Sahel

The Sahel is a semi-arid belt of Africa that lies between the Sahara to the north and the Sudanian savanna to the south. It extends roughly from the Atlantic Ocean in the west to the Red Sea in the east, crossing parts of several West and Central African countries.

It is characterized by a hot climate with a brief, highly seasonal rainy period and a long dry season. Annual rainfall typically ranges from about 100 to 600 millimeters and varies greatly from year to year. Climate change has increased temperatures and the risk of drought and desertification.

Historically, the Sahel was a corridor for trans-Saharan trade and the cradle of empires such as Ghana, Mali, and Songhai. Today it is culturally and linguistically diverse, home to groups including Fulani, Tuareg, Hausa, Zarma, Kanuri, and others, with Islam as a major religious tradition.

Livelihoods center on subsistence farming and herding. Common crops include millet and sorghum, while livestock grazing supports pastoralist communities. Mineral resources, notably gold in some countries, contribute to national economies, but many communities remain vulnerable to poverty and food insecurity.

The region faces ongoing challenges from rapid population growth, environmental degradation, and conflict linked to insurgencies and competition over resources. Responses emphasize climate adaptation, sustainable land management, and regional security efforts, including international programs aimed at resilience, nutrition, and education.