Africa is feeling the effects of climate change more than many other parts of the world. But African communities aren’t just sitting back – they’re taking action! Here are 10 amazing projects where locals are working together to tackle climate challenges:
1. The Great Green Wall (Sahel region)
The African Union leads this project, with support from the United Nations Convention to Combat Desertification (UNCCD).
The Great Green Wall Initiative was officially launched in 2007 by the African Union. It’s a pan-African effort involving 11 countries across the Sahel. The project aims to restore 100 million hectares of degraded land by 2030.
Key partners include:
– The World Bank
– Global Environment Facility (GEF)
– The European Union
– FAO (Food and Agriculture Organization)
These organizations provide funding, technical support, and help coordinate efforts across countries.
2. Farmer-Managed Natural Regeneration (Niger)
World Vision Australia originally promoted this technique by working with local partners.
FMNR was pioneered by Australian agronomist Tony Rinaudo in the 1980s. World Vision has since helped spread the practice across Niger and to other African countries.
Local organizations now leading FMNR efforts include:
– SERVE (Serving in Mission)
– Eden’s Reforestation Projects
– The Niger government’s Ministry of Environment and Forestry
3. Sand Dams (Kenya)
African Sand Dam Foundation (ASDF) and Excellent Development
ASDF is a Kenyan NGO founded in 2010. They work closely with Excellent Development, a UK charity, to implement sand dam projects. Together, they’ve built over 1,000 sand dams in Kenya.
Other key partners include:
– The Kenyan government’s Water Resources Management Authority
– Local community water user associations
4. Floating Gardens
While this example is from Bangladesh, similar projects in Africa are often led by:
– Practical Action (international NGO)
– Local agricultural extension services
– Community-based organizations
5. Climate-Smart Villages (Senegal)
CGIAR Research Program on Climate Change, Agriculture and Food Security (CCAFS)
CCAFS works with a network of partners to implement Climate-Smart Villages, including:
– Senegalese Agricultural Research Institute (ISRA)
– National Agency for Civil Aviation and Meteorology (ANACIM)
– Local farmer organizations
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