Agriculture in Africa has all kinds of problems, including soils that are too hard and poor, from which the rain runs off. As a result, not enough water can penetrate the soil, the plants and wells dry up. There is one tree that really works wonders here: the apple ring acacia (Faidherbia alba). This tree sprouts roots down to a depth of 50 metres and can even break up hard soils. It sheds its leaves at the beginning of the rainy season and thus ensures fertile soils. It can withstand the worst droughts, but can also survive several months in floodwater. In addition, its pods are valuable fodder for animals in the dry season. Together with its smaller relative, the umbrella thorn (Vachellia tortilis) and other similar trees, this tree has transformed thousands of square kilometres of impoverished semi-desert in West Africa back into fertile farmland.
On our farm we have planted hundreds of these wonderful trees and also sell them to local farmers who want to benefit from their helpful properties.
