This book explores the links between environment and social systems in the Sahel, integrating ecological, demographic, economic, technical, social and cultural factors. Examining the conditions for land occupation and natural resource use, it offers a conceptual and practical approach to social organization and environmental management.

This volume provides an in-depth analysis of the diverse Sahara Desert environment. Drawing on a range of research and historical development, this work explores the links between environment and social systems in the Sahel, integrating ecological, demographic, economic, technical, social and cultural factors. Examining the conditions for land occupation and natural resource use in the Sahel, this volume offers a conceptual and practical approach to social organization and environmental management in the face of rapid environmental change. With a focus on the Francophone states, this work presents important implications for future intervention strategies in order to address the crisis of desertification across sub-Saharan Africa.

Land tenure systems are strongly on the agenda of academics and policymakers West Africa - the contributors to this work draw on their experiences to present different ways of understanding land tenure. The contributors to this book are all West Africans. They draw on their experience to find new ways of understanding land tenure. There is increasing concern about land and resource access in West Africa, both in governments and donor organizations. This concern has emerged as a result of a number of factors: failed development projects, perceived by many to result from the neglect of land tenure issues; degradation of soils and vegetation which have beenassociated with poorly defined rules governing management of resources; higher levels of conflict in rural society arising from greater scarcity of natural resources; and the awareness that people need secure rights in order to invest in their farms and improve productivity. Published in association with IIED and GRET