Resettlement as a desertification control measure: A case study in Darfur Region, Sudan—Part II: Recommendations

Abstract

Like many other parts of the Sahel region, Darfur has been shaken by chronic drought during the past 15 years. Its resources are being depleted by the ongoing desertification process. While there is little that planners can do about the drought, the desertification process in Northern Darfur could be slowed or halted by a reduction in the intensity of land use, e.g., by a reduction in the population density. Part I argued that permanent resettlement of part of the population out of low rainfall areas could be a partial control measure for desertification, and also discussed the advantages and disadvantages associated with several approaches to resettlement. Part II discusses issues involved in the design of a resettlement program, particularly paying attention to available resources, skills and plans of the intended resettlement population, and development strategies appropriate for the region. It is anticipated that the arguments in the paper are applicable to other areas of the Sahel experiencing similar environmental stresses.