Farmer adaptation, change and 'crisis' in the Sahel

Perceptions of a continuing crisis in managing Sahelian resources are roote d in five dimensions of the Sahel Drought of 1972-1974 as it was understood at the time: crises in rainfall (drought), food supply, livestock manageme nt, environmental degradation, and household coping capabilities. A closer examination of household livelihood and farming systems shows that adaptive strategies have been evolved in response to each of these imperatives. Ill ustrations are provided from recent research in north-east Nigeria. A syste matic understanding of indigenous adaptive capabilities can provide a basis for policies enabling a reduction of dependency on aid assistance in the S ahel. (C) 2001 Elsevier Science Ltd. All rights reserved.