The Great African Green Wall

Just as Algeria tried to build a green dike to protect itself from the sands of the Sahara, several sub-Saharan African countries came together and joined forces to erect the Great Green Wall (GMV), which runs from the Atlantic to to the Indian Ocean, with the aim of combating desertification and the effects of climate change.

The Great Green Wall (GGW) project is an ambitious initiative launched in 2007 by the African Union, aiming to combat desertification, land degradation and the effects of climate change, while promoting sustainable development. This project involves several countries in sub-Saharan Africa, and its main objective is to create a continuous strip of vegetation, stretching from the Atlantic Ocean (Senegal), to the Indian Ocean (Ethiopia), over a length of almost 8000 kilometers.

The main goal of the Great Green Wall is of course to stop the encroachment of the Sahara Desert and restore arid and semi-arid lands. This involves planting trees and rehabilitating degraded soils, while improving the living conditions of local populations. The gigantic project also aims to fight poverty and create jobs, particularly through agricultural and forestry activities. It seeks to offer an alternative to the depopulation of rural areas and forced migration by stabilizing populations around sustainable activities.

The project has made significant progress over the years, although its scale remains a great challenge. Several participating countries have undertaken concrete actions on the ground. Here are some key elements regarding its progress:

I- Millions of hectares of land have been restored or reforested in countries like Senegal, Niger, Chad, Burkina Faso, Mali, Ethiopia, and others. For example, Senegal has created reforestation zones as part of the “Pôle de Dakar” which has enabled the planting of millions of trees. 

II- The agricultural and reforestation techniques used have evolved, combining traditional knowledge with modern technologies, such as solar irrigation systems and soil conservation solutions. Local communities are increasingly involved in GGW initiatives, with training and community development projects.

III- Partnerships have been established with various international organizations, including the United Nations, the African Development Bank, as well as NGOs. However, financing remains a major obstacle. Although countries like France, China, and institutions like the World Bank have financially supported this project, the funds needed to complete the entire GGW are still insufficient.

IV- Positive results include improved biodiversity, better access to water for certain communities, as well as reduced soil instability. In addition, activities linked to GMV have made it possible to improve the economic conditions of the areas concerned, by offering employment and income opportunities, particularly through agro-ecology, pastoralism, and agro-projects. forestry.

However, although notable progress has been made, several challenges remain. Climate change continues to worsen living conditions in the region, with recurring droughts and periods of extreme heat slowing plant growth. In some regions, war and conflicts between communities make it difficult to implement Great Green Wall projects, particularly in the Sahel. As for funding, although it has been allocated, it remains insufficient for total coverage of the project. Expanding the green wall on such a vast scale requires constant long-term coordination and investment.

The Great Green Wall project, even if it encounters obstacles, remains a symbol of the commitment of African countries to environmental, socio-economic and climatic issues. The progress of recent years is encouraging, but continued support, in terms of funding and cooperation, is crucial for its long-term success. This project can offer a model of resilience for other regions of the world facing similar challenges of desertification and land degradation.

Sources: Pan-African Great Green Wall Agency and FAO