Wangari Maathai on Africa's Micro Nations

Today, with a fistful of soil in hand, we remember Wangari Maathai (1940-2011), who was awarded the Nobel Peace Prize on 8 October 2004 for her contribution to sustainable, social, economic and cultural development, as well as democracy, human rights and women's rights in Kenya and Africa.

In 1977, she founded the Green Belt Movement, which revolutionised environmental conservation and the struggle for women's rights. The movement's focus on tree planting contributed to a greener environment and empowered women as tree planting helped preserve soils, water sources and food supplies.

In this powerful clip, Maathai highlights how African communities thrived autonomously before colonisation. Our people were well-organised and control our economic and social affairs. In order to justify their actions, European colonisers portrayed Africans as uncivilised and primitive, so they could systematically dismantle our structures to facilitate their 'divide-and-conquer' strategy.

Maathai goes on to replace the word 'tribe' with 'micro-nations' to describe Africa's ethnic groups. For instance, in her country, Kenya, 42 distinct 'micro-nations' exist, each with their own customs and structures.

Maathai's legacy lives on after her death, with many honouring her great works. Continue to rest in peace, Maathai.