Informations et ressources scientifiques
sur le développement des zones arides et semi-arides

Titre : Combating desertification in Turkmenistan on the grass roots level : example of the central karakum desert

Auteur : Annaklycheva, Jamal

Université de soutenance : Köln, Universität, Mathematisch-Naturwissenschaftliche Fakultät

Grade : Doktorgrade 2002

Présentation
Considering the year 1996, when Turkmenistan joined the United Nations Convention to Combat Desertification, as a starting point in developing a new strategy of management of desert resources, the present thesis analyses the progress that has been made in this field. For the country where desert occupies more than 80 % of the total territory desertification control activities are important condition for ensuring safe livelihood of desert inhabitants, profitable and rational desert animal husbandry, and harmonious use of desert resources. The United Nations Convention identifies desertification as a complex problem with social, economic, and environmental components. Using an example of case study in the Central Karakum Desert of Turkmenistan this thesis describes the interconnection of the social, economic and environmental dimensions which are decisive for the development indicators of local communities. One should not understand desertification as a pure sand invasion processes, it encompasses much broader process of land degradation and occurs not only in desert areas but also within irrigation land and mountains. The consequences of desertification are as diverse as its causes ; this paper describes both of them. It indicates the present status of desertification problem in the country using the existing scientific investigations of the National Institute of Deserts, Flora and Fauna of Turkmenistan. The perception of people identified as “affected” towards the desertification problem is revealed. The question of changing socio-economic conditions of the country and the role of agricultural reforms in management of the desert resources is addressed in the thesis. Attention is given to methodological aspects with emphasis on innovative participatory approach in Turkmenistan. Participatory Rural Appraisal is a core methodological element in research and, simultaneously, is a subject of investigation. Desertification control activities initiated through participatory actions are in the focus of this research paper. Asset of knowledge and experience accumulated during several decades of intensive environmental study by foreign development agencies dictates a new strategy in the management of natural recourses. Holism and complexity of problems are opposed in the research to a specialisation and disciplinary approach. Geographical, botanical, historical, economic, and social elements are included in the research. Together they contribute to a puzzle of rural development in general and desertification problem in particular. The thesis makes use of many-years experience of the National Institute of Deserts, Flora and Fauna of Turkmenistan in desertification control activities and worldwide experience of participatory approach of German colleagues. The paper presents both quantitative and qualitative data on environmental, social, and economic situation in the research area. It also reveals certain limitation of participatory approach and the challenges which can be met on different levels of the society. The research suggests recommendations for development workers and policy makers on choosing an effective strategy in desertification control.

Mots clés : Karakum ; Weidewirtschaft ; Desertifikation ; Bekämpfung ; Ressourcenmanagement

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