Near-extinct oryx are returning. Farms are prospering as irrigation water reaches fields for the first time in decades. Farmers are even nurturing new trees on their land. Once a byword for drought and famine, the African Sahel region on the southern flank of the Sahara Desert now has more water than it has for decades. Wells are filling as water tables have risen by 13 feet or more in places. Lake Chad, which was one of Africa’s largest expanses of water before shriveling during the droughts, is recovering.
jfleck at inkstain
A few thoughts from John Fleck, a writer of journalism and other things, living in New Mexico
Is this an ENSO/AMO effect or something more long term?
If the past is any indication of what this coming cycle will be like it won’t be pleasant. Batten down the hatches.
Just for the record, many desert edge projects are very tough places and they may start out ok, but they are subject to bad years and people can discouraged and abandon them. They don’t see the incremental gains and it’s hard to live there so they will go where conditions are easier.
For those living in the uplands further away from the desserts they have a better chance but it is a major problem that the areas are often changing control of different peoples so you really need to be well connected to survive. Somehow the areas must be protect from overgrazing and wild animals while at the same time you have people who want wood who will come along and chop down trees.
If you have a functionall society and government you can do longer term projects and have better chances. Everyone in the area needs to be in on it and willing to defend it with their lives. On the edges of famine and civil wars governments and societies tend to crumble. 🙁