This manual presents some current, state-of-the-art examples of forestry programs in West Africa. It is based on the collective experiences of foresters and of local farmers and herders. Since many of the problems of reforestation of dry areas are the same worldwide, the text (which focuses on the broad subject of project implementation) includes methods and planning guides useful in more than a West Africa context. Following an introduction, text material is presented in sections discussing: (1) long-range planning (present land uses, community involvement, selecting sites); (2) soil and water (erodability, shallowness, texture, compaction); (3) selecting appropriate species; (4) project planning (natural regeneration, direct seeding, cuttings, nursery planning, design considerations, seed preparation); (5) nursery management; (6) the planting site (preparation, lifting out, transporting, and planting, spacing, survival); and (7) uses and prevention of fires, windbreaks, and sand stabilization. Appendices include: a directory of 165 West Africa trees; an expanded look at 30 of these trees; maps and charts explaining climate, rainfall, soil, vegetation, and characteristics of sub-Saharan West Africa; guide to writing funding proposals for reforestation projects; and a list of information sources and bibliographic materials. The manual assumes basic familiarity with reforestation terms and methods. (JN)