Permanent Interstate Committee for drought control in the Sahel

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Map of CILSS

Permanent Interstate Committee for Drought Control in the Sahel (CILSS) is an intergovernmental organization established to ensure food security and manage natural resources in the Sahel region of Africa. The Sahel is a semi-arid region that stretches across the southern edge of the Sahara Desert, encompassing several countries. Due to its geographical location and climatic conditions, the Sahel is prone to frequent droughts, which have severe impacts on the region's agriculture, ecosystems, and livelihoods of the local populations.

History

The CILSS was founded on September 12, 1973, following a series of devastating droughts in the early 1970s that severely affected the Sahelian zone. The founding members recognized the need for a coordinated regional approach to address the challenges of drought, desertification, and food insecurity. The organization's mission has since expanded to include the management of water resources, climate change adaptation, and sustainable land management.

Objectives

The primary objectives of the CILSS are to:

• Improve food security and combat poverty in the Sahel region.
• Promote sustainable land management and environmental protection.
• Enhance the resilience of the Sahel's populations to climate variability and change.
• Facilitate cooperation and integration among member states in the areas of agriculture, water management, and climate change adaptation.

Member States

The CILSS comprises several member states from the Sahel and West Africa, including Burkina Faso, Cape Verde, Chad, Gambia, Guinea-Bissau, Mali, Mauritania, Niger, Senegal, and Sierra Leone. These countries share similar climatic conditions and face common challenges related to drought and desertification.

Activities

CILSS coordinates a wide range of activities aimed at achieving its objectives, including:

• Conducting research and disseminating information on climate, water, and land management.
• Implementing projects to promote sustainable agriculture and natural resource management.
• Facilitating regional policies and strategies for food security and climate change adaptation.
• Providing technical support and capacity building to member states.

Impact

Over the years, CILSS has played a crucial role in mitigating the effects of drought and enhancing food security in the Sahel region. Its efforts have contributed to the development of early warning systems for food crises, the promotion of sustainable agricultural practices, and the formulation of regional policies on climate change and environmental protection.

Challenges

Despite its achievements, CILSS faces several challenges, including political instability in some member states, limited financial resources, and the increasing impacts of climate change. Addressing these challenges requires continued cooperation among member states, as well as support from international partners.

See Also

• Sahel
• Desertification
• Food security
• Climate change adaptation

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