The training workshop on “Land Restoration in Lowlands-Based Systems in Africa” was conducted over five days, from 19th to 23rd August 2024, at M’bé, Côte d’Ivoire. The workshop brought together participants from various organizations to explore sustainable land restoration practices in lowland ecosystems across sub-Saharan Africa. The sessions aimed to empower participants with the necessary skills and knowledge to implement effective restoration strategies.
Lowland ecosystems, covering approximately 85 million hectares (3.6% of sub-Saharan Africa), are increasingly being utilized for agricultural purposes due to population growth and climate change. These lowlands, traditionally underutilized due to challenges like water-borne diseases and difficult management, play crucial roles in ecosystem services such as flood control, water storage, nutrient retention, and biodiversity conservation. The conversion of lowlands into production sites has led to ecological degradation, necessitating guidelines for sustainable restoration. The workshop was organized to address these challenges and develop capacity for effective restoration efforts.