The Great Green Wall: an ambitious reforestation project to combat desertification in the Sahel
Since its launch in 2007 by the African Union, the Great Green Wall project aims to restore 100 million hectares of degraded land in 11 countries of the Sahel, from Mauritania to Djibouti. The main objective of this initiative is to combat desertification and promote the re-greening of the region.
However, after more than 15 years, only 5% of the project has been completed, highlighting the many challenges and obstacles it faces. These challenges include the lack of funding and the effects of climate change which make the task even more difficult.
In Mauritania, where desertification affects 80% of the territory, the reforestation actions of the Great Green Wall are of crucial importance. For example, in the town of Taguilalet, located 200 km from the capital, dunes continue to eat away at agricultural land day after day. To slow this progress, the project plans to plant 20,000 trees at a nearby site this summer. This is an opportunity for the director of the National Agency of the Great Green Wall, Sidina Ely, to mobilize new investors, particularly in activities such as market gardening and the production of fruit trees.
The participation of local populations is essential for the success of the project. This requires raising awareness and involving communities in reforestation activities. For example, in the commune of Taguilalet, a community farm allows 121 women to grow vegetables, raise chickens and get involved in reforestation. This project has not only transformed their lives by providing them with additional income, but it also provides fresh local products to the population.
However, for the initiative to work fully, it is crucial to engage in dialogue with herders and delineate the areas of intervention. This approach facilitates peaceful coexistence between herders and farmers, while contributing to the common goal of land restoration.
Despite the importance of the Great Green Wall, funding is slow to come. The complexity of the project and the need to promote sustainable initiatives are factors that slow down the release of public funds. World Bank representative Cristina Isabelle Santos stresses the importance of taking the time to fund long-term projects, while encouraging business continuity beyond 2025.
For the French Development Agency (Afd), partner of the project, it is also essential not to limit oneself to the initial project of the Great Green Wall. It is necessary to take into account all land restoration actions, whether they are labeled “green wall” or not, in order to promote resilient agriculture..
In conclusion, the Great Green Wall project is an ambitious initiative to combat desertification and restore degraded lands in the Sahel. However, many challenges persist, particularly in terms of financing and adaptation to climate change. To ensure the success of this initiative, it is essential to involve local populations, to initiate a dialogue between the different actors and to adopt an inclusive and sustainable approach. Only these measures will fully realize the potential of the Great Green Wall and promote sustainable land management in the Sahel