The use of concrete is on the rise in West Africa, slowly replacing traditional mud structures in countries like Burkina Faso, Guinea, Ghana, and Mali. Some see this as a sign of progress, equating the use of modern materials with a boost in quality of life. But mud is far more environmentally friendly than concrete, can last just as long when properly maintained, and offers a cultural significance that dull gray contemporary structures will never be able to match.

Concrete manufacturers run advertisements in these countries professing the superiority of their product, one bearing the tag line “concrete is a strong material for strong men.” Occasional collapses of mud walls during heavy rainfall have influenced opinions as well. But even as villagers express new preferences for concrete over mud, some architects, tribal chiefs, and government officials are working to preserve the use of traditional materials, especially in the face of climate change.
With its high thermal mass, mud is capable of keeping interiors cool even in the hottest desert temperatures. Concrete blocks, on the other hand, allow heat to pass right indoors, where it’s trapped even after outside temperatures cool at night. The materials used to build mud structures are also plentiful, locally available, mostly biodegradable, and virtually free. An annual application of a waterproofing mixture consisting of motor oil, clay, and cow dung keep rain from penetrating the walls, which can be...