When vast tracts of forestry are removed, the soil beneath degrades and seriously affects the water table. Arid land can produce weak or no crops. A scheme of getting farmers in Sahelian country of Niger to aid growth of trees from existing stumps has had phenomenal success.
The result is a re-greening of previously degraded landscapes during the past two decades. More than 5 million hectares of land through farmer-managed natural regeneration of trees,
The farmers protect existing tree stumps on their land. In a few years these grow into full trees and shrubs. The consequent provision from these of numerous goods and services had greatly aided households and communities.
With trees on the land, the area’s hydrology gradually improves. Even dried up riverbeds may start to flow again. One man's vision: a specified scheme into which all relevant people (farmers) were committed to: that's what it takes.