Senegal’s once-promising leadership in Africa’s Great Green Wall initiative is faltering, as the country struggles to meet its ecological restoration goals amid a backdrop of unfulfilled financial pledges and poor tree survival rates. Launched in 2007 by the African Union, the Great Green Wall aims to create a 6,000-kilometer belt of trees across 11 Sahelian countries to combat desertification and restore 100 million hectares of degraded land. Senegal was initially hailed as a model for the project, with high-profile tree-planting campaigns and strong political support. However, recent assessments reveal that many of the planted trees in northern Senegal are failing to thrive due to inadequate irrigation, poor maintenance, and inconsistent monitoring.
While the initiative has delivered some short-term social and economic benefits, such as job creation and increased community engagement, the ecological impact remains limited. The survival rate of trees is alarmingly low, undermining the long-term sustainability of the project. Experts point to a lack of technical support and follow-up as key factors contributing to the disappointing outcomes. Moreover, the disconnect between international funding commitments and actual disbursements has severely hampered progress. Despite substantial pledges made at global climate forums, much of the promised financial support has not reached local implementing agencies or communities, leaving them without the resources needed to maintain and expand restoration efforts.
This funding gap has sparked frustration among African officials and environmental advocates, who argue that the success of the Great Green Wall depends not only on initial investments but also on sustained, transparent, and accountable financing. Without reliable support, the project risks becoming a symbolic gesture rather than a transformative environmental solution. Senegal’s experience serves as a cautionary tale, highlighting the challenges of translating ambitious continental visions into tangible, lasting results on the ground.
The setbacks in Senegal reflect broader concerns about the viability of the Great Green Wall across the Sahel. As climate change intensifies and land degradation accelerates, the need for effective, community-driven restoration strategies becomes more urgent. To fulfill the promise of the Great Green Wall, stakeholders must prioritize ecological resilience, ensure consistent funding flows, and empower local communities to lead the charge. Only then can the initiative evolve from a hopeful concept into a living, breathing shield against desertification and ecological collapse.