The Forest Underground: Hope for a Planet in Crisis

by Tony Rinaudo

Australian agronomists Tony and Liz Rinaudo arrived at the edge of the Sahara in 1981 to plant trees. Few trees survived in the hostile terrain, and those that did were cut down by farmers. While contemplating the futility of their endeavours, Tony discovered an embarrassingly simple method of restoring landscape without planting a single tree.

Farmer Managed Natural Regeneration (FMNR), the sustainable system of land management that Tony pioneered, has revolutionised reforestation across Africa and beyond. In Niger alone, local farmers embracing FMNR have rehabilitated over six million hectares of ruined land and doubled their crop yields and income.

Tony is a Right Livelihood Award Laureate and Principal Climate Action Advisor with World Vision.

Genres: Biography, Africa, Nonfiction, Science

218 pages, Hardcover

Published February 1, 2022

Reviews

[Philip Hunt]

When you cut a tree down, half of it remains. Underground. Tony Rinaudo, working as a Christian missionary in Niger, started a movement, regenerating former forests back to life. But wait, there's more. Trees WITH crops, makes for stronger crops. And there's more. Read the book. And learn. Before it's too late.

[Christine W]

I came into this book with all the wrong expectations. I hoped to learn more about land restoration but it felt more like a book meant to proselytize Tony's beliefs.

[C]

I downloaded this as I found out that I'm related (2nd cousin-in-law) to the sister of the person who wrote this book.

I found it interesting to read about what is going on in other parts of the world and it made me think about what we can do to help with this.

A worthwhile book to read if you want a book that will make you think.

[Dave Horne]

I grew to love Tony, his work, his passion, and his personality through this book. What an incredible man, used by God to bring restoration to that which had been degraded.
Only reason I can't give it 5-stars is because I found the book a really awkward size and shape!! Like, is it a coffee table book, or a memoir? It was impossible to read in bed...

[Steve Nation]

Just brilliant. An easy book to read, covering a topic that is both heartbreaking yet hopeful. This has helped me to see a reql answer to some of humanity's greatest problems. Tony & Liz are real heroes.

[Sarah Mac]

Pure hope. Tony is a wonderful writer and demonstrates how the roots of FMNR in Niger have led to the growth of a global regreening movement today. I've always been proud to know and work with Tony but this book made me feel even more honoured. Well done friend.

[Sarah Bacaller]

Disclaimer: I produced the audiobook version of this book for Tony.
That said, I personally found the story to be so inspiring and fascinating. I can’t recommend this book highly enough for those interested in positive, effective and grassroots responses to climate change.

[Norah Colvin]

I really enjoyed this story of work being done to improve land management through Farmer Managed Natural Regeneration (FMNR) and reforestation in Niger and across Africa. It provides a hopeful picture for the future. Our Earth needs more such projests.

[Julia Hutchens]

Part missionary memoir, part description of his reforestation methodology - FMNR. It is a really encouraging example of how “the solutions to the increasingly complex problems of the world are embarrassingly simple.”

Might be implementing in Madagascar soon!

[Sheila Pritchard]

Incredible! Inspiring - shows how one person’s vision and commitment can set in motion a world changing solution to poverty and climate crises.

[Brett Payne-Rhodes]

A huge inspiration... Definitely worth a read.

[Jackie Liu]

What. A. Journey. How do people not know about Tony Rinaudo?? Tony's story in Niger and beyond is one that needs to be heard everywhere. In a world full of bleak climate news, there's real hope to be found in grassroots initiatives like the FMNR movement. Tony's heart for people, perseverance, prayerfulness, and utter dependence on God makes for a truly moving life story.