500 trees planted in Somalia to benefit nomadic community

This week, we are happy to bring you an inspiring story from the Horn of Africa!

It is said that in Somalia, more than half of the population are nomads. This means that they are people who live in and around the desert, and they have livestock, such as camels, goats, and cows, who depend on the environment. Thus, they are constantly in pursuit of grazing land or water.

To learn more about the importance of trees in such a challenging environment, Abdikani Ali Said from the Geyfane Foundation in Somalia shares his story with us.

He tells us that “Every year on the 1st of March, we as a non-profit organization plant around 100 trees. Our organization, the Geyfane Foundation, was founded in 2020. In Somalia, there is a dire need for tree planting and afforestation. The people here need awareness about the benefits of trees. They cut down trees, and burn them to turn them into charcoal. There are also too many sand dunes in beach-based villages and towns.”

An illustration of sand dunes taking over villages in Somalia*

Abdikani believes that if they plant more trees, they can create an environment in which nature and people thrive, and they can conserve the lands.

Tree planting will bring many benefits to their environment, such as reducing the scorching temperatures and increasing humidity, which helps to reduce the impacts of air pollution and dust. This is especially helpful when one lives in the Guban desert of Somalia.

Members of the Geyfane Foundation planting trees.

Thank you for telling us about your work, Abdikani. We appreciate learning about your community and the inspiring work you are doing.

We look forward to reading more about your work, and to seeing the great impact that you and your foundation are making!

If you want to know more about Abdikani’s project and want to support him, send him an email: Geyfanefoundation@gmail.com

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*Image source: https://twitter.com/TheDailySomalia/status/1546009253865046016