Resettlement as a desertification control measure: A case study in Darfur Region, Sudan—Part I: Review of the problem

Abstract

The effects of desertification in the Sahel have become ever more pronounced during the past twenty years. Severe drought in the past several years has created a crisis situation for farmers throughout the Darfur region in western Sudan, especially those in Northern Darfur. Hundreds of thousands of settled farmers from Northern Darfur have responded to these twin problems of desertification and drought by migrating to Southern Darfur, an area of heavier rainfall. Even if the drought ends, the process of environmental degradation means that Northern Darfur can support fewer people and animals than in the past. After reviewing (a) the causes and manifestations of desertification in Darfur and (b) the experience with government-sponsored resettlement programs, particularly in Africa, Part I presents the argument that permanent resettlement of part of the population out of low rainfall areas could be a partial control measure for desertification, and also discusses the advantages and disadvantages associated with several approaches to resettlement. Part II will discuss 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.