In Burkina Faso, the son of the “man who stopped the desert” continues his work
Before plunging into the forest, Lookman Sawadogo makes one final gesture. He takes a hoe and swings it over his shoulder. Just like his late father did back then. The intermittent song of birds breaks the silence that reigns over the 40-hectare grove. With agile steps and slightly rolled-up trousers, the guide skirts the shrubs, warning his visitors to beware of thorny trees.
Then, in front of a large pit that stretches for several meters, he stops. An unfinished project by Yacouba Sawadogo [Lookman's father], awarded the 2018 Alternative Nobel Prize and made a 2020 Champion of the Earth by the United Nations. “It's a bouli ['water reservoir', in the Moré language, a method of irrigation used in West Africa] that was dug by hand. But what the old man [Yacouba Sawadogo] wanted, he couldn't do. It requires a lot of resources. The old man's vision was that when it rains, the water would stay. There are wild animals in the forest, like hares, thieving rats, snakes, [these bouli are built] so that they can drink and to prevent them from going out into the neighborhood at the risk of being killed,” explains Lookman.
Of course, taking over, this is one of his challenges: to invest himself to finalize the bouli .
Standing in front of trees, mostly endangered ones, he comments with a touch of pride. It is, among other things, the life-saving effect of this grove that helps protect almost extinct plant species. A sort of last sanctuary for some of the 60 species, many of which have medicinal properties.
On lateritic soil [latérite is a red or brown rock. Lateritic soils are poor soils], you can see a hole with carefully cut edges. This is the birboko, or the organic manure hole. “It was the old man who dug it with his bare hands, more than forty years ago. He brought leaves from the trees to pile them in this hole. Then, he would go and draw water from the village to come and water it,” he continues.
Next to the birboko are a kind of natural watering hole, also carved in stone. “I dug this one in 2007, also alone,” says Lookman, pointing proudly, as if to say that eighteen years ago he was already committed to his late father.
Even though the founder of Bangr Raaga [Yacouba Sawadogo's land, whose name means "knowledge market." It covers nearly 40 hectares. Bang Raaga has nearly 20,000 trees and is home to more than 60 plant species.] is no longer there, some habits have not ceased. On a tree, we can see several ears of sorghum, already pecked, tied and hung on a branch. It is a gift to the birds.
“After each harvest, he [Yacouba Sawadogo] would come and hang up ears of corn to feed the birds. Although he is no longer here, we continue the tradition,” explains Lookman, as we continue the guided tour.
In this vast space, a veritable source of knowledge and lessons, it is also a refuge for some seeking restful or inspiring calm. Late this evening, Wendpouiré Marguerite Ouédraogo spread out a loincloth under a shady tree. Notebook open, the young girl is in the middle of reviewing her lessons, a few days before her exam. “I like coming to work here. It's quiet, without disturbances. Nature helps me remember lessons better. It's inspiring,” the young woman appreciates. She, like many students, finds in Bangr Raaga a place to escape the din of the city.
Either to revise, or to come and learn from this initial madness that has become a source of pride beyond national borders. “In the month of May, I received more than 1,000 students from Ouahigouya,” says Lookman Sawadogo, who adds that he often gets help from his brothers in managing the forest, which he presents as “a heritage to be preserved and perpetuated for the good of all.”
But the young man acknowledges that maintaining a forest with an international reputation isn't easy. But, he reassures, the scope of the challenges is a daily stimulant. This is all the more so since he has made his philosophy: "It's when you take on what is beyond your strength that you suffer." A way of saying that you have to take it step by step.
In addition to the knowledge he acquired from his father, Lookman Sawadogo enrolled at the National School of Water and Forestry. For two years, between 2015 and 2017, he was able to strengthen his knowledge of agroforestry. In addition to the project of finishing digging the bouli, Lookman had in the back of his mind the idea of completing what was close to his father's heart: drilling a borehole to supply the bouli.
In addition, a small zoo will be established that will bring together a sample of the wild animals that abound in the forest. Not to mention the construction of dormitories to accommodate those who would like to spend more time in the forest, to heal themselves with plants or simply breathe the pure air of Gourga.
While waiting for these projects to be completed, Lookman has set up a nursery. Several plant species can be found there. He sells them, but also freely distributes thousands of them to the public each year. In the name of Yacouba Sawadogo.
