How One Man Is Holding Back The Sahara Desert By Reviving An Ancient Water Harvesting Technique!

[@LeafofLifeWorld]

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[@angelaj8958]

makes me hopeful! There is someone in Texas doing this, a good size effort in Australia doing reclamation, and the Chinese have put quite a lot of effort into it, in large scale areas.

[@LeafofLifeWorld]

@@angelaj8958 it is very encouraging to hear all these countries making effort to green the desert

[@mountaingardening]

Loved this video and the first one. We are wanting to something like this in Arizona. We don’t have land yet but are saving to buy some and doing KZbin videos. Love what you’re doing. Just subscribed.

[@curiousnomadic]

I heard about Yacouba Sawadogo many years ago and referred a Tibetan Lama concerned about his exile village in India that was experiencing desertification. He learned Sawadogo's techniques and now the village thrives.

[@curiousnomadic]

Please suggest to the people that run this channel that they should start doing this around a well that bubbles up water. kzbin.info/www/bejne/r5W8daSQhtWco5o They are very rude and resistant so be forewarned.

[@Dontleavemedimi]

A huge hug to that great man. He puts our leadership to shame with his fantastic energy. Once again this proves that one man the right man can change the world. This attitude of not waiting for someone but being the someone who can do great things is fantastic.

[@roypruysvdhoeven1855]

VERY WELL DONE BURKINO FASO !!! PLEASE GO ON WITH TURNING THE DESERTS INTO GREEN LAND !!!👍👍👍👍

[@LeafofLifeWorld]

it is amazing work not only green land but food forests!

[@conormcmenemie5126]

Truly a wonderful success. Massive respect from Scotland for this venerable gentleman.

[@truthlovenow]

WOW thoroughly impressed. YES one person can change the world!!! I’ll be researching more about Food Forests and the ancient technique of Zai farming technique! THANK YOU for the information.

[@LeafofLifeWorld]

food forests are amazing!

[@oklahomaisok]

Imagine a world with no conflicts where resources would be directed at such projects instead of being wasted on wars & rebuilding. Wouldn’t take long to make a huge difference in agricultural productivity.

[@carsonrush3352]

​@oklahomaisok , let's start with ourselves, and when others see the fruits of our change, they'll join us on their own.

[@louisegogel7973]

@@carsonrush3352Yes! Be the person you want to see and live the life that makes sense to you… if it is helpful, it will inspire others to follow suit.

[@lindacarruthers3423]

This is so incredibly heartening. Can you imagine the deserts of the world in blooming again? And the climate there will change to livable,human and vegetation life sustaining. Wonderful, working with,instead of against nature .❤❤

[@almiranteandres7550]

May god blessed this man, this is a great example of how just one person can make a huge diference in this World!!!!!

[@leedza]

One of the few channels that has given credit where it's due. People don't understand how Yacouba's forest has been studied and created the blueprint for the green wall of Africa. He achieved what NGOs couldn't at the time with no outside help. Rest in peace.

[@berndtherrenvolk1951]

Because the NGOs don’t really want to solve problems. When the problems are solved, the NGOs, which are money-receiving entities, are no longer needed and go away.

[@wpgitchick]

What we forget is that trees play a huge role in the creation of rain clouds due to how they interact with the atmosphere. They don't just collect it and hold it t in their roots, they literally help to create it by how they "breathe".

[@jshaw4757]

Put trees everywhere ASAP is my motto...I don't care what it is just throw seeds everywhere n we will go from there no more countless empty lands n fields.. Seeds are free plant them...cheers

[@gingermace5703]

Wow, wpgitchick I didn't know the trees did so much ! A method similar to this created a farm and a fruit forest in the Mexican drylands! Amazing to see!

[@zarroth]

@@jshaw4757 That's a good way to make species go extinct due to non-native invasive species taking hold. That's just like the people that put out forest fires and do not allow controlled burns. That is causing large old growth forests to be over-run with invasive species all over the USA. Chuck it and forget it is just a bad idea. You can't restore environments by being ignorant of how they even function. It's just like those people that think you can transfer millions of gallons of water UP a mountain from a river 2000 miles away. They too believe their ideas are amazing, when really, they're just know-nothings.

[@crypton_8l87]

Yacouba Dawadogo deserves the Nobel Prize! Not obscure physicists or pharma scientists who have all the funding in the world!!

[@LeafofLifeWorld]

He won the alternative peace prize

[@M.C.G.]

alternative...not a conspiricy price? :)@@LeafofLifeWorld

[@blackurbangardeningsociety3328]

I agree!

[@campfireeverything]

I wonder if this technique could also be used in other desert areas like in Australia. Amazing video and information!

[@PsychicIsaacs]

On my farm in North Central Victoria, Australia, I dig half moon terraces that are about 4 feet by 3 feet. I fill these trenches with one wheelbarrow of wood chips, about 3 or 4 barrows of manure and about 20 litres of hydrated polyacrylate water saving crystals. I mix the water saving crystals and manure together thoroughly and channel surface runoff into the bed. The results I have achieved using this method are remarkable! Previously barren land now has thick grass growing on it, as these terraced garden beds infiltrate rainwater into the soil, and they also provide me with a place to plant cells such as butternut pumpkins, beans and also fruit and nut trees! So yes, I believe this African farmer's methods could absolutely work here in Australia, because I have tried something similar and it has worked for me!

[@campfireeverything]

Guineith Isaacs Wow, great work! And much needed, in parts of Aus.

[@kevinbyrne4538]

An Australian -- Tony Rinaudo -- developed many of the techniques that are being used to re-green deserts.

[@AhJodie]

@@PsychicIsaacs Isn't that a salt that will eventually harm the environment?

[@PsychicIsaacs]

@@AhJodie No, it is a water attracting polymer, not a salt. It has been used for many decades in personal hygiene products such as nappies/diapers and menstrual pads, as well as "water saving crystals" for the garden and as a dam sealer. It doesn't seem to ever break down in the soil and appears to have no toxic properties, even after decades of use! What it does do is increase the water holding capacity of the soil, which improves soil biology and prevents the soil from becoming hydrophobic. I buy disposable nappies, soak them, then break them open and mix the gel with my soil. If I leave a nappy lying on the ground and come back months later, I find that there are earthworms underneath it and that the soil in that small patch of ground is visibly richer than the soil in the surrounding area! I hope this info helps you and I wish you all the best.

[@yes12337]

So basically they grow food forest, but with very high diversity and using natural characteristics of the soil to capture more moisture. I think we would like to see a more detailed video on what they did and how it turned out. Fascinating

[@LeafofLifeWorld]

would love to Yacouba is getting on and its hard to get hold of him, would definitely love to do an update on this but its going to be difficult and expensive!

[@honigwachsreuben]

en.m.wikipedia.org/wiki/Yacouba_Sawadogo

[@joealcamo8901]

He is outstanding! He is saving lives

[@infinitejock.]

This is amazing, Thank you Mr Yakubu

[@cath3638]

It's good to see the old methods being brought back to prevent the desert from spreading. Ethiopia, and other African countries which have been devastated by goats and bad farming could also benefit from this!

[@Lazy_Fish_Keeper]

Yup. It's almost as if the methods that are indigenous to specific lands evolved to specifically benefit **that land** for generations to come (8 generations). It's almost as if humans are healthier when we live in right relationship with the land we are on, instead of trying to force the land (and water ways) to adapt to our wants.... Who knew? 🤷 (Indigenous people everywhere 🤦)

[@louisegogel7973]

@@Lazy_Fish_KeeperTongue in cheek, lol, and spot on of course.

[@svelanikolova5776]

Even though I don't live in the desert I am doing the same thing to hold water and plant trees. First I dig a hole water it and cover it with compost and grass. After 2 weeks I put the new rooted tree seedling in. Water then mulch again.

[@NewerSwagger-gp3hj]

Rest In Peace, brave Yacouba. You ve done your part.

[@precisiont5188]

I am pleased to see the progress. Some humans are actually helping nature instead of just destroying it like usual.

[@LeafofLifeWorld]

Yep we need more people like yacouba sawadogo! Imagine everyone made a food forest, your backyard, park, and especially on degraded soil!

[@arefinhoosain654]

I'm also.

[@kitrichardson2165]

Why is this guy not getting support from Western nations? Thank God for this video. People are so obsessed with their petty little concerns in the first world. Does this guy have a go fund me site? That’s what Africa needs more than anything is people like this man who is willing to put the needs of his community ahead of himself. Truly a great man

[@ironore1000]

@@kitrichardson2165the west is invested in the impoverishment of Africa.. Dont count on them.

[@ronweber4508]

👍

[@vincentstark480]

Incredible! It needs to be constantly scaled up throughout the Sahara. He needs to receive the Noble prize and get so much more support from the WHO, UN, and other organizations!

[@funniestever5333]

True, he needs lots more help. I think the organizations you listed are some of the ones talking about de-population of Africa and other countries with people of color. They are not trying to de-populate any countries in Europe or the West. They want those countries to increase their population.

[@hamarana]

really ? do you believe in governments?? I believe in santa claus too!

[@Peachy08]

You had me till you mentioned WHO and the UN....

[@rebelcast4574]

Yeah, if they would fund him and leave him alone! Unfortunately the WHO and UN are a bunch of clowns who number one would never fund an actual solution like this, and number two would just find many ways to screw it up if they did!

[@markfox1545]

*Nobel. Simpleton.

[@lydiarowe491]

It starts with the wisdom of the old ways..this is changing the landscape for the better…reviving what has been lost to the desert.

[@Donman3958]

Wow, this is what I love. Human making positive impact

[@tonygassner5406]

"Without a vision my people die." What a man, with not much more than a vision and determination, a miracle realised. Hope germinated.

[@annexiwang6562]

The indigenous practiceof zai is reallyimpressive and I'm glad he considered multi-crop varieties not monocropping as practiced by others.

[@louisegogel7973]

I think mono agriculture was part of the issue. Smart of him to know that diversity breeds health. Maybe we could learn from our history, like the great Dust Bowl and the Potato Famine.

[@GlobeHackers]

I'm from the US and have lived in seven countries over the past 35 years. I'd love to explore this domain in Portugal. We must move in this direction.

[@keepcreationprocess]

What do you mean ? where in P ?

[@LeafofLifeWorld]

Portugal is getting very popular at the moment, but wildfires are an issue there

[@badger67]

@@LeafofLifeWorld Wildfires have become a problem in today's society, simply because old traditional methods are no longer used in Forestry or land management in general. Controlled burning during early Spring and late Autumn with the wind either non existent or blowing in a favourable direction. Removal of deadwood, brash or other dry combustibles. Better use of Fire Tracks. It's all about profiteering. The more people we have working the land would be beneficial on so many levels. On a controversial note, there was more CO2 in the atmosphere 10.000 yrs ago than today.

[@GlobeHackers]

@@joaocosta3374 Excellent, you are right. We need to make our leaders and people with power understand why this is important and lucrative.

[@martabachynsky8545]

@@GlobeHackers All they care about is whether it's lucrative. They pay lip service to ecology, but don't care in reality unless it gives them money and power.

[@helenagushiken2447]

Ações como o de Burkina Faso tornam -se cada vez mais urgentes, visto que a desertificação e os desastres naturais atingem mais os países pobres.

[@LeafofLifeWorld]

Burkina Faso definitely need to do something to regreen the degraded soil and stop the desert advancing, thanks to Yacouba

[@GrungeGalactica]

Wow! All because of one guy, continuing the solutions of his ancestors. Using modern technology to optimise the process. The fact we’re all watching this today, is thanks to our ancestors observing & being connected to nature and their environments. It had to be sustainable.

[@leedza]

The title is misleading, the Sahel and Sahara are 2 totally different ecological zones. Even the green wall is about stopping the Sahel from turning into a dessert as opposed to turning Sahara green.

[@alanmiller9681]

It’s mainstream media. What else could we expect?

[@susanc4622]

Yes. I was puzzled at the map showing the “Sahara”. I suppose the point is that he’s stopping the Sahel from turning into the Sahara. I was taught at school 50 years ago that the Sahara was slowly expanding and could not be stopped.

[@nicktw8688]

And the 'green wall' is failing, the entire Sahel region are now composed of failed states, or in civil war. Ie. Sudan, mali. Huge population growth is adding to deforestation as people chop down what is left of the forests to make cooking charcoal.

[@susanc4622]

@@nicktw8688 Well, that’s pretty sad. Must be heartbreaking for those trying to remedy the problem.

[@TK421-53]

@@nicktw8688a failed state as in we in the collective west can’t control so we meddle and cause chaos via all kinds of means? Maybe if we didn’t try to control everything, for our explanation, there would be a lot less of these “failed states”. Besides maybe we should look into the mirror and think about those words “failed states” it might actually be a reflection of our own system…

[@girishn1762]

Amazing work fromAfrican nations ,save earth,save African people lives Love and respect from INDIA 💕❤️💖💜

[@kingranches]

This needs to be done all over the world. Especially in places like spain where large areas of once fertile land have turned into sahara like deserts. We in the USA have experienced years long droughts and parched land that cannot be expected to heal itself.leaving us with huge areas of potential deserts if something isn't done. I applaud this man's will to do something on his own and his belief that one man can make a difference for millions.

[@tazika2988]

I think U.S. killed its fields with agro chemicals on its huge monocultures.

[@joseph1150]

In the west US just restoring beavers to many areas is enough.

[@karlheinzvonkroemann2217]

If there is NO short monetary reward then it's not likey to happen. If it really is going to happen, it will have to be implemented on a nationawide level across the larger region at the same time. It's a lot like magaging wildlife. If people can be sold on an idea that takes time to develope it won't happen unless there is a way for people, who tend to overpopulate their living spaces, can support themselves in the meantime. Simply put, it isn't like that this will work on a large enough scale to really change anything for a mulitude of reasons, though I really wish it could.

[@PacoOtis]

From here in the States, we say Bravo and the very best of luck to you!

[@evamoustaka4048]

Bless this man& those who help him.

[@sandramelia3765]

Thanks!

[@LeafofLifeWorld]

Thank you Sandra, we appreciate you support 🙏

[@Pammellam]

Yacouba Sawadogo was an innovator! In 2018, he was awarded the _Right Livelihood Award_ . In 2020, he was awarded the _Champions of the Earth Award_ . One thing that is sad is that the Government of Burkina Faso was not exactly on his side nor helpful… There was some issues with land rights and such…

[@menaseven9093]

Nice Yacouba Sawadogo zai desert reforestation program.

[@Ps53245]

Australian deserts has same conditions and extreme temperatures. I would imagine that most deserts would share this similar conditions

[@Mooocheropordis]

A brilliant technique, completely in keeping with the culture and practices of the region. 😊

[@peternicholsonu6090]

Thankyou. You prove what many of us thought not possible. With good management the desert can regenerate. Another video showed that by not fishing on third of the seas that area would not only repopulate fish but would in time restore fish life to the rest of the seas. So it seems maybe 2 factors are evident. One, single minded government and people willing to obey it. I am an optimistic man only in my 70’s and am confident I may well see a government and people in my lifetime or soon thereafter. At present all governments are doing is rearranging the deck chairs on the Titanic.

[@LeafofLifeWorld]

It would be nice to see the sea regenerate too! Thank you!

[@peternicholsonu6090]

It is so good to see people actually working to regenerate the earth and the seas. Do you remember the little Norwegian girl who spoke up at the UN about this? In my lifetime I have seen this awareness growing. Everything seems to have accelerated so quickly. Does the UN have any response to that girls efforts? Will whole nation's give up accepted lifestyles to make a change? Would any leader risk his position to make the changes needed? As things stand we have discovered that the earth could survive if all people cooperated, but the time to start has passed. Who can recreate extinct life forms? Who can stop men and women who place priority on themselves at the cost of the planet? When drowning most will say God help me. Why do they do that? The seas are drowning and are foliage is disappearing. Maybe it's time to say God help us. But which God? Hindus have thousands. In the West we don't even know our makers name? Nor why the earth was so very wisely and beautifully put together. Will our Maker allow us to destroy it all? That is not reasonable. Life is self sustaining and for a good reason. It was meant to last forever. Soon those of us willing to regenerate Paradise will get the chance. As you proved, the mechanism is already there.

[@strichtarn3228]

It would be tragic if the Sahara regenerates as it turns out that dust from the Sahara is what keeps the Amazon rainforest fertile

[@pauldavies5655]

BALLS

[@jerrywarren6959]

How is it that all the hundreds of thousands of pounds sent by us through donations and charities have never ever come up with this kind of process or ideas and why not. This guy should be championing all our climate issues and be well supported keeping all big companies and profit making businesses people’s well away.

[@bertanelson8062]

It would be wonderful if many of the people re-greening the desert could visit together or visit one another's projects for ideas, inspiration and cultural exchange. I see many projects emerging & of course different methods work in different areas. Deserts are NOT all the same! I've spent several years camping in Sonoran desert appreciating its delicate beauty and resilience. Also its remarkable diversity.

[@thekorsh4230]

This is what Robert Gaddafi was doing, see what they did to him. How's Libya doing right now?

[@juliemunoz2762]

it’s happening naturally

[@eoachan9304]

They can...on the internet :)

[@TheRedFlask]

Are bad comments being deleted here? Like.. The Video has around 17% dislikes, but only positive comments

[@333Anvar]

The voice over is super good to fall asleep...good night and sweet dreams!!!

[@LeafofLifeWorld]

Ty sleep well 😴 💓

[@jamessparkman6604]

@@LeafofLifeWorld At least it’s not perilin

[@JamesZaraza-wv3gt]

Many blessings to those who have shown the courage to Love nature and their communities back from the brink; especially to those doing the good work in Burkina Faso. May the rains fall in abundance and the plants outgrow their defined maximums.

[@Nitka022]

Amazing man! Amazing work! He truly changed lives of millions! So well done. He will be remembered for sure...xoxoxo

[@MelissaThompson432]

There is a video I saw the other day that talked about the precipitation cycle in North Africa that makes the Sahara a lush savannah periodically at intervals of tens of thousands of years.

[@mariemaradova7268]

The mountains north of Sahara are called the ATLAS mountains, not Atlantis

[@lovesees4320]

Zai...simple Genius!!!

[@urbandad885]

Watershed management is so important. Well done. 20 spruce trees for old Jim.

[@kevinbyrne4538]

An Australian -- Tony Rinaudo -- developed many of the techniques that are being used to re-green deserts.

[@richardfroud8970]

Amazing man.

[@manofnoegomusic]

Thank you!

[@LeafofLifeWorld]

🙏

[@Philomats]

Tremendous. And thank you for this important work.

[@HeatherMyfanwyTylerGreey]

I am very impressed. What a wonderful achievement!

[@Samarkis2012]

Miraculous knowledge!!!💕💕💕

[@edwardmacnab354]

another feel good video. The Sahara can produce more electricity than all of the world could ever use. This electricity could be used to pump water from the meditteranean sea and desalinate it. Another fact is that the sahara swings back and forth between two stages. It is in the desert stage now but will eventually swing back to it's other stage , the savannah stage .

[@shwethamaddela4253]

That's really a great job...

[@LeafofLifeWorld]

THANKS to Yacouba Sawadogo! We need more wise elders with ancient knowledge to help and heal the land to bring life back to degraded soil and regreen the desert

[@phillipeggensh]

This guy should be awarded a Nobel Price in Environment or the Climate Change rhetoric of the UN and the West.

[@pugowner1347]

This should be shared with all similarly effected farmers around the world.

[@will201084]

Good stuff. The world needs more knowledge like this.

[@derekmullins2864]

This is actually a very good video, and that man is a good human. This is how we should spend our money helping the world, rather than give money to an organization that relies on our money to operate.

[@jeanwissinger6013]

It was once green and now its returning to green again. Those that are involved with this transformation we thank you.

[@edvaneckert2348]

Very amazing! This farmer and pioneer Mr. Sawoogoo should get the Nobel Prize!

[@LeafofLifeWorld]

he got nominated the alternative noble prize

[@pyriproofman9486]

The man voice is a lot harder to understand than the woman one on the first video

[@LeafofLifeWorld]

Thanks for letting us know, we will try to use the woman voice mostly but sometimes she needs to take a holiday.

[@DivergentMoon]

I like it though

[@pistolen87]

Agreed, bad enunciation

[@bigblue6917]

In the Sahara Desert there is an outcrop of rock where a small cave was found. Inside the cave painting were found on the wall depicting animals which were only found in forested areas. This depicted live some 10,000 years ago.

[@michaelcopper7635]

We Hollywood, this is the kind of movie people need to see. A man that makes the desert a garden . A true story !! About this man’s life. His gifts of knowledge to his fellow humans. In Zia, Alina Fessa

[@LeafofLifeWorld]

Would love to make a movie on this! hopefully someone from hollywood to get it off the ground [e-mail]

[@atiqaked838]

ما شاء الله. رحم الله هذا البطل القدوة لكل الافارقة

[@randallbarton7975]

Wow. One man with knowledge and determination. Absolutely and completely impressed. Well done. Keep moving forward.

[@barryboothe3408]

Thanks for recognizing this man’s work. I hope that future textbooks on the environment will also give him due recognition and not attribute his work to some foreign agency that came in and saved Africans from themselves.

[@staninjapan07]

What a great video. Thanks a lot.

[@TheYoungestCrone]

amazing!! ty for the vid

[@MrFroglips69]

This story is both amazing and beautiful.

[@ralphriffle1126]

Let's nominate him for a Nobel Prize

[@louiseann_venusandneptune]

Lovely video 🙌🏼

[@lyndaanneshop]

Beautiful, thank you for sharing.

[@iSheaMan]

I have a huge interest in this subject but you are absolutely killing your messabe with poor delivery and audio quality!

[@icreatedanaccountforthis1852]

I remember when the Sahara was a lush forest. It was beautiful.

[@sciencelad8286]

Making this planet a better place for all is perfectly possible.

[@Faelani38]

I am very happy it is looking up. I support this 100 percent and we can do it together. 😊

[@loriwakefield1]

THANK YOU YOU ARE AN INSPIRATION

[@GaiaCarney]

Glorious!

[@dannyhughes4889]

Good job !!!!!!!!!!!

[@owlan99]

You need to look at Alan Savory's ecological insights

[@humphreycrichlow3132]

I always knew this was possible. Thank you sir. No one can take it away. Yah be with you.🙏🏿👍🏿❤️

[@jacobedward2401]

What a hopeful video! I'd love to find a place to start a food forest in my area

[@LeafofLifeWorld]

You can do it! let us know how it goes, take a before and after shot, we love to see it

[@two_cent]

This man has the idea I saw him when he first started this project. Wow 😮it's beautiful

[@riotonq8635]

He talks like he is reading a bed time meditation.

[@jacquelinej61]

Good to see, I have to say though, 23 inches of annual rainfall is not shabby at all. The land I grew up on in Queensland, Australia had a 22 inch a year average. We grew crops, ran lots of cattle and a few sheep and horses. A very productive property as it is still today.

[@petertaylor3446]

Great story, good luck to them

[@surrenderdaily333]

YACOUBA SAWADOGO IS A HERO.

[@raymondpeterson5748]

Well here is a man that should win a Nobel.

[@saranbade6026]

These heroes deserve total recognition credit and respect for showing others and the world how to save ourselves from hunger. They deserve the Nobel Award!

[@sorjero0808]

Wow amazing progress....:)

[@johnbmw550i]

Great work, we could learn a lot from this.

[@andyrbush]

The sound is very muffled and hard to understand

[@alainpannetier2543]

Are you recording next to somebody asleep and therefore whispering for fearing of waking them up?

[@daviddjerassi]

EXCELLENT TG for such people.

[@LeafofLifeWorld]

Regreening the desert is excellent work!

[@hephzibahbradshaw9509]

Thank you

[@badgyrl310]

Impressive. Is this part of the "green wall" they were planning across the entire Sahel region or is this just local? Will this technique be used to create the green wall throughout the Sahel? It should definitely be considered.

[@benketengu]

Thank you very much

[@arefinhoosain654]

Excellent job

[@samxperia6762]

Fantastic 🙏🏻

[@inspirationalshortstories]

Very inspiring.