Millions of people in sub-Saharan Africa lack access to decent and affordable housing. Deforestation has led to scarcity of timber and straw for traditional roof construction. Families spend what little money they have on imported and expensive timber and sheet metal to put a roof over their heads, further worsening the vicious circle of poverty in which they are trapped.
Through its Earth Roofs in the Sahel Program, the Association la Voûte Nubienne is addressing this problem with a traditional, low-carbon building technique known as Nubian Vault. The organization supports the training of local builders in order to create a sustainable and autonomous Nubian Vault market. As a result, families can acquire sustainable and affordable housing, while improving the environment at the same time.