How 8,000 Food Forests Grew Africa’s Great Green Wall

WOW What an inspiring video!

Permaculture instructor Andrew Millison journeys to Senegal to see a forest garden movement which is contributing to Africa’s Great Green Wall. Andrew accompanies the organization Planet Wild to visit the excellent work of Trees for the Future. This remarkable project holds the promise of combating desertification, providing livelihoods, and nurturing the environment. At its core, this initiative revolves around the creation of lush food forests that transform land into thriving ecosystems.

A Green Oasis, on a Quarter-Acre Plot

At the heart of this initiative lies small quarter-acre plots that encapsulates the project’s essence. These tiny pieces of land can provide everything a family needs, from building materials to food production, habitat, and temperature regulation. It is a microcosm of what is known as a permaculture multi-layered food forest.

The Great Green Wall of Africa

Andrew talks about the the ambitious vision of the Great Green Wall of Africa, a colossal project aimed at planting a barrier of trees across the width of the continent, from Senegal to Djibouti. The primary goal is to halt the encroachment of the Sahara Desert. This project has failed in many places because the trees could not be looked after properly, due to the sheer size and scope of the project. These permaculture food forests offer a complementary solution to the problem.

A Four-Year Plan for Transformation

The heart of this initiative lies in a four-year plan that guides the transformation process. It involves stages such as protection, diversification, and optimization, gradually establishing forest gardens that bear fruit.

Abundance and Nutrition

The article emphasizes the substantial impact of these forest gardens on nutrition and economic stability. These ecosystems provide diverse and stable sources of food, reducing the vulnerability of families to crop failures. The success of this project has led to ambitious plans for expansion. The aim is to replicate this methodology in every district of Senegal and other African countries, turning the tide against desertification.

Collaborative Conservation

Andrew concludes by highlighting the collaboration with Planet Wild, a global community dedicated to environmental restoration. They join hands with Trees for the Future to support tree planting in Senegal and elsewhere, showcasing the power of collective action.

In essence, this initiative in Senegal stands as a beacon of hope in the fight against desertification and climate change. Through the creation of forest gardens and collaborative efforts, it not only restores the land but also provides sustainable livelihoods for communities. It’s a testament to the transformative power of nature-based solutions in an ever-changing world.

Watch he full video here

One response to “How 8,000 Food Forests Grew Africa’s Great Green Wall”

  1. @owgf.org I love stuff like this. I wonder if the next phase would be instituting wildlife corridors and similar to reinforce wild habitats.

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