Moussa Ka: My time at INRAE in Colmar: Ferlo-Sine

Moussa Ka 

Summary of the assignment  

My time at INRAE in Colmar: Ferlo-Sine

The Ferlo-Sine Lab scenario, which forms part of Phase 2 (PC2) of the Slam-B project, aims to promote interdisciplinary research focused on action and the transformation of Sahelian agrosilvopastoral systems. It addresses the challenges of natural resource degradation, adaptation to climate change and improving the living conditions of vulnerable populations. Its main objective is to develop forward-looking carbon-neutrality scenarios, supported by integrated assessment modelling (IAM), in order to inform public and community decision-making. The project aims to integrate ecological processes with human activities in order to analyse the impacts of technical choices (rainfed agriculture, pastoralism, tree planting) on carbon sequestration. The approach is based on a strong interdisciplinary approach, bringing together modellers, ecologists, agronomists, climatologists, economists and sociologists, as well as involving NGOs, producer organisations and public institutions. This partnership between scientists and stakeholders aims to enable the joint development of scenarios and operational tools for sustainable land management. The project will result in a multi-agent simulator, developed using the MAELIA platform and drawing on previous experience (GASL), capable of assessing the effects of local strategies on greenhouse gas emissions and the sustainability of pastoral and agricultural systems. The pilot sites at the Niakhar OPSE (in the centre of the country) and the Vélingara Ferlo UP (in the north) will serve as testing grounds. 
This two-month placement at INRAE in Colmar represents a strategic opportunity to further develop my scientific skills in modelling (MAELIA, IAM) and in the assessment of carbon-neutrality scenarios. It will give me direct access to the French teams developing or specialising in these tools, as well as to other complementary interdisciplinary methods and approaches.
This mobility will also foster a two-way transfer of knowledge: my expertise on Sahelian socio-ecosystems will enable the models developed in France to be adapted and fine-tuned to the realities on the ground in the Sahel, ensuring greater scientific robustness. 
Finally, this mobility will contribute directly to strengthening the structure of the Slam-B community and, more broadly, of FairCarboN, by bringing expertise rooted in the Sahelian region into the French teams. It will help foster the development of sustainable collaborations, the production of joint publications, and the consolidation of a North-South network focused on pathways to carbon neutrality.