We are excited to announce the launch of the TRANS-SAHARA Project, a pioneering initiative, coordinated by TUM, focused on supporting African communities in their fight against climate change by implementing cutting-edge agroforestry systems. This groundbreaking project integrates the Water-Energy-Food-Ecosystems (WEFE) Nexus, placing water security at the core of designing, installing, and managing these systems to ensure long-term environmental and socio-economic resilience.
TRANS-SAHARA aims to leverage a combination of technical and non-technical innovations to bring this vision to life. Key innovations include state-of-the-art measurement methods to assess both environmental and socio-economic impacts, alongside scalable nature-based strategies designed to optimise the sustainable use of natural resources. Novel business models are also being developed to ensure the economic viability and long-term livelihoods of local communities participating in agroforestry activities.
A key component of the project involves large-scale pilot demonstrations set to take place across 3 countries where the efficacy of these approaches will be rigorously tested. These pilots will involve community-led engagement methods, ensuring deep local involvement and acceptance of the agroforestry innovations. Through these demonstrations, the project is expected to bridge agroforestry data gaps, enhance crop yields, double farmers’ annual incomes, and create new carbon sinks on previously degraded land.
The TRANS-SAHARA Project is committed to promoting sustainable development and resilience across the Sahel and beyond. With an ambitious post-project exploitation plan, the project aims to facilitate the widespread adoption of its innovations across African Union (AU) member countries and beyond by 2030. By supporting the adoption of innovative agroforestry systems, the project will help communities strengthen their resilience to climate change, stimulate sustainable socio-economic development, and contribute to global efforts to tackle the climate emergency.
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