[et_pb_section fb_built=”1″ _builder_version=”4.27.2″ _module_preset=”default” background_color=”RGBA(0,0,0,0)” max_width=”750px” custom_margin=”|auto||auto|false|false” custom_padding=”0px||||false|false” global_colors_info=”{}”][et_pb_row _builder_version=”4.27.2″ _module_preset=”default” global_colors_info=”{}”][et_pb_column type=”4_4″ _builder_version=”4.27.2″ _module_preset=”default” global_colors_info=”{}”][et_pb_text _builder_version=”4.27.4″ _module_preset=”default” text_font_size=”22px” text_line_height=”34px” global_colors_info=”{}”]<\/p>\n
In Latin, it\u2019s Faidherbia albida<\/em>. In Niger, it\u2019s the gao tree. In Senegal, it\u2019s called the kadd. In Burkina Faso, it\u2019s known as the balanzan. The name of the tree may vary. But everywhere cross the Sahel, one thing is true: Faidherbia albida<\/em> is a trusted friend to farmers.<\/p>\n Native to the region, Faidherbia albida<\/em> 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 \u2013 which can grow as much as 15 meters below the surface \u2013 Faidherbia albida<\/em> doesn\u2019t compete with other plants for water. Its roots, which help fix nitrogen, contribute to the health and quality of the soil, making it a vital part of regreening efforts.<\/p>\n<\/div>\n [\/et_pb_text][et_pb_divider _builder_version=”4.27.2″ _module_preset=”default” global_colors_info=”{}”][\/et_pb_divider][et_pb_text _builder_version=”4.27.4″ _module_preset=”default” custom_padding=”||0px|||” global_colors_info=”{}”]<\/p>\n In the Sahel\u2019s semi-arid drylands, Faidherbia albida<\/em> has long been a fixture of the landscape. Yet due to colonialism and modern agricultural customs, the transfer of Indigenous knowledge about the tree has been fragmented. Today many farmers are unaware of the importance of such trees to the health of the Sahel\u2019s fragile ecosystem, believing it better to clear such trees from their land.<\/p>\n Fortunately, an Indigenous approach to ecosystem restoration \u2013 Farmer Managed Natural Regeneration<\/a> \u2013 is revived across the Sahel. Through the Communities Regreen the Sahel programme, more and more farmers are learning about the value and importance of protecting native trees like Faidherbia albida<\/em> on their lands. Through training and technical support, they are acquiring the skills to resurrect and nurture dormant trees, and effectively prune and protect saplings.<\/p>\nRestoring the Sahel\u2019s ecosystems<\/h4>\n