Natural Resource Management & Conservation Specialist
Translation
Work experience in Guinea

Work experience in Guinea

Evaluation of the USAID-funded AID (Accelerated Impact Project) for Agroforestry in the Fouta Djalon Highlands based in Pita. Found that the species selection had serious problems — of 80,000 Gmelina arborea planted, only about that had been planted on a Macrotermes large termite mound were healthy with normal growth rates. This participatory project, however, had marked a dramatic change in approach from that used under the Sekou Toure regime whereby lands for reforestation were simply seized without consulting or involving the traditional land owners.

Team leader for the mid-term evaluation of the USAID-funded natural resource management project covering three watershed int he Fouta Djalon. Found that USAID had forced the project implementers into an organic gardening approach that was not successful in addressing severe phosphate deficiencies on the agricultural soils. Found the agroforestry component to be only partially satisfactory. Found that natural forest management component had not made much progress.

Team leader for the design of the natural resources program for the third entry of Peace Corps into Guinea, focusing on the Fouta Djalon Highlands. Developed an agroforestry program and a fish pond program.

NRM specialist on a high level team to assess the soundness of the USAID country strategy. Found the country strategy to be somewhat less than strategic.