Project sites in Senegal are similar with regard to their strong natural resource base. However, there is remarkable variability in the availability of these resources. Although participants have reported increased pressure on natural resources due to population growth, population density is still relatively low except in large villages in the project sites. The growing trend of land degradation in Tenghory and Ouassadou stresses the need for regional development and improvement of soil fertility in these sites.

The availability of protected areas at all sites may contribute to the sustainable management of the habitat of endemic ruminant livestock. The main threat to the management of protected areas, including community forests in the project sites, is the weakness against bushfires. 

Population pressure and continuous cultivation of land has been cited by participants as the main cause of soil degradation and decline in soil fertility associated with it. Analysis of changes in land use in the rural community of Bandafassi revealed a relative stability of the ecosystem. Areas of natural vegetation have not seen any major changes. This is explained partly by the fact that participants operate in a national park where conservation is required, and also by the inaccessibility of the area due to its relief. The slight decline in cultivation areas can be linked in part to the strong presence of rock formations and also by the development of mining.