1.2 Sahel — Environmental Factors

Location

Semi-arid region south of the Sahara Desert in Africa.

Environmental push factors:

• Frequent droughts and unreliable rainfall.

• Desertification affects around 80% of farmland in some Sahel countries.

• Rising temperatures linked to climate change.

• Soil erosion and crop failure.

Consequences for migrants:

• Around 30 million people in the Sahel face food insecurity.

• Increased poverty and malnutrition.

• Migration to cities or neighbouring countries.

• Competition over water and land resources.

Impacts on origin areas:

• Reduced agricultural production.

• Labour shortages in rural areas.

• Abandoned farmland during severe droughts.

Impacts on destination areas:

• Rapid urban growth creates informal settlements.

• Pressure on jobs, housing, and water supplies.

• Increased social tensions in overcrowded areas.

Extra stat

Temperatures in the Sahel are increasing about 1.5 times faster than the global average.