Desert stoppers build trees with strong roots and trunks
The Igbo board game team presents to you Igbo-desert stopper theme.
While deserts themselves are largely a natural occurrence caused when winds from the ocean lose their moisture because of their distance from the shore or as a result of interaction with moisture stripping winds, desertification — the expansion of deserts to areas adjacent to deserts is caused largely by human choices. Choices such as; deforestation, overgrazing, overuse of land, among others.
As forests are destroyed, fertile topsoil becomes loose and is blown or washed away. Fertile topsoil although just a few inches deep when lost takes decades to recover. Desertification also results in conflicts over remnants fertile land, humanitarian and refugee crisis as people move to areas that have better quality of land and soil.
This map shows areas that are at risk for desertification approximately 3 decades ago. Today, more semi-arid areas have become arid, sub-humid areas have become semi-arid. The ability of humans to retrace our steps to 1991 status quo and better will be a massive feat. It would require commitment, consistency, and the “best thinking.”
The Global Environment Facility (GEF) is, “an independent international financial institution that provides grants, promotes cooperation, and fosters actions in developing, countries to protect the global environment.” One of its projects, the “Great Green Wall” involves planting stretches of forests from Mauritania (West Africa) to Sudan (East Africa). Even when problems of inadequate consensus and financing are relatively adequately addressed, there are other contextual factors in various countries that negatively impact timely implementation.
More consensus and an increased understanding of the importance of preventing the advancement of deserts is a priority for all. Like with most things in life, this is a case where prevention (preventing the expansion of deserts) is better than cure (restoring lands to pre-desertification conditions).
You will be planting trees of various sizes and heights when you play the Igbo-desert stopper board game. Addressing these issues and making sure you plant the strongest trees with strong roots and wide trunks would help ensure that your impact in preventing and stopping the spread of desserts is a lasting one. Don’t let the desserts stand in the way. “Don’t desert dry lands.” Plant your roots and build up your trunk now and every day! Play Igbo now!