The Forest Underground by Tony Rinaudo

The Forest Underground: Hope for a Planet in Crisis by Tony Rinaudo

What if the answer to reversing deforestation and restoring the land lay not in planting more trees, but in letting them grow?

In The Forest Underground, Australian agronomist and humanitarian Tony Rinaudo shares his incredible journey from frustration on the edge of the Sahara to pioneering one of the world’s most transformative reforestation movements. Alongside his wife Liz, Tony arrived in Niger in 1981 determined to plant trees in barren soil—but after years of failure, he stumbled upon a breakthrough: the roots of native trees were still alive underground. With this revelation, Farmer Managed Natural Regeneration (FMNR) was born.

This humble, community-driven method has since restored over six million hectares of degraded land in Niger alone, doubled crop yields, and changed the lives of countless farmers across Africa and beyond. Tony’s story is not just about environmental restoration—it’s a powerful testimony of persistence, innovation, and hope in the face of global crisis.

Why This Book Stands Out:

• Inspiring True Story: Discover how one man’s faith and persistence led to a global movement of regeneration and renewal.
• Practical Climate Action: FMNR offers a replicable, sustainable model for healing the land and empowering communities.
• Award-Winning Impact: Tony Rinaudo is a Right Livelihood Award Laureate and World Vision’s Principal Climate Action Advisor.
• Global Relevance: As the climate crisis deepens, The Forest Underground brings a message of hope rooted in practical solutions and long-term impact.

Why We Recommend It:

The Forest Underground is a must-read for anyone passionate about caring for creation, sustainable farming, or grassroots global change. Tony Rinaudo’s deeply personal and profoundly hopeful account reminds us that renewal is possible—even in the most unlikely places. It’s an inspiring and essential resource for individuals, churches, and organisations seeking faithful responses to environmental and humanitarian challenges.

Perfect For:

• Christians and churches engaging with environmental stewardship
• Readers interested in global development and climate action
• High school and university students studying geography, agriculture, or sustainability
• Book clubs, mission groups, and anyone looking for a story of hope in action

Let The Forest Underground open your eyes to the forests beneath your feet—and the incredible potential of restoration waiting to grow.