ABSTRACT
This chapter describes and discusses a feasibility study of a major project, Management of Alluvial Soils in the Ndiemane, which it participated in while working for the Senegalese Institute for Agricultural Research. It highlights the social impact assessment issues that emerged as the project was designed and implemented. The zone of Ndiemane is located in the Department of Bambey in central northwestern Senegal. To the formers in Ndiemane, their livelihood is based on three components: land, water, herds. The zone of Ndiemane lacks basic infrastructures. In 1969, a demonstration group was created in the zone, and ten farmers from the village of Ndiemane were chosen to use the new technique. Two types of soil are found in Ndiemane: a sandy soil suitable for groundnut growing and alluvial soils suitable for sorghum but very difficult to work by hand. In terms of agricultural techniques, there is a trend toward the use of ox-drawn cultivation in the villages.
