A sprawling green belt covering 2,000 hectares now encircles Ouagadougou, Burkina Faso’s capital, serving as both a barrier against the encroaching desert and a natural coolant for the city. Initially launched in the 1970s to reforest vulnerable land, the project has evolved into an extensive network of trees, vegetable plots, water tanks, and recreational spaces that combat extreme heat and support urban agriculture. The initiative has become especially vital as the city’s population has doubled in 14 years and recent heatwaves pushed temperatures above 42°C for several days. Locals, such as Zarate Ibundo, have shifted from traditional labor to cultivating produce on these plots. They now earn a modest income while benefiting from the cooling effect. This innovative project not only mitigates urban heat but also enhances food security and quality of life, underscoring the need for green infrastructure in rapidly growing cities of the global south.
Source: The Guardian