The NANN–K Trust was founded by Baaba Maal, the Senegalese singer and UN ambassador on desertification.

The trusts focus is on:

  • ​Ameliorating the effects of desertification in the Sahel Region 
of Africa primarily focussing on (but not limited to) Senegal;
  • Promoting the sustainable use of natural resources;
  • Relieving poverty and improving the conditions of life in 
socially and economically disadvantaged communities; and
  • ​Promoting sustainable means of achieving economic growth and regeneration.
  • To advance education in subjects relating to desertification and more broadly sustainable development and the protection, enhancement and rehabilitation of the environment;

In Pulaar (Fula language spoken primarily as a first language by the Fula and Toucouleur peoples in the Senegal River valley in Africa) ‘NANN-K’ translates as the phrase ‘Listen to this.’