Our stories
Regreening the Sahel: with communities, for communities
What is the impact of the Communities Regreen the Sahel initiative? Through our stories, you’ll discover how we restore landscapes and improve the social and economic position of communities. From the successful marketing of Soumbala to advocacy at the global level, each story highlights how the inclusive way of working of our initiative leads to a greener Sahel.
The fruits of women’s labour
For centuries, Soumbala has played an important role in the culture and cuisine of the western Sahel. Made from the fermented seeds of African locust bean tree – the néré tree in French (Parkia biglobosa) – Soumbala is widely used as a condiment in soups, stews and other dishes, as well as in spiritual rituals. Referred to by some as ‘African mustard’, Soumbala is both flavourful and extremely nutritious. It helps improve gut health and digestion, and is rich in protein, iron and essential...
Faidherbia albida: a friend to the Sahel’s farmers
In Latin, it’s Faidherbia albida. In Niger, it’s the gao tree. In Senegal, it’s called the kadd. In Burkina Faso, it’s known as the balanzan. The name of the tree may vary. But everywhere cross the Sahel, one thing is true: Faidherbia albida is a trusted friend to farmers. Native to the region, Faidherbia albida is the only tree to lose its leaves at the onset of the rainy season and to regreen again as the rain subsides. Thanks to its deep taproot – which can grow as much as 15 meters below...
Local regreening, global support: Advocacy at the UNCCD
Local farmers in the Sahel are at the forefront of sweeping change. They are coming together to halt land degradation and desertification, and restore healthy ecosystems. We aim to ensure that Farmer Managed Natural Regeneration – and community-led ecosystem restoration in general – receives the attention and support it deserves, including by engaging in international spaces like the United Nations Convention to Combat Desertification (UNCCD).Locally-led solutions For communities in the Sahel,...
Support for youth-led regreening
The Sahel is one of the world’s most youthful regions. With more than sixty per cent of the population under the age of 25, the Sahel’s young people hold the key to the region’s future. Yet their opportunities – access to land, employment and decision-making spaces – is often very limited. At the same time, young people are often at the forefront of climate justice movements. They have an important role to play in bringing about the change that is needed, including in restoring the Sahel’s...