Dry lands cover almost a third of the globe. In one corner of the African continent, farmers once watched their fields blow away: years of drought had left the soil bare and hard, and every heavy rain washed more of it into the river.
Then a simple idea spread from village to village. Dig a shallow half-moon pit around each young tree. The pit holds rainwater long enough for the roots to drink, and the damp ground slowly comes back to life.
The farmers built no large dam and bought no machines. Twenty years later, five million trees stand where there was only dust, and young men who had left for the city are coming home.
Notice to hikers
From 1 December to 28 February the upper trail above the Blue Cave is open only between 7:00 and 15:00. Frosty rock near the cliff edge becomes slippery once it gets dark.
Warm gloves, a hat and a working flashlight must be shown to the ranger at the gate. Hikers without them will be turned back.
Dear Mr. Ford,
I am writing about the geography field trip to Stone Basin on 14 April. I have three questions.
First, our class of thirty includes two students who walk with crutches. Is the path to the caves flat enough for them, or is there a second route?
Second, your notice says the ground stays damp all year. Should students bring rubber boots, or will the school lend us some?
Third, may we stay until sunset? The landscape seen from the western cliff is said to be at its best then, and my students would like to draw it.
Thank you for your help.
Yours sincerely,
Alice Yeh
Rainfall measured at four stations on the same island, in millimeters per year.
| Station | 2022 | 2023 | 2024 |
|---|---|---|---|
| Coast | 1200 | 1150 | 1310 |
| River Basin | 1900 | 1400 | 2050 |
| Mountain Peak | 3400 | 3100 | 3520 |
| Dry Plain | 620 | 410 | 700 |
The drought of 2023 was felt everywhere, but the plain lost about a third of its usual rain. Farmers there now share one deep well.