Fatima Adama

A Nigerian environmental activist pioneering large-scale reforestation in West Africa

Fatima Adama is a Nigerian environmental activist and founder of the Green Africa Foundation, known for her visionary work in combating desertification through large-scale reforestation initiatives. Born in 1989 in Kano, Nigeria, she witnessed firsthand the devastating effects of climate change on her community, including crop failures and soil degradation. Her organization has planted over 5 million trees across 12 West African countries since 2018, with accelerated efforts post-2020 through innovative drone-based planting techniques.

Adama's approach combines traditional ecological knowledge with modern technology. She partnered with Sati Maps to create AI-driven soil analysis tools, which identify optimal planting zones. In 2022, she launched the 'Women in Agroforestry' program, training over 3,000 rural women in sustainable farming practices. This initiative was featured in Nature Magazine and inspired similar projects in Mali and Burkina Faso.

Her 2021 TED Talk "Why We Must Heal Africa's Soils" has over 2 million views, introducing her work to global audiences. Adama also collaborates with the UNCCD to develop policy frameworks for climate-resilient agriculture, influencing Nigeria's 2023 National Reforestation Strategy. In 2024, she received the Earthshot Prize for her contribution to reversing desertification.