How the UN is Holding Back the Sahara Desert

Summary

The video showcases the transformation of barren land into a thriving ecosystem in Senegal, where the Great Green Wall project is revitalizing the Sahel region. Despite skepticism from locals, the World Food Program (WFP) has restored over 300,000 hectares using innovative techniques like half-moon water harvesting and traditional local farming methods. This effort, which includes planting native species and fruit trees, is halting the expansion of the Sahara Desert while providing food and livelihoods for local communities. The project fosters resilience, combats migration, and helps rejuvenate both the environment and the social fabric of the villages.

Takeaways

• 😀 The land, once a barren wasteland for 40 years, is being rehabilitated as part of the Great Green Wall project.
• 😀 The Great Green Wall aims to stop the southern expansion of the Sahara Desert by planting a barrier of trees across Africa.
• 😀 The project is critical for preventing desertification, which forces people to migrate to cities, leaving rural areas abandoned.
• 😀 The community initially doubted the feasibility of the land recovery project, but now they are convinced and committed.
• 😀 Over 300,000 hectares of land have been rehabilitated by the World Food Program (WFP), with 30 hectares being a small contribution to the Great Green Wall.
• 😀 The process begins with water harvesting structures, such as half-moons, to retain rainwater and help the land regain its fertility.
• 😀 Half-moon structures help direct rainwater into lower areas, creating embankments to prevent overflow and sustain plant life.
• 😀 Local species like sorghum and millet, native to the Sahel, are used for land rehabilitation while also feeding the local population.
• 😀 The project uses ancient techniques, such as the half-moon technology, to restore the land, which had been forgotten over time.
• 😀 The ultimate goal is to transform the area into a sustainable, biodiverse environment, mimicking natural forest dynamics and providing food and biomass.
• 😀 Local youth, who once migrated for work, are now able to stay and work in agriculture, helping to build a more cohesive and self-sustaining community.

Q & A

What is the primary goal of the Great Green Wall project in Africa?

The primary goal of the Great Green Wall project is to stop the southern expansion of the Sahara Desert by planting a barrier of trees across the entire width of the African continent, from Senegal to Djibouti.

Why is the land in the Sahel region considered degraded?

The land in the Sahel region is degraded due to desertification, which occurs when soil washes away, and the land becomes barren, making it unsuitable for farming or sustaining life.

How does the WFP (World Food Programme) aim to rehabilitate degraded land in the Sahel?

The WFP rehabilitates degraded land by using techniques like creating half moons to harvest rainwater, planting native species such as sorghum and millet, and introducing conservation agriculture practices that mimic forest dynamics.

What is the significance of the Sahel River in the context of the Great Green Wall?

The Sahel River marks the transition zone between the Sahel and the Sahara Desert. It serves as a critical boundary for the Great Green Wall project, acting as a first line of defense against the desert’s expansion.

What role does water management play in restoring the land?

Water management is crucial for restoring the land. The WFP uses water harvesting structures, like half moons, to retain water, prevent soil erosion, and recharge groundwater, which ensures long-term sustainability of the rehabilitated land.

What is the 'half moon' technique, and how does it help with land restoration?

The 'half moon' technique involves digging crescent-shaped embankments on contour lines to catch and retain rainwater. This helps prevent water runoff and ensures that the soil retains enough moisture for plants to grow.

Why are local species like sorghum and millet used in the restoration process?

Local species like sorghum and millet are used because they are well-suited to the Sahel environment and can thrive with minimal water. These species also help improve soil fertility and contribute to food security for local communities.

How does the Great Green Wall project contribute to the local communities in the Sahel?

The project helps local communities by rehabilitating the land, creating opportunities for sustainable agriculture, and providing food security. It also offers employment through land restoration activities and supports social cohesion by involving villagers in the process.

What are the long-term benefits of the Great Green Wall for the region?

The long-term benefits of the Great Green Wall include reversing desertification, enhancing biodiversity, stabilizing the local climate, improving soil fertility, and promoting sustainable livelihoods for local populations.

How has the Great Green Wall project impacted local migration patterns?

The project has helped reduce internal migration by providing local youth with agricultural work opportunities, decreasing the need for them to migrate to cities or other countries in search of jobs.