HAS THE SAHEL A FUTURE

Desertification was reported in the Sahel during the higher rainfall r egime of the 1950s and has become increasingly evident as human and li vestock populations increase as a result of medical and veterinary car e, which has created ever increasing population pressures for food, fo dder, fuel, etc. The Great Drought of the mid 1960s and the ensuing lo wer rainfall has further aggravated the situation. With the help of NG O projects rural communities should be able to combat desertification and maintain a sustainable agriculture/livestock economy. The urban si tuation is undoubtedly extremely difficult if not beyond salvation. Th e future effects of climatic change is uncertain. (C) 1997 Academic Pr ess Limited.