of participation of non-government stakeholders in the policy formulation process. Stakeholder consultation/meetings or fora to discuss forest policy objectives and priorities Evidence of stakeholder’ initiative to participate in the nfp process High percentage of stakeholders have access to relevant information Stakeholders informed and engaged in the commitments of the country participation in UNFF and other international and regional forest related meetings Implementation: Implementing policies in accordance with the nfp principles
Clarification and definition of roles and responsibilities of forest administration and other stakeholders Existence of mechanisms for dialogue and joint decision making among forestry sector stakeholders Joint forest stakeholder activities (e.g. private-public partnerships) Capacity building of stakeholders in technical and managerial aspects Training in conflict management provided to stakeholders Gender equity issues addressed Public awareness campaigns and information initiatives are being developed. Government supports active participation and institutionalization of non-government stakeholders in national forestry program Existence of multi-sectoral development committees at local level Monitoring and evaluation: Evaluating progress including lessons learned, and making adjustments to improve the nfp; includes knowledge management and information sharing
Sharing of information on progress in nfp implementation among forestry stakeholders Procedures for stakeholder feedback instituted, e.g. stakeholder forum to discuss lessons learned and to review/adjust the nfp process Evaluation of stakeholder participation and satisfaction with the nfp process Awareness of nfp achievements by general public, including information dissemination and adoption of knowledge
Implemented Activities
- April 2011Faire un état des lieux des connaissances sur les ressources forestières du Niger et proposer un Programme national d’inventaire et de suivi de ces dernières.
Département de Biologie, Université Abdou Moumouni - February 2011Finaliser l’élaboration du Programme Forestier National (PFN) du Niger.
Bureau d'études en ingénierie pour l'environnement - September 2010Finaliser l'élaboration du Programme Forestier National (PFN) du Niger et en faciliter la mise en œuvre.
Direction générale de l'Environnement et des Eaux et Forêts - April 2007Elaborer un guide de gestion décentralisé des ressources forestières et fauniques
Association Nigérienne de l’Irrigation et du Drainage - March 2007Elaborer un document de projet de promotion des espèces forestières alimentaires
Organisation de Soutien à l'Emergence d'Initiatives Locales en matière d'Environnement et de Développement Durable - August 2004Analyser le cadre juridique et institutionnel du secteur forestier nigérien en vue de formuler des propositions d'amélioration
Initiative pour le renforcement des Capacités - August 2004Mener une étude économique et financière du secteur forestier
Cabinet Maïna - August 2004Elaborer des documents de référence sur les forêts et les perspectives de développement dans les régions de Maradi et Tahoua
Organisation de Soutien à l'Emergence d'Initiatives Locales en matière d'Environnement et de Développement Durable - August 2004Elaborer des documents de référence sur les forêts et les perspectives de développement dans les régions de Diffa, Zinder et Agadez
Organisation de Soutien à l'Emergence d'Initiatives Locales en matière d'Environnement et de Développement Durable - August 2004Elaborer des documents de référence sur les forêts et les perspectives de développement dans les régions de Dosso, Tillabéri et Niamey
Institut National de Recherche Agronomique du Niger - August 2004Mener une analyse des problèmes techniques rencontrés actuellement par le secteur forestier
Institut National de Recherche Agronomique du Niger - December 2003Faciliter le développement du programme forestier national du Niger
Direction de l'environnement