Africa’s Great Green Wall Facing Funding Challenges

The Great Green Wall Initiative (GGWI), a visionary project aimed at combating desertification and land degradation in the Sahel-Sahara region, stands at a critical juncture as it grapples with significant funding gaps and implementation challenges.

Since its inception in 2007, the GGWI has garnered international attention and support for its ambitious goal of restoring 100 million hectares of degraded land by 2030. However, despite notable progress, the initiative remains far from achieving its objectives.

Alain Richard Donwahi, president of the 2022 UN summit on desertification, underscores the sobering reality that the project is only 30% complete, highlighting the pressing need for renewed commitment and financial backing. With an estimated shortfall of $33 billion, the GGWI faces an uphill battle in securing the necessary resources to stay on course.

The complexity of coordinating efforts across 11 African countries poses a formidable challenge, exacerbated by humanitarian crises and conflicts in some regions. Donwahi emphasises the critical role of international donors, the private sector, and participating countries themselves in bridging the funding gap and revitalising the initiative.

Despite the obstacles, there are signs of progress, including the creation of 3 million jobs and the restoration of 30 million hectares of degraded land. However, with climate change exacerbating environmental pressures, the urgency of addressing desertification and land degradation extends beyond Africa’s borders.

Donwahi’s call to action resonates with the broader global community, emphasising the need for collective responsibility in confronting environmental challenges. As the GGWI strives to regain momentum and secure sustainable funding, it serves as a reminder that the fight against desertification and land degradation is a shared endeavour requiring concerted efforts and solidarity on a global scale.

Source: African Development Bank
Source: Reuters