This article draws on data collected over the course of two decades to examine the role of youth mobility in the ways a rural Senegalese community has adapted to ecological, economic and socio-cultural change. Temporary migration has become a veritable stepping stone in the life of most young men and women in the community. It provides for more diversified family resources given the inability of farming to cover essentials and the new needs of youth avid for modernity. Types of migration have also evolved, notably because of increased education; mobility has further transformed cross-generational and gender relations. Migration is rooted in the strategies of many families and appears to be a resilience factor in a context of multifaceted change.

Culture, Migration, Gender, Natural ressources, Education, Youth, Family, Gold, Rural Areas, Social, EMPLOYMENT

The International Crisis Group’s “Containing the Jihadist Insurgency in West Africa’s W Park” examines the growing influence of jihadist groups in W Park, a cross-border nature reserve between Benin, Burkina Faso, and Niger. These groups are exploiting local tensions over access to natural resources and intercommunal conflicts to strengthen their presence. The article emphasizes that purely military strategies are insufficient to counter this threat. It advocates an integrated approach combining security, socio-economic development, and dialogue with local communities to restore peace and protect the park’s biodiversity.

Natural ressources, Security, Conflict, Jihad, Threat

The article "The Central Sahel, Theater of New Climate Wars?" examines the impact of climate change on conflicts in this region. It highlights that climate variations disrupt agropastoral systems, exacerbating tensions between farmers and herders. These transformations lead to accumulated competition for increasingly scarce natural resources, intensifying local conflicts. The article highlights the example of central Mali, where these dynamics have led to an escalation of violence. To alleviate these tensions, it recommends better regulation of access to natural resources and an adaptation of agricultural practices to new climatic realities.

Climate change, Natural ressources, Conflict, Violence

Warrantage is currently expanding in several Sahel countries. It is a credit-storage mechanism implemented by a farmers' organization in collaboration with a financial institution. The process involves storing a portion of the harvested cereals in a warehouse for a few months in exchange for an individual loan. Without this credit system, farmers tend to sell their cereals immediately after harvest to repay debts or meet their basic needs. Consequences: Families subsequently struggle to bridge the "hunger gap"—the transitional period between the depletion of stocks and the next harvest—and face challenges in investing in their agricultural production systems. An impact assessment conducted in western Burkina Faso shows that warrantage increases food availability during the hunger gap and strengthens agricultural investment and production. To accelerate its development, three conditions must be met: Access to suitable storage infrastructure, Assurance of the quality of stored products, and Establishment of strong trust-based relationships between financial institutions, producer organizations, and traders. This last condition is being undermined by the expansion of armed conflicts in the Sahel.

Governance, Agriculture, Natural ressources, Security, Education, Development, Gold, Human security, Rural Areas, Soicial sciences, Researh, Knowlege production

This report examines perceptions of security in Mali's Mopti, Timbuktu, Gao, and Bandiagara regions as part of the Just Future program. National and local perceptions vary greatly, influenced by factors such as the presence of security actors, the withdrawal of MINUSMA, and socio-economic conditions. Security improvements are noted in regions like Timbuktu, attributed to military patrols and enhanced mobility. However, insecurity persists in other areas, driven by armed groups, forced displacements, and attacks. Perceptions of security forces are mixed: while their presence instills some confidence, their behavior is criticized. Economic concerns, characterized by increasing poverty and limited opportunities, remain a critical issue. Recommendations highlight the need for greater collaboration between security forces and civil society.

Governance, Natural ressources, Security, Justice, Education, Gold, Human security, Opinion, Threat, Researh, Knowlege production

The document explores the violent conflicts linked to the artisanal and semi-mechanized gold mining sector in Burkina Faso, particularly in the Sahel and South-West regions. The study identifies traditional conflicts (between artisans, with landowners and industrialists) and emerging conflicts (involving armed groups). It analyzes the causes of these conflicts, such as control of resources and cultural tensions, as well as their escalation due to the presence of armed groups. The report offers an assessment of positivist and denialist theoretical approaches to peaceful resolution, aimed at promoting societal cohesion

Politics, Governance, Gold

The report focuses on Mauritania's Strategic Plan (DSP) 2019-2023, which aims to eradicate hunger and build resilience to crises. It highlights efforts to align the plan with national priorities and the Sustainable Development Goals. The World Food Program (WFP) has provided assistance to 1.2 million people, including during the pandemic and droughts, while integrating activities focused on social protection and resilience. Despite the progress observed, challenges remain: lack of flexible funding, insufficient coordination and limited inclusion of cross-cutting issues such as gender equality.

Governance, Agriculture, Economic Development, Livestock, Gender, Natural ressources, Security, Education, Development, Food security, Human security, Social

The document presents an updated analysis of the situation in Eastern Chad, marked by humanitarian, security, and political challenges exacerbated since the recent presidential elections. The region, bordering Sudan, faces massive inflows of Sudanese refugees and internally displaced Chadians, increasing pressure on limited local resources. These crises are compounded by chronic instability due to intercommunal violence, armed incursions, and harsh climatic conditions, compromising food security and access. Weak governance and corruption hinder effective aid management, which remains insufficient to meet the growing needs of displaced populations. Land tensions add to the conflicts, opposing natives and newcomers, and the situation is further complicated by the absence of state services, inadequate infrastructure, and a lack of resources.

Politics, Political party, State, Natural ressources, Security, Conflict, Human security, Violence, Threat