Practical examples and data show how past development strategies have contributed to the deteriorating socio-economic and environmental conditions of the Sahel zone of Africa. It also shares some of the success stories, recommending new development approaches and presenting some alternative ways to deal with the present Sahelian situation

This report analyses the factors which motivate land use by rural populations and provides a context for any policy or strategy which addresses natural resource conservation in the Sahel. The author suggest that production systems in the Sahel have reached or even exceeded their capacity to respond to the needs of a growing population and further that development aid has only had a negligible impact on the trend to over exploit. It offers a different perspective on issues concerning the Sahel.

"A remarkable blend of geography, demography, sociology, development economics, history, cultural anthropology, ecology, politics, sharia (Muslim religious law), and government policies.... This book dispels many misconceptions and is an education in itself." Choice