Hedge Against Sand Encroachment and Moringa Cultivation
The main objective of this initiative is to reduce the impact of wind and sand on the crops by creating an effective vegetative barrier. This hedge also serves as a visual screen, providing physical and symbolic protection against the "evil eye". It aims to significantly improve agricultural yield in the protected area and, in the long term, provide an additional source of firewood.
Farm Context
Errachidia Province, Tinjedad Commune
Crop Distribution
- Total area: 4.5 hectares (owned melk property, no lease)
- Soil: 70% sand / 30% clay
- Crops grown:
- Wheat: 2 ha
- Alfalfa: 1 ha (excluding palm trees)
- Corn: 0.5 ha
- Vegetable farming: 0.5 ha
- Alfalfa under date palms: additional 3 ha
Animal Production
- Activities: breeding of ewes and cows
- Strong herd reduction due to drought, numbers dropped from 145 heads to only 15.
Workforce
- Permanent: 2 family members (probably his brother and sister)
- Seasonal: 7 to 8 day laborers during the wheat harvest and 4 day laborers during the date harvest (non-family)
Irrigation
- Irrigation: Drip system across the entire farm, 100% state-funded.
- Water sources: 2 wells equipped with solar pumps.
Hedge Against Sand Encroachment
Context of Hedge Establishment
In a context of strong winds laden with sand in the Tinejdad region, it is necessary to establish hedges windbreaks that are drought-resistant and adapted to local conditions. Moreover, Khali and Youssef Kasse's farm is located in a particularly exposed area, where sand passage is significant and crop sand encroachment is frequent.
The Peruvian pepper tree (Schinus molle) was chosen for its advantages: evergreen foliage year-round, attractive flowering for bees, good drought tolerance, visual screen effect, and ability to retain sand.
Other species were considered but rejected:
- Tamarisk: increases soil salinity.
- Eucalyptus: roots can crack or damage nearby structures.
Implemented Steps
- Establishment
- Three staggered rows, spaced 50 cm to 1 m between rows and about 2 m between each tree.
- Planting perpendicular to the prevailing wind (southwest).
- Trees aged 1 to 2 years, in bags, height ~1 m.
- Tree cost: provided free by the Oasis Ferkla Association for Environment and Heritage (AOFEP) as part of a project, including irrigation pipe coverage.
- Planting
- No specific hole-digging technique, hole adapted to the size of the bag, no widened pit.
- Installation of stakes (reed from the farm) for young trees to resist wind.
- Simultaneous planting of all trees (150 m in three days with 3-4 people, or one day with 4 workers).
- Irrigation
- Initially improvised drip irrigation, remained in place until installation of a newer system (3-4 years).
- Frequency: 2-3 times/week depending on water availability.
- Duration: 5 to 6 hours watering, solar pump (18 to 25 m³/h depending on sunlight).
- Maintenance
- No manure added: fallen leaves form a natural mulch.
- Light pruning of branches every 1 to 2 years.
- Possibility to install a net between two trees if one is missing to limit sand passage.
Technical and Economic Results
- Improved agricultural yields: +50% behind the hedge after 3 years, all crops combined.
- Low maintenance cost for the hedge (1 day of work every 1-2 years for pruning).
Environmental Results
- Significant reduction of wind speed from the 2nd year thanks to the development of horizontal branches.
- Sand retention and soil protection.
- The establishment of the Peruvian pepper tree attracts pollinators to the crops due to its flowering, thus promoting pollination and yield of surrounding agricultural productions.
- Provides firewood.
Keys to Success
- Choice of a species adapted to local conditions (drought-resistant and not harmful to soil or infrastructure).
- Planting perpendicular to the prevailing wind.
- Initial protection of young plants against wind (stakes, short trees).
- Community involvement and associative support for provision of seedlings and equipment.
Points of Caution
- Avoid using problematic species (tamarisk, eucalyptus) near cultivated areas or buildings.
- Properly protect young trees against strong winds to prevent breakage.
- Plan for regular watering during the first years.
Summary
The establishment of Peruvian pepper tree hedges has proven to be an effective practice adapted to the farm's needs.
It has provided protection against wind and sand, improved agricultural yields, had a positive environmental impact, and remained economically accessible. No major problems were encountered.
Moringa Cultivation
Practice Context
Moringa (Moringa oleifera) was introduced to the region by a French nurse who brought seeds. AOFEP ensured germination and conducted two experiments, in Merzouga and Tinejdad with farmers Mohamed Ben Barrad and Youssef Kasse.
These two farmers received some seeds; Youssef Kasse planted part and distributed the rest to farmers in Izilf. In the area, this crop remains rare and marginal, although known for its multiple uses, notably medicinal.
Objectives
- Explore its potential as fodder supplement.
- Experiment with a drought-resilient crop adapted to local conditions.
Identified but untested potential:
- Test its interest in association with the date palm to improve yields (according to Youssef Kasse, there is a virtuous association between Date Palm and Moringa)
- Produce moringa for its medicinal and nutritional properties (He could not sell the production due to low quantity).
Implemented Steps
- Establishment: planting trees from local seeds, spaced 1.5 to 2 m apart, with possibility to widen rows to allow tractor or cart passage.
- Planting period: February-March, in sandy soil that retains moisture well.
- Vegetative regrowth from roots after winter.
- Maintenance: staking with local reeds to prevent wind breakage. No chemical treatments used to preserve leaf quality.
- Irrigation: drip, 15 to 30 minutes every 7 days in summer and every 14 days in winter, may vary depending on season and water needs.
Technical and Economic Results
- First harvest possible from the first year if planted in February-March.
- Dried and powdered leaves can sell for about 20 MAD per 100 g in the Errachidia region.
- Yield depends on tree vigor and leaf quality.
- Low initial investment when seeds are provided free, but no income in this case as production was not expanded for family reasons.
Environmental Results
- Creates biomass with good drought resistance and low water needs.
- Improves date palm yields when grown in association.
- Contributes to cultivated biodiversity by introducing a species with high medicinal value.
Keys to Success
- Choose a sandy soil that retains moisture.
- Respect the optimal planting period (February-March).
- Protect young plants against wind with stakes.
- Limit chemical use to ensure leaf quality.
Points of Caution
- Do not plant after corn due to soil depletion.
- Anticipate winter dormancy and harvest leaves before low temperatures or frost.
- Ensure regular irrigation management, even if water needs are low.
Summary
Moringa, although underutilized in the region, shows strong potential due to its medicinal virtues, hardiness, and agronomic interest in crop association.
Youssef Kasse's experience shows it can be easily integrated into a local agricultural system, with promising economic prospects if commercially developed.
Youssef Kasse wished to increase production, believing this crop has many advantages, but had to entrust farm management to his brother for personal reasons.
Further Reading
- A video by SNRTnews interviewing Mohamed Ben Barrad (one of the two farmers who received Moringa seeds), illustrating the use and valorization of moringa in the region: https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=hBnhnqqVCQY.
- A guide published by RECA Niger detailing moringa production techniques including soil preparation, irrigation, fertilization, harvesting: https://reca-niger.org/IMG/pdf/techniques_de_production_du_moringa_vf.pdf.
Photo Gallery of Khali and Youssef Kasse's Farm
Sources
Interviews with Youssef and Khali Kasse conducted in 2025.
Partners
This page was written in partnership with the Urbane project and with the financial support of the European Union.
