Has the Sahel a future?

Desertification was reported in the Sahel during the higher rainfall regime of the 1950s and has become increasingly evident as human and livestock populations increase as a result of medical and veterinary care, which has created ever increasing population pressures for food, fodder, fuel, etc. The Great Drought of the mid 1960s and the ensuing lower rainfall has further aggravated the situation. With the help of NGO projects rural communities should be able to combat desertification and maintain a sustainable agriculture/livestock economy. The urban situation is undoubtedly extremely difficult if not beyond salvation. The future effects of climatic change is uncertain.