Sahel

Sahel

The Sahel is a geographic zone that stretches across the south-central latitudes of North Africa between the Sahara to the north and the Sudanian Savanna to the south. It covers parts of (from west to east) Senegal, Mauritania, Mali, Burkina Faso, Algeria, Niger, Nigeria, Chad, Sudan, and Eritrea.

Geography

The Sahel spans 5,400 km from the Atlantic Ocean to the Red Sea and is primarily made up of savannah in the south and steppe in the north. The Sahel's climate is semi-arid, and it is home to a variety of wildlife adapted to semi-desert conditions.

Climate

The Sahel's climate is typically hot, with the seasonality of rainfall increasing from north to south. The rainfall in the Sahel is also highly variable, with frequent droughts. The region is affected by the Intertropical Convergence Zone, which brings the rainy season.

History

Historically, the Sahel was the geographic point of contact between the Berber tribes of the north and the sub-Saharan cultures to the south. The Sahel has been a major trade route since the medieval period, connecting the North and West Africa.

Economy

The economy of the Sahel region is predominantly agricultural, with farming and livestock herding being the main economic activities. However, the region faces significant challenges due to its harsh climate, frequent droughts, and political instability.

Demographics

The Sahel is home to many different ethnic groups, including the Fulani, Tuareg, and Hausa. The majority of the population practices Islam, which has been present in the region since the 11th century.

Environmental issues

The Sahel region is facing a severe environmental crisis due to desertification, a process driven by both natural and human factors. This has resulted in a loss of biodiversity and has increased the vulnerability of the local population to food shortages.

See also

• Geography of Africa
• Climate of Africa
• History of Africa
• Economy of Africa
• Demographics of Africa