Paper short abstract:

This paper contributes to the debate on anthropology and conservation with a special focus on how conservation initiatives impact on local food production systems, food sustainability and resilience using the example of Ndiael Special Reserve and Senhuile agricultural investment in Senegal.

Paper long abstract:

In 2011 20’000ha of land in the former forest and nature protected area Ndiael was leased to the company called Senhuile with by president Wade using two decrees that dissolved the protected status of the forest (forêt classé). Because of this status agriculture was prohibited before in the forest, only pastoralism was allowed. The 20’000ha are in the three communities Ronkh, Diama and Gnith. Senhouile aimed first at planting sunflowers for the production of oil, but then changed to the production of rice, maize and peanuts for the local market. The rice production is marketed as part of the development programme autosufficance en riz of the Senegelase government which aims at supplying Senegal with rice without imports. From the beginning the project sparked conflicts, especially with semi-nomadic pastoralists. The acquired land is in an area that was used as pasture before. The project threathens the food sovereignty of the affected communities. The project inhibits villagers in grazing, water and firewood collection activities. Conservation organisations hold Senhuile responsible for withdrawing water from the Reserve driyng out the wetlands and thus negatively impacting on the flora and fauna of the Reserve and negatively impacting on the food and water security of the communities depending on the many goods and services provided by the wetlands. The paper looks at changed access to land and related CPR and how this impacts on local food systems and related food consumption patterns, food diversity, food security and resilience and at coping strategies to secure food security.