Efforts to combat climate change in the Sahel region of Africa have focused heavily on large-scale tree planting and “greening” initiatives designed to restore degraded land and improve resilience against drought. Governments and international organizations have promoted ambitious reforestation goals, believing that increasing tree cover will enhance soil health, boost rainfall, and support local livelihoods. However, this article points out a hidden challenge: environmental solutions cannot succeed in isolation when they coexist with unresolved political and social conflict.
In many parts of the Sahel, land is not just an ecological resource but a site of competing claims among pastoralists, farmers, and local authorities. Planting trees can inadvertently deepen disputes when communities disagree over who has the right to plant, manage, or harvest on certain lands. What begins as a well-intentioned climate project can become entangled in local power struggles, exacerbating tensions instead of building cooperation. The article stresses that ignoring these social dynamics undermines both peace and environmental goals.
Another issue highlighted is that external actors — including NGOs and foreign donors — sometimes implement climate programs without fully engaging with local governance structures and cultural norms. When tree-planting campaigns are organized top-down, they can disrupt existing resource sharing systems and marginalize certain groups. This can spark resentment and conflict, particularly in regions where historical grievances or ethnic divisions already exist. The piece argues that sustainable climate action must be rooted in inclusive dialogue and local ownership.
Ultimately, the article suggests that addressing conflict and strengthening social cohesion should be central to climate policy in the Sahel. Trees alone will not fix the region’s environmental problems if underlying disputes over land and livelihood security persist. Integrating peacebuilding with ecological restoration — by involving communities in decision-making, managing resources collaboratively, and recognizing customary land rights — is presented as a more holistic path forward. Only by aligning environmental and social strategies can the Sahel hope to achieve durable climate resilience.
