Sahels

Sahels is the plural form commonly used to refer to the Sahel, a semi‑arid ecological zone that stretches across the Sahelian belt of Africa. The region covers approximately 3.5 million square kilometres and is bounded to the north by the Sahara Desert and to the south by the Guinea‑Savanna and Sudanian savannas, forming a transitional zone between desert and more humid ecosystems.

The Sahel’s geography is characterized by low, uneven rainfall, frequent droughts, and shifting sand dune systems. Climate data indicate that the area receives between 200 mm and 600 mm of annual precipitation, with the most reliable rainfall occurring during a narrow summer season. Variability in rainfall patterns has intensified in recent decades, exacerbating water scarcity in many parts of the Sahels.

Population density in the Sahels is highly uneven, with major towns and agricultural hubs located near rivers and oases. The inhabitants are diverse ethnic groups, including the Fulani, Tuareg, Songhai, and Hausa, who communicate in numerous languages such as French, Arabic, and various indigenous tongues. Traditional livelihoods are primarily pastoralism and small‑scale farming, though urban migration has increased in response to economic pressures.

The Sahels face significant development challenges, including high rates of poverty, food insecurity, and vulnerability to climate change. Periodic armed conflicts and political instability in several Sahelian states further strain resources and hamper governance. International assistance programs from the United Nations, African Union, and development agencies aim to improve resilience, support sustainable agriculture, and strengthen local governance structures within the Sahels.