The Great Green Wall, an ambitious environmental project spanning 4,350 miles across Africa, has faced significant challenges since its inception in 2007. Despite attracting billions of dollars in funding from international organizations and donors, the project's progress has been slow and its impact on the environment and local communities has been minimal. The article explores the story of Abdi Guelleh's farm in Djibouti, which was initially successful but later failed due to poor planning, lack of coordination, and inadequate funding. The Great Green Wall's focus on tree planting has also been criticized for its lack of success, with most trees dying due to the wrong species and insufficient water. The project's broader goals of cultivating arid land and providing green jobs have also faced challenges, with only 4% of the land restored by 2020. The article highlights the need for better coordination and funding to ensure the project's success, and the importance of involving local communities in the planning and implementation process. The Great Green Wall's potential to combat desertification and provide a lifeline for vulnerable communities remains uncertain, but the project continues to receive funding and support from international organizations and donors.
