Fallow but fertile

Shortening the fallow period in the savannah zones of sub-Saharan Africa poses new challenges for the protection and improvement of soil fertility and biodiversity. From 13 to 16 April 1999, almost 200 researchers, scientists, decision makers, and development workers from all over Africa and beyond came together in Dakar, Senegal, to plan new approaches. Among the topics covered were short-term fallows, soil biology, vegetation succession, products (including forage) in traditional and improved fallows, tree-improved fallows, hedges, and rehabilitation of degraded areas. The underlying and unifying feature of most recommendations was partnership and participation, pointing to the recognition that no measures to improve fallows will become sustainable without close involvement of all stakeholders. The terms that swept the seminar and which should appear in policies and practice in years to come are 'integration' and 'transfer': integration of various activities, and transfer of research findings. The seminar was organised and sponsored by CIRAD, CORAF, European Union, IDRC, IRD, ISRA, French Development Cooperation, UNESCO, and CTA. Seminaire Jachère BP 1386, Dakar, Senegal Fax: +221 832 2698 Email: ponpon@ird.snFrom 13 to 16 April 1999, almost 200 researchers, scientists, decision makers, and development workers from all over Africa and beyond came together in Dakar, Senega