Desertification

The name was given by Portuguese explorers who saw the relatively greener Senegalese coast before reaching the islands. Despite the name, much of the archipelago experiences significant drought and desertification.

Yacouba Sawadogo, an illiterate farmer, revived ancient "zai" farming methods to reforest arid land. His innovative techniques have inspired environmental efforts across the Sahel, earning him global recognition as a climate hero.

The country has been a pioneer in initiatives like the Great Green Wall, planting millions of trees to combat desertification and climate change. These efforts are crucial for sustainable agriculture and protecting biodiversity in the Sahel region.