Farmer Managed Natural Regeneration (FMNR) is a technique of restoring degraded land and monitoring restoration of the land involving the systematic regeneration and management of trees and shrubs from tree stumps, roots and seed. Degraded arid land often features left over indigenous plants, which if maintained and promoted to grow can improve pasture and crop lands while simultaneously encouraging re-growth of seeds, roots and shrubs. Key to this practice is the existence of living stumps, tree roots and seed that, if encouraged, will regrow. The land is protected from being completely cleared or further grazed and this allows trees to grow without disturbance. Once the stumps and trees start to grow, pruning and trimming of trees is required to allow space between trees and promote healthy long tree trunks. Once the trees have matured, intercropping can take place or livestock can be re-introduced to graze.
While requiring some investment in terms of effort, FMNR has climate smart advantages such as controlling rainfall/irrigation run-off, supporting water quality improvements, providing sources of timber or fodder, supporting habitant regeneration for pollinator insect species, acting as sun shade, and reducing soil erosion.
To effectively implement Farmer Managed Natural Regeneration:
- Step 1: Degraded land needs to be identified and living stumps, roots and seeds need to be encouraged to regrow. This may include periodic watering. Focus should be on indigenous species, and present tree species (existing stumps).
- Step 2: Consider leaving the field un-grazed to promote tree growth.
- Step 3: Select tree stumps and the tallest and straightest stems to grow into trees.
- Step 4: Prune and manage by removing stems and unwanted side branches.
- Step 5: Maintain the process by occasionally pruning side branches.
- Step 6: Manage the land consistently to avoid overgrazing, which can lead to further degradation.
- Step 7: Consider rotational grazing to allow seeds, stumps and underground shrubs to re-grow. This will reduce the cost of replanting. Shrubs and growing trees and saplings need to be protected before introducing livestock. Shrubs and growing trees and saplings need to be protected before introducing livestock.
- Food and Agriculture Organisation (FAO), 2015. The social, environmental and economic benefits of Farmer Managed Natural Regeneration (FMNR). Rome, Italy.
- Food and Agriculture Organisation (FAO), 2012. Land rehabilitation on the central plateau of Burkina Faso and Building resilience to climate change through farmer-managed natural regeneration in Niger. Rome, Italy.
- Food and Agriculture Organisation, 2018. Advancing the Role of Natural Regeneration in Large-Scale Forest and Landscape Restoration in the Asia-Pacific Region. Rome, Italy.
Benefits
- FMNR improves soil quality and reduces soil erosion.
- Improved dry-season pasture.
- Agricultural management practices such as pruning, and trimming are carried out appropriately in turn improving growth and air circulation.
- Higher livestock productivity.
- Provides protection from wind and shade for livestock, when introduced.
- Increased availability of firewood, thatch and other non-timber forest-products/materials.
Drawbacks
- The land needs to be managed consistently to avoid overgrazing.
