Developing scientifically validated and cost effective methods of regenerating exhausted lands in the Sahel

For answers to some frequently asked general questions about regenerative agriculture - please click or tap here

What is the Sahl Regen Project?

... IT's SPECIFICALLY ABOUT REGENERATIVE GRAZING.

This technique was first used in the 1960s. Livestock is managed to mimic how wild herbivores graze their pastures whilst avoiding predators. This method protects the soil and allows biology, fed by plant root exudates, to flourish. The biology gradually adds fertility to the soil, increasing infiltration rates and water retention. As a result, the soil organic carbon (SOC) increases from the sequestion of atmospheric CO₂.

The project will test the level of sequestration of CO₂ achievable using these methods and aims to research and develop optimisation of those methods.

The annual level of sequestration is expected to lie in the range of 5-12 tonnes of CO₂ per year per hectare - or perhaps better according to some informal studies.

The SAHL REGEN project will seek to identify and measure, using solid scientific peer reviewable and fully documented methodology, the extent to which these regenerative agricultural methods can:

- Increase land fertility, productivity & thus profitability
- Increase the micronutrient content of agricultural products
- Increase biodiversity
- Prolong growing seasons
- Reverse desertification
- Sequester carbon

WHAT WE DO

- Build Cooperatives with local communities
- Adapt regenerative agricultural techniques to local requirements
- Create infrastructure to support regenerative agriculture
- Setup on-site laboratories to support optimisation
- Comply with ISO standards such as ISO9001
- Provide training and employment to local population
- Produce eco-friendly agricultural products
- Attract finance and manage projects up to 40,000ha

AN OPPORTUNITY

Arid lands comprise about one third of our planet's land surface and hence there are vast opportunities open to projects like Sahl Regen able to demonstrate efficient and cost effective soil regeneration methods.

By collaborating with nature we plan to accelerate the development of a thriving eco-system comprising microbiology, insects, plants & animals which will deliver significant commercial, social & environmental benefits to communities and investors.

LOSS OF ARABLE LAND

Desertification
Traditional agriculture has devastating effects in semi-arid regions that leaves soil exhausted. The methods we are optimising for local conditions aim to reverse manmade desertification returning lands to fertile ecosystems.

Land Infertility & Loss of Nutrient Density
Exhausted soils turn dusty and sandy, with its ability to support life crippled. Nurturing the soil carefully with the right methods can revitalise the land making it able to grow healthy plants and crops again. Regenerative agriculture is eco-friendly and both cheaper and more sustainable than chemical fertilisers.

Clean Water
Water mixed with loose dusty soil unsurprisingly makes dirty water. When water runs through healthy soil with a thriving eco-system it filters the water which becomes clean.

Community Sustainability
Communities are unsustainable when soils become degraded so that they require external financial support. Regenerating fertile soils reverse this process so that communities can again become self-sustaining.

Sahl Regen Projects

OULAMPANE, SENEGAL

- Project Size: 40,000 ha
- Phase 1: 600 ha
- Phase 2: 2,000 ha
- Final Phase: 40,000 ha
- Target CO₂ absorption: 1 million tonnes per year
- Project Status: Signed Memorandum of Understanding with the Oulampane community

MADAGASCAR

- Final Project Size: 40,000 ha
- Project Status: Application in progress with PFAN to secure finance backed by FAO, GCF, UNDP & African Union

PROVENCE, FRANCE

- Target Project size: 4,000 ha
- Target CO₂ absorption: 100,000 tonnes per year
- Project Status: Land research in progress