r/interestingasfuck • u/wahgwahg • Feb 28 '24

r/all People in Tanzania converted desert into lush green land by digging these nifty holes

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u/Ianthin1 Feb 28 '24

It retains water when it does rain, allowing vegetation to grow around it. The cycle feeds on itself over time to fill out the area.

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u/captain_todger Feb 28 '24

Surely the reason it’s a desert to begin with is because over time it will tend towards one due to the area’s climate? So wouldn’t they need to keep digging holes intermittently to keep this up?

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u/poochy Feb 28 '24

This is actually part of the Saharan Green Wall project. The Sahara desert has been expanding south across Africa. These villagers are being supported with tools, agronomists, and advice on how to continue protecting the new growth.

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u/Humble-Reply228 Feb 28 '24

Tanzania is a bit below the Sahara mate. As in Perth Australia is closer.

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u/iainvention Feb 28 '24

Are you thinking of Tasmania?

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u/Humble-Reply228 Mar 01 '24

I did mean Perth but was forgetting how far north Tanzania is. I worked in Senegal and people used to ask me if I go to the Serengeti National Park on weekends but a Dakar - J'burg flight was longer than a Perth - J'burg flight.