Sahel Research Articles

Disaster Risk Management and Reduction in Niger: A Review of Tools, Structures, and Mechanisms

Niger, a vast landlocked country in the arid Sahel region of West Africa, is constantly faced with disasters, with their attendant loss of human life, material goods, economic damage, and damage to critical infrastructure. However, in terms of disaster risk management and reduction, the country has policies and strategies that are consistent with regional and global disaster risk reduction frameworks and instruments. An analysis carried out based on secondary data collection on disaster risk management and reduction tools, structures, and mechanisms revealed the need to make better use of what already exists by improving overall coordination. This can be achieved by putting in place a strong structure that can drive the mobilization of resources and by placing a strong emphasis on the development of operational tools that focus on prevention rather than emergency response. To achieve this, it is important to review data collection methods by simplifying them using geographical information, which could lead to the collection of relevant and timely data to improve the alert mechanism so that it is as rapid as possible and allows the implementation of preventive actions rather than emergency responses. Improving the GRC framework will also require the implementation of coherent land use and urban development strategies with appropriate building standards, supported by adequate funding mechanisms to build resilient infrastructure. Keywords: Disaster risk management, Prevention, Emergency response, Recovery, Niger.

Analysing the drivers of ecological footprint in Africa with machine learning algorithm

Africa is largely confronted with varying issue of socioeconomic and insecurity, which is now increasingly linked with the mounting pressure on the continent's natural capital as glaring in the Sahel and Norther regions. As such, this study further probed the drivers of ecological footprint (EFP) by utilizing panel dataset of 39 African countries over the 1996 to 2018. Considering that several suspected drivers or covariates (which include the economy sectoral aspects, globalization aspects, governance and institutional aspects, energy types, and other socioeconomic aspects) of EFP were considered in the model, the feasibility of multicollinearity and other econometric drawbacks were accounted for by employing a two-step strategy. First, we used the least absolute shrinkage and selection operators (LASSOs) machine learning algorithms to predict the most important drivers of EFP. Second, we employed the Partialing-out LASSO instrumental variable regression (POIVLR) and Bayesian Model Averaging (BMA) techniques to obtain the variables marginal effects. The result found a more parsimonious regularization within the Adaptive LASSO (λ=0.0012), thus selecting 19 regressors out of the 26 covariates. Furthermore, the study found that Adaptive LASSO selection should be employed for inference since it performed better than the rest of the LASSOs and Elasticnet. As for the marginal effect of EFP, the partialing-out LASSO instrumental-variables regression (POIVLR) technique largely established expected impact of the selected covariates on EFP in Africa except for the impact of GDP and its square that shows negative and positive inference respectively. Combining these results and the sensitivity analysis, this study is poised to offer useful policy guide to environmentalist and decision-makers across Africa.

Malaria asymptomatic carriage in the Sahelian region: the challenge associated to young adults

Abstract Background Mali and Senegal have made important efforts to control malaria. After a period of decline, the number of cases has remained stable for several years. Asymptomatic carriage acting as a reservoir could explain malaria persistence despite malaria control. Mass drug administration (MDA) is a candidate intervention that could help to accelerate the decreasing of malaria transmission if favourable epidemiologic context and good adherence are met. We aimed to update asymptomatic reservoir description along a Sahelian ecological gradient and study MDA acceptability. Methods We conducted an open cohort in 8 villages in Mali and Senegal including all household members sampled aged >6 months. We measured P. falciparum infections prevalence by qPCR in 4 surveys: 2 in dry season 2021, 1 in rainy season 2021 and 1 in dry season 2022. We measured prospective acceptability of MDA in cohort aged ≥15 years in Senegal by questionnaire. We explored risk factors associated to asymptomatic infections and acceptability score with multilevel logistic and linear models. Results We included 168 households and 1428 participants in at least 1 survey. In preliminary results, prevalence of P. falciparum infections was 11% in dry season 2021 in Senegal, 20% in central Mali and 60% in Northern Mali. Young adults between 15 to 24 years old were more likely to carry asymptomatic infections in dry season compared to children <5 years old (OR = 5.74 [2.99;11.04]). MDA presented a good acceptability with a mean score of 3.5 (score between -7 and 7). Young adults had lower acceptability compared to older participants (β=−1.07 [-1.82,-0.32]). Conclusions Young adults were important asymptomatic carriers in Senegal and Mali but were less likely to accept to participate in MDA. Key messages • Young adults represent a public health challenge that need to be address to reach malaria elimination. • Specific sensibilization could be implement to improve adherence to malaria control interventions.

Changes in the Seasonal Cycle of Heatwaves, Dry and Wet Spells over West Africa Using CORDEX Simulations

This study analyzes the potential response of the seasonal cycle of heatwaves (HWDI) and dry (CDD) and wet (CWD) spell indices over West Africa for the near- (2031–2060) and the far-future periods (2071–2100) under RCP4.5 and RCP8.5 scenarios using Coordinated Regional Climate Downscaling Experiment (CORDEX) simulations. Despite the fact that some relative biases (an underestimation of 30% for CDD, an overestimation of about 60% for CWD, and an overestimation of about 50% for HWDI) exist, during the historical period (1976–2005) in general, the CORDEX simulations and their ensemble mean outperform the seasonal variability in the above-mentioned indices over three defined subregions of West Africa (i.e., the Gulf of Guinea and Western and Eastern Sahel). They show high correlation coefficients (0.9 in general) and less RMSE. They project an increase (about 10 and 20 days) in heatwave days for both the near- and far-future periods over the whole West African region under both RCP scenarios. In addition, projections indicate that the Sahel regions will experience a decrease (about 5 days) in wet spell days from March to November, while in the Gulf of Guinea, a decrease (about 3 days) is projected throughout the year, except in the CCCLM simulation, which indicates an increase (about 5 days) during the retreat phase of the monsoon (October to December). Our results also highlight an increase (about 80%) in dry spells over the Sahel regions that are more pronounced during the March–November period, while over the Gulf of Guinea, an increase (about 40%) is projected over the entire year. Moreover, the months of increasing dry spells and decreasing wet spells coincide, suggesting that countries in these regions could be simultaneously exposed to dry seasons associated with a high risk of drought and heatwaves under future climate conditions.

Climate and soil-based constraints to rainfed cotton yield in the Northern Territory, Australia – A modelling approach using APSIM-OZCOT

Cotton production in Australia is expanding to the northern semi-arid tropical regions as a means to droughtproof the industry. The majority of expansion is expected to come from rainfed farming systems. However, little is known on tropical rainfed cotton, particularly on climate and soil-based constraints that determine cotton production. Using the Northern Territory (NT) as case study, we investigated the effects of between and intra seasonal rainfall variability and key soil types on soil moisture dynamics,timely operations, lint yield, and industry viability. We examined several regions with greatest potential for rainfed agriculture in the NT, including sites in the Daly Basin, Mataranka and Larrimah. To this purpose we applied a locally calibrated and validated cotton growth model (APSIM-OZCOT) using weather files sourced from the SILO database of Australian climate data, and soil profile parameters for three red Kandosols: Blain, Oolloo and Tippera. Our study shows that simulated median lint yields ranged from 570 to 996 kg ha−1, with larger yields achieved on soils that hold more moisture (Blain > Oolloo > Tippera), and at locations that received greater amounts of seasonal rainfall. Planting window largely governed soil-moisture availability and thus sowing opportunities. An early planting (1–15 December) increased yields (greater available soil-moisture) but reduced planting opportunities due to insufficient mulch cover at planting. A late planting (15 Jan to 1 Feb) reduced cotton yields due to less seasonal rainfall, but increased the number of sowing opportunities in the drier regions since more time was allowed to establish sufficient cover crop. Availability of deep soil-moisture was important, particularly in the later crop phases when the roots reach deeper layers, and sufficient soil moisture is required to grow and finish bolls. Our assessment further highlights the potential impact of excessively wet conditions on cotton production. Short periods of intense rainfall (known as “burst” events); a typical characteristic of the monsoon, reduce cotton yield through waterlogging. Scaling our simulated yields to the potential area of suitable soils in the NT shows considerable benefits to the regional economy and should be considered when planning industry development, including the establishment of cotton gins. The insights gained from this study are relevant to industry developments in similar environments, such as in parts of Brazil, India, and Sahelian Africa

Assessing crop–livestock water productivity in mixed-farming systems across climatic zones of Burkina Faso

Abstract Climate change adversely impacts food and feed production, depletes water, and increases the vulnerability of the people living within arid and semi-arid areas. The current study aims to assess crop–livestock water productivity within such drought-recurrent or water-stressed regions. This was done through secondary data collection and interviews from 589 households across the Sudan, Sudan–Sahel, and Sahel climatic zones of Burkina Faso. The findings confirm that the feeding strategies of livestock were based essentially on natural pasture, crop residues, and agricultural by-products. Moreover, crop–livestock total water productivity (TWP) was found generally higher in the Sudan zone (0.29 ± 0.02 $US/m3) characterized by more favorable climatic conditions than the Sudan–Sahel and Sahel regions that experienced a similar TWP (0.21 ± 0.01 $US/m3). The research gives insight into the valuation of virtual water contained in livestock feeds. Improving the accessibility in quantity and quality of such feeds through informed policy actions could enhance returns on transpired water. Additionally, other water harvesting and conservation methods are also essential to sustain more productive crop–livestock systems within water-stressed regions like Burkina Faso.

Realization and Experimental Study of a Hybrid Cooker (Solar-Biomass) in a Sahelian Climate

Solar cookers are devices that allow cooking by using free solar energy. However, they can’t operate during cloudy periods or at night. A hybrid cooker (solar-biomass) is an alternative that uses an endogenous and renewable energy source for ecological and economical cooking. In this work, the performances of a hybrid cooker (solar-biomass) are evaluated. The experimental results obtained indicate that the absorber plate reached a maximum temperature of 121.60 °C. Moreover, the maximum power of the cooker was 78.47 W with an efficiency of 29% in solar mode and 28.4% in biomass mode. The first and second figures of merit parameters performed are 0.1043 and 0.2732 respectively. The results obtained are conclusive in both solar and biomass mode.

Investigation of the Earth’s Albedo Using Meteorological Parameters over Maiduguri, Nigeria

The present study estimate and investigate the variation of albedo for Maiduguri situated in the Sahelian region of Nigeria, using meteorological data of global solar radiation obtained from the National Aeronautics and Space Administration (NASA) extending for a period between 1984 to 2021. Investigation was carried out on the variation of albedo with surface temperature, maximum wavelength, clearness index, global solar radiation, relative humidity and mean temperature. The study found that the estimated surface albedo exhibited a direct opposite relationship with the clearness index, an inverse relationship with the emitting Earth’s surface temperature and a direct relationship with the wavelength for the location. The highest value of 0.5125 and lowest value of 0.3344 were found in August and November respectively. The emitting Earth surface temperature ranged between 232.8674 K in August and 251.7177 K in November. This is in agreement with the standard emitting Earth surface temperature (255.0000 K). The values of the maximum emitting wavelength were found to be > 4 indicating longwave radiation which is within the infrared region of the electromagnetic spectrum. The results from this study will be useful for the design of solar energy collectors and researches on atmospheric radiative transfer.

CIVIL SOCIETY ORGANIZATIONS ROLE ON CONFLICT RESOLUTIONS AND PEACEKEEPING MISSION ON SOCIO-ECONOMIC DEVELOPMENT OF THE WEST POKOT AND TURKANA IN KENYA

There are conflicts in many pastoral communities around the globe, while the Sahel region and East Africa demonstrate sustained levels of inter-pastoral violent conflicts with associated potential impacts on their livelihoods. Turkana-Pokot Violence across borders, conflict is now the norm. A number of efforts have been made by various bodies to bring peace to the region. Despite the Kenya Police Reservists disarmament and arming of communities, peace initiative meetings, prosecuting perpetrators, declaringof illicit firearms surrender, amnesties, and setting up of peace committees continue to prevail in the region, insecurity and violent conflicts. It is in this regard that the researcher examines the role of civil society organizations in peacebuilding and reconstruction, which has gained significant attention over the last fifty years. Today, the main question is whether civil society organizations have an impact on peacebuilding efforts in the world, especially in third world countries or not. This study has primarily utilized the Protracted Social Conflicts (PSC) theory of Edward Azar. The study adopted descriptive research design. The study was conducted in Turkana and West Pokot Counties of Kenya. A total of 434 respondents were targeted in Pokot North and Turkana South. The sample size of 130 respondents was selected from each of the two Sub Counties. Data was collected using questionnaires, interview schedules, and document analysis and focus group discussions. Pilot study was conducted in Wajir County to establish reliability and validity of research instruments using content analysis and Cronbach alpha respectively. Quantitative data was analyzed using the SPSS to obtain descriptive statistics and chi-square. Qualitative data was analyzed by use of themes and presented in narrative form. Quantitative data was presented in form of tables, charts and graphs. Qualitative data was presented in form of narratives and verbatim quotations. The findings of the study revealed that, the proximity of Turkana County to three international borders, namely Uganda, South Sudan and Ethiopia had contributed to the proliferation of small arms through the porous borders that are not governed by the respective governments. This contributed to the availability and cheapness of small arms in Turkana County as a whole, hence the sustenance of the conflict between the two communities. Therefore, this theoretical framework was useful in anchoring the study. The study findings therefore suggested that Politics, governance, peace-building strategies, commercialization of raided animals and proliferation of small arms are the sustainers of conflict among the pastoral communities of Turkana and West Pokot Counties of Kenya. The study established that CSOs play a crucial role in conflict resolution in West Pokot. The study found out that CSOs provides food, clothing, water and tents in case of calamity. This was attributed to the fact that basic needs and health services are basic for the survival of every community. It was also established that NGOs settling conflict affected persons leads to conflict resolution. When natural resources are,well-managed conflicts are minimized. The CSOs provided for meetings during which residents were given awareness concerning peace and conflict resolution. The study revealed that CSOs organized social functions once per year.

Task-Shifting Immunization Activities to Community Health Workers: A Mixed-Method Cross-Sectional Study in Sahel Region, Burkina Faso.

Faced with the frequent disruptions to the health care system and provision of immunization services caused by terrorist attacks that began in 2015, the Sahel region in Burkina Faso initiated resilience strategies, including the task-shifting of immunization activities to community health workers (CHWs). This strategy was designed to involve more CHWs in the vaccination delivery process and ultimately to improve the performance of the health care system. The task-shifting strategy began as a pilot in Djibo health district in 2019 and then extended to all 4 districts of the Sahel region. CHWs included both personnel recruited through the Ministry of Health and Public Hygiene processes at the national level and other community members who support the operation of health facilities. They were trained on standardized immunization modules and provided with vaccines by functional health facilities teams. Implementation initiated with the administration of oral antigens by CHWs. Subsequently, their service delivery was expanded to include injectable vaccines in the context of the worsening terrorist attacks and the urgent need to protect the health of local populations affected by the security and humanitarian crisis. The intervention was evaluated through an internal programmatic review conducted as a descriptive cross-sectional study implemented from August 1 to October 28, 2022, in the Sahel region, including a survey in Dori health district. CHWs involved in implementing the strategy were considered for interviews. Performance indicators for all antigens have shown an upward trend since the strategy's inception in 2019. The task-shifting of immunization activities to CHWs has been implemented successfully in a region seriously affected by terrorism-related insecurity. It holds the promise of maintaining or even improving performance if institutionalized and scaled up while improving the monitoring of adverse events following immunization by the CHWs.

Charcoal Trade in Niger—Product Flows and Business Models

Charcoal is used in Africa for household energy, and the sector involves different actors with specific business strategies. Based on theories on sustainable business models and livelihoods, charcoal traders in five cities in Niger were surveyed about supply chains and strategies. Most charcoal is imported from Nigeria, and smaller quantities come from Benin and Burkina Faso or domestically. Men dominate the trade. Customers value charcoal quality, tree species, packaging, and low prices. Three groups of traders and their business models were identified: small-scale retailers, large-scale retailers, and wholesalers. The charcoal trade is typically combined with trade in other products and is frequently conducted with family members or friends; laborers are employed for loading and unloading. The charcoal business provides a complementary income for the traders’ livelihoods. Most respondents believed that trade would increase in the future; wholesalers expected promising future business opportunities. This study concludes that improvements should focus on quality, better marketing skills, and more sustainable charcoal sourcing. Charcoal use in the Sahel region of Africa should also be studied further to enable the development of effective policies in the West African bioenergy sector. The cross-border charcoal trade creates a need for coordinated policies for a sustainable charcoal sector in the Sahel region.

Transnationally entangled (in)securities: The UAE, Turkey, and the Saharan political economy of danger

Contemporary security interventions in Africa are characterized by an increasing pluralization of external actors, bringing with them new security rationalities, practices, and technologies, sometimes with profound influences on local security dynamics. While studies have focused empirically on East and South Africa, this article explores the roles of the United Arab Emirates (UAE) and Turkey in the Sahel region of West Africa. To make sense of their engagement, we develop the notion of ‘transnational security entanglements’ by bringing the literature on (in)security assemblages into productive dialogue with scholarship on transnational entanglements in the fields of global history and law. Both literatures depart from relational ontologies, eschew methodological nationalism, and emphasize the interplay between the human and the non-human in the making of the social world. At the same time, we argue, the focus on entanglements adds a specific analytic of South–South connections and transregional circulations to extant scholarship on (in)security assemblages. To illustrate the importance of these transregional connections beyond the North Atlantic, we draw on interviews and media reports about the myriad ways in which connections between the UAE and Turkey with various actors in the Sahel shape current transformations of political orders in the region.

Perceptions and Adaptation Practices of Agropastoralists to Rainfall and Temperature Changes in Mali

Many people in African countries derive their livelihoods from agriculture and livestock. Therefore, unfavourable environmental and climatic conditions render them more vulnerable to increasing food insecurity and poverty rates. However, few studies have investigated how farmers’ adaptation strategies affect farm productivity and household food security in the Sahelian region, notably Mali. This study aims to examine the impacts of climate change agro-pastoralists and to analyse the adaptation strategies in Mali. For this purpose, an analysis of daily rainfall and temperature data from 1960 to 2020 over Bamako, Ségou and Sikasso station was carried out using Instat+ v3.36, Rstudio, XLSTAT and Rclimdex software. Field surveys were conducted among 355 agropastoralists in three regions of Mali to assess the impacts and adaptation strategies of agropastoralists. The analysis of climate data showed a downward trend in overall rainfall. As for the temperature, it shows an upward trend over the series from 1960 to 2020 at the station of Ségou, Sikasso and Bamako.
 Agropatoralists use adaptation strategies such as organic fertilizers, changing planting dates and growing of short duration maize varieties to mitigate against the negative effects of climate change. The use of organic fertilizers and short-duration use of improved varieties promotes agricultural productivity and food security. We conclude that building agropastoralists adaptive capacity tends to reduce their vulnerability to climate change by increasing crop yields and food security.

Climate change and sustainable agricultural growth in the sahel region: Mitigating or resilient policy response?

The aim of this study is to provide an empirical answer to the question of whether nexus exists between climate change and sustainable agricultural growth in nine (9) countries within the Sahel region between 1990 and 2020. The study utilized Panel ARDL and Pairwise Dumitrescu Hurlin Panel Causality Tests to arrive at the following conclusions; firstly, the climate change orchestrated by change in rainfall is a very prominent factor causing reduction in sustainable agricultural growth in the Sahel region. One way feedback relationship flows from sustainable agricultural growth to greenhouse gas emission. In the light of the above, this study recommends that, in addressing the adverse effects of change in rainfall on agricultural sustainability, the policymakers in the Sahel region in particular and Africa as a whole should embark on a policy mix by embanking on mitigating policy response towards ensuring sustainable agricultural production via irrigation which is the best mode of water provisions without causing negative spilliovers on the environment. Also, the policymakers should be proactive by embarking on policies and programs that would build the resilience and adaptation of the region ahead of the future adverse effects of agriculturally induced climatic change.

Undernutrition in children aged 0–59 months by region and over time: secondary analysis of the Burkina Faso 2012–2018 National Nutrition Surveys

The global burden of undernutrition remains high, responsible for significant under-five mortality in resource-limited settings. Numerous sustainable development goals (SDGs) are linked to nutrition, and nationally representative nutrition surveillance is...

Criminal Enterprise: Explaining the Emergence of Bandit Gangs in Nigeria

ABSTRACT: Since 2011, criminal activities of armed bandits in Northwest Nigeria have skyrocketed with enormous impact on lives and livelihoods. In the first seven months of 2019, the Nigerian government recorded over 330 attacks from armed bandits that resulted in the death of about 1,460 civilians. This briefing paper—which draws on relative deprivation theory— provides an account of the increasing cases of rampant banditry in the region, focusing on the motives and drives of armed bandits in the Northwest geopolitical zone in Nigeria. The account suggests a way forward to help resolve the disconcerting increase in conflict that has the potential to destabilize not only Nigeria but also the Sahel region .

The Rise of Autocracy in the Sahel of Africa: Insights from Resource Curse Theory

Abstract The countries in the Sahel, aside from being located in the same geopolitical region, also share similar socioeconomic and socio-political challenges. This includes political instability, insecurity, poor governance, climate change and democratic erosion – among others. The corrosion of the democratic gains recorded since the spread of democracy in the 1990s and the rise of autocratic regimes has become prevalent in the last decade. The subversion of the electoral process, limited freedom and military takeovers are an indication of the spread of autocracy in Africa (generally) and the Sahel (specifically). The paper which is anchored on the resource curse theory argues that the Sahel is rich in natural resources that when not properly managed breed corruption and increase the chances of conflict and the likelihood of military takeover. More so, faced with weak institutions, autocrats take advantage of abundant resources to increase patronage networks at the expense of development and democratic growth. The paper found that the rise of illiberal regimes is on the rise in Africa; suggesting a wave of autocracy. This is evident in the spate of autocratic and highly defective democracies in the region; one-party dominance; re-emergence of military coups; and circumvention of term limits. It is therefore concluded that electoral autocracy is on the rise in Africa and is a common phenomenon in the Sahel. This is given impetus by weak institutions which makes it difficult for rulers to utilize resource wealth for human capital development. To this end, the paper adopts a qualitative approach that relies on secondary data sourced from peer-reviewed journal articles, government reports, briefs and internet sources.

Assessment of geochemical processes in the shared groundwater resources of the Taoudeni aquifer system (Sahel region, Africa)

Assessment of geochemical processes in the shared groundwater resources of the Taoudeni aquifer system (Sahel region, Africa)

How Can Girls’ Education and Family Planning Improve Community Resilience to Climate Change in the Sahel?

Population growth and climate change are currently the two greatest threats to food security in the Sahel region of Africa. The population of the countries that make up the Sahel is projected to nearly double by 2050, from 506 million to 912 million. Paired with the expected rise in temperature and increased frequency of extreme climatic events, these numbers could quickly overwhelm relief efforts. Strengthening human capital and economic stability are critical to prevent catastrophic suffering. This article recommends two evidence-based approaches that expand women’s autonomy and support their income-earning potential while building resilience to climate change. The first recommendation, would be greater investments in adolescent girls’ education and autonomy, including efforts to delay marriage and childbearing. The second calls for an improvement in the availability and quality of reproductive health services, with a special focus on voluntary family planning. These interventions can increase incomes, reproductive autonomy and gender equity which build community resilience and adaptability to climate change.

Pastoralist Transhumance and Conflicts in the Sahelian zone of the Nigeria-Niger Borderlands

Pastoralism has been an old practice in the Sahel region of West Africa. In recent years, pastoralists in Nigeria have increasingly been migrating on seasonal transhumance southward from the neighboring countries especially Niger Republic in search of better grazing conditions. This has increased pressure on farmlands which instigate farmer-herder conflicts. These conflicts occur mainly between farmers and pastoralists, but also between pastoralist groups themselves. However, there has been a shift in these conflicts recently to involve traditional institutions and in some cases the local authorities along the borderlands. The involvement of local institutions in the conflict has created an incentive for local actors, particularly pastoral community-based groups in responding to these violent threats. As pastoralists are mobile, these conflicts became difficult to contain and thus, spill across borders. Consequently, the conflict has now transformed into an urbanized regional conflict that involves some major cities along the Nigeria-Niger borderlands; Sokoto, Zamfara, and Katsina on the Nigerian side and Dosso, Tahoa, and Maradi in the Niger Republic. These areas are now experiencing an unprecedented growing wave of violence that has become complex and escalated into a hydra-social conflict. This research aims to investigate how the fluidities of the Nigeria-Niger borderland intensified armed conflicts between the local pastoral organizations and the sedentary population spreading to some urban cities along the borderlands.