Title: The Great Green Wall: an ambitious project to combat desertification in the Sahel
Introduction :
Since 2007, the African Union has launched a major project to combat desertification in the Sahel: the Great Green Wall. The goal is to plant billions of trees on more than 100 million hectares of land in 11 countries, ranging from Senegal to Djibouti. Unfortunately, almost 15 years after the launch of the project, only 5% of it has been realized. The challenges it faces are numerous, particularly in terms of funding and climate change. In this article, we explore the challenges of this project and the actions needed to move it forward.
The obstacles to the project:
Several obstacles hinder the progress of the Great Green Wall. First, the lack of funding is a major challenge. Despite promises of financial support from the international community, the funds are slow to be released. In addition, the effects of climate change complicate the task by accentuating periods of drought and making access to water more difficult. In addition, it is essential to make the initiative attractive to local populations so that they become fully involved in its implementation.
Mobilize the private sector:
To ensure the success of the Great Green Wall, it is crucial to involve the private sector. Many opportunities arise, such as the development of market gardening, the production of fruit trees and the promotion of non-timber forest products. By encouraging private investment, the project can benefit from greater financial capacity and additional expertise to overcome the challenges it faces.
Involve local populations:
One of the keys to the success of the Great Green Wall lies in the involvement of local populations. It is essential to make them aware of the importance of land restoration and encourage them to actively participate in the project. For example, the creation of community farms allows women to get involved in market gardening, arboriculture and animal husbandry, while contributing to reforestation activities. These initiatives offer populations a source of income and better food security, thus strengthening their motivation to engage in the preservation of the environment.
Dialogue and cooperation:
The success of the Great Green Wall also depends on an ongoing dialogue with breeders and a clear demarcation of intervention areas. Historical tensions between herders and farmers must be resolved in order to find mutually beneficial solutions. Dialogue and collaboration between all stakeholders is essential to move the project forward and overcome obstacles.
Conclusion :
The Great Green Wall remains an ambitious project but faces many challenges. However, by mobilizing the necessary funding, involving local populations and promoting collaboration between actors, it is possible to revitalize this project and effectively combat desertification in the Sahel. Achieving the Great Green Wall will not happen overnight, but with collective will and sustained commitment, we can preserve the land and secure a sustainable future for the region