How To Create An Oasis

Neither a short-term solution nor a one-size-fits-all approach will help fight desertification. Governments tend to commit this mistake, but communities across the world are building on their traditional experiences to achieve land degradation neutrality

INDIA

Mixing it up to save Banni grasslands

GUJARAT’S PASTORAL Maldhari community is trying to revive the Banni grasslands that are fast degrading due to the onslaught of invasive plant species Prosopis julifora. The members, along with non-profit Sahjeevan, started a project earlier this year where they are replacing the invasive species they call gando babool with mixed varieties of native seeds in six plots spread over 125 hectares (ha). “Rainfall is erratic. So we are using a seed mix that can withstand heavy, normal and low rainfall,” says Pankaj Joshi of Sahjeevan. They are also reclaiming the grassland portions where some of the community members started illegal farming. “We are sowing small pellet balls of mixed seeds, manure, soil and water in 15 ha,” says Joshi. The members are also sensitizing the young members of the community to draw them back to livestock rearing.

TUNISIA

Acacia to Tunisia’s rescue

THE PROJECT Acacia For All is a boon for the farmers of Bir Sala village in the north African country Tunisia. Farmers here traditionally grow almond and olive crops, which take up a lot of water. But climate change has made rain scarce in this arid and semi-arid region. In 2012, social entrepreneur Sarah Mag Toumi provided them a new farming opportunity with acacia. The tree can grow in desert areas and has roots up to 100 m, providing the soil with nitrogen that restores fertility. Its plantation is an internationally recognized method to halt desertification. In 2012, the farmers planted 1,500 trees and another 5,000 the next year. The aim is to create two green belts through the country that will prevent desertification, fertilize the soil, and enable people to sell the Arabic gum that the trees will bear.

AUSTRALIA