" Somali is turning into a desert. Rwanda, you can hardly find a place to plant a potato, it’s so crowded. "
- Jim Fowler

The first sentence describes Somalia as becoming increasingly arid, suggesting that the country is facing severe environmental issues such as desertification. The second part refers to Rwanda, describing it as densely populated and lacking sufficient land for agriculture, particularly mentioning difficulty in finding space to plant potatoes.

This quote delves into broader themes of environmental degradation and overpopulation. By highlighting Somalia's transformation into a desert, Jim Fowler underscores the serious consequences of human activities on natural landscapes. Desertification not only affects flora and fauna but also significantly impacts local communities by reducing arable land and water resources. Meanwhile, Rwanda’s crowded condition reflects the challenges countries face when their population outstrips available resources, specifically agricultural space, leading to potential food shortages and other socio-economic issues.

Jim Fowler is a renowned environmental scientist known for his extensive work in ecology and conservation biology. He has been a vocal advocate for addressing pressing global issues such as habitat loss and biodiversity decline through education and public engagement. His quote captures the essence of these concerns by illustrating real-world scenarios where environmental and demographic pressures converge, creating significant challenges for sustainability and human welfare.