Food and Agriculture Organization of the United Nations

Turning The Tide on Desertification in Africa

FAO pilot project in Senegal combats desertification

10 June 2011, Rome – An FAO pilot project that has proved a great success in combating desertification is to be rolled out more widely in an attempt to turn African drylands back into fertile land.

With two thirds of the African continent now classified as desert or drylands and desertification affecting a quarter of the world’s population, the breakthrough has the potential to transform the lives of vulnerable populations. In operation since 2004, the Acacia project has involved the planting and managing of Acacia forests in arid lands helping combat desertification while providing socio- economic benefits to local communities…[continue reading here]