In today’s blog, we celebrate El Hadji from Burkina Faso because of his selfless dedication to plating and growing Baobab trees over the past 47 years. El Hadji Salifou Ouédraogo has nurtured thousands of baobab trees from tiny seeds to expansive forests for the past 47 years. The trees in turn help his family, his village and the Earth.
People may ask why this is important, well the answer is simple: Baobab trees play an important role in improving the environment in the Sahel region in Africa. In addition, there has recently been an unexplained death of Baobab trees in several communities across Africa. El Hadji’s work has been able to restore the land in these areas by restoring the water content of the soil, while the leaves from the trees increase the presence of worms and other micro-organisms in the soil. The presence of micro-organisms and moisture in the soil help farmers grow more crops in a region that will see higher populations over the next decade.
In a 2014 study, it was found that the replenishing of groundwater improves with increasing proximity to trees on farmland. The researchers also found that leaf litter, the presence and movement of soil organisms such as worms and insects, and cooler microclimates near and under trees promote better water and air flow within the soil. In a more recent study, researchers compared soil water drainage totals in an agroforestry parkland in Saponé, Burkina Faso, and found that under high rainfall intensities, daily soil water drainage was 13 times higher in areas with tighter tree cover compared to more open areas. The study suggests that tree cover increases soil and groundwater recharge and thus can slow down land degradation.
El Hadji’s work in Burkina Faso helps his community by giving them clean water to drink, air to breathe, shade and food to humans, animals and plants. The trees also provide habitats for numerous species of fauna and flora, firewood for cooking and heat, materials for buildings and places of spiritual, cultural and recreational importance. Most importantly, the Baobab trees planted over the last 40 years have provided highly nutritious Baobab fruits that the local community uses for nutrition, treat diseases, and income.
Baobab trees are ancient in origin, and when consumed, provide essential nutrients to cure diseases. These trees are a gift to mankind, and Arewa Baobab will like to celebrate El Hadji for his selfless work.
You can purchase Baobab Fruit powder at arewabaobab.com
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