Many of us are familiar with the common divisions of Africa: northern, west, sub-Saharan, etc. So, what, exactly, is the Sahel?
The Saharan Coast
From an Arabic word meaning “edge” or “coast,” the Sahel is effectively a border zone between the Sahara Desert in the north and the savannahs of the south. This vast, semi-arid region sprawls 3,000 miles (4,828km) across the African continent from the Atlantic Coast to the Red Sea, touching ten countries along the way.
The region has a long and rich history. Port-like cities scattered across the Sahel, from ancient Koumbi Saleh to medieval Timbuktu, functioned for centuries as hubs of trans-Saharan trade for expensive goods such as salt and gold. Kingdoms and empires grew around these centers, making the region home to several indigenous powers, including the Ghana (300 – 1200), Mali (1230 – 1600), and Segu (1640 – 1861) empires. Nomadic peoples such as Tuareg, who were written about by ancient Greek historian Herodotus in the 5th Century BCE and remain in the region today, also benefited, guiding caravans and managing herds. Many aspects of their pastoral society have remained the same for centuries, although the Sahelian drought of the 1970 – 80s has forced recent change, as traditional pastures and water sources suffer from desertification.
Environmental Concerns
Did you know that the Sahel region is the most vulnerable region to drought and desertification in the world? In fact, the Sahara is growing at an alarming 48km every year. Long under threat, this buffer zone between desert and savannah has been subject to logging, land-clearing for agriculture, and increasing population since the 1920s. The resulting overgrazing and deforestation, in conjunction with persistent droughts, has led to land degradation known as desertification.
As the desert creeps in, grazing lands drift farther and farther away. The land suffers soil and nutrient depletion, making it impossible for farmers to grow food and support themselves, which means more food must be imported, which is expensive. As droughts increase in severity and duration and desert settles into the Sahel, millions face worsening conditions, including both food insecurity and extreme water stress. One solution being explored is land restoration. Announced in 2007 by the African Union, the Great Green Wall is “an African-led movement with an epic ambition to grow an 8,000km natural wonder of the world across the entire width of Africa.” Aiming to revitalize thousands of communities, this international project seeks to revitalize the human experience with widespread job creation, the restoration of 100 million hectares (247 million acres) of degraded land, and promote food security. As of 2023, more than 18 million hectares (44.5 million acres) have been restored.
[The Great Green Wall] is providing food and water security, habitat for wild plants and animals, and a reason for residents to stay in a region beset by drought and poverty.
Promising Future
While the area faces considerable challenges from climate change, armed conflict, and food insecurity, it is also a region rich with possibilities.
The Sahel is endowed with great potential for renewable energy and sits atop some of the largest aquifers on the continent. Potentially one of the richest regions in the world with abundant human, cultural and natural resources.
Besides endeavors such as Africa’s Great Green Wall, the large youthful population in the Sahel – some 65% is under the age of 25 – is a rich human capital resource. Education and healthcare are key. In educating children and youth while the Sahel explores promising development initiatives such as solar power, countries can develop the healthy, educated workforce needed to uphold meaningful infrastructure and institutional changes being made today. With access to nutritious food, healthcare, and education, today’s children will have the opportunity to leave poverty behind while invigorating their local and national economies and pave the way for lasting peace and prosperity in the Sahel.
Sources:
Who Are The Tuareg People Of The Sahara? – WorldAtlas
Imazighen – The Tuareg: Nomads of the Sahara | Peabody Museum
Further Resources:
Sahel in West African History | Oxford Research Encyclopedia of African History
Desertification in Africa: Causes, Effects and Solutions | Earth.Org
Great Green Wall Initiative | UNCCD
The Sahel: Challenges and opportunities | International Review of the Red Cross