This article explores the integration of seasonal climate forecasts into adaptive social protection (ASP) systems in the Sahel. The authors emphasize that communities in the region heavily rely on seasonal rainfall for their livelihoods. By combining climate forecasts with livelihood information, actions can be triggered ahead of shocks, reducing the time needed for needs assessments before delivering a response. The World Bank's Sahel Adaptive Social Protection Programme (SASPP) is highlighted as a major initiative aimed at building resilience among populations facing climate hazards. Mauritania, as one of the six countries targeted by the SASPP, actively participates in this initiative by implementing adaptive social protection systems to help vulnerable populations better cope with climate shocks. The article also identifies challenges, including the variability in the quality of climate forecasts and the difficulty of integrating these forecasts into existing early warning systems. The authors recommend enhanced collaboration among stakeholders, improved understanding of climate impacts on livelihoods, and sustained investment in climate research and services.

Climate change, Food security, Adaptive social protection

The infographic maps civil societies in the Sahel, distinguishing eight ecosystems (citizenship, development aid, charity, trade union, cultural, humanitarian, local associations, religious). It analyzes their varied dynamics according to the countries and proposes ways to adapt support for local development, by integrating socio-political contexts, social proximity and sustainability.

Politics, Political party, Economic Development, Natural ressources, Justice, Education, Development, Gold, Social, Civil Society

The report by the Citizen Coalition for the Sahel, published in June 2022, assesses the evolution of the situation in the central Sahel, particularly in Mali, Niger, and Burkina Faso. It highlights an 18% increase in civilian deaths between April 2021 and March 2022, with 2,901 recorded victims. Armed extremist groups are responsible for 58% of these deaths, while defense and security forces are implicated in 27% of the cases. The Coalition recommends placing civilian protection at the heart of strategies, ensuring adequate humanitarian funding, promoting political dialogue, and combating impunity. It emphasizes the importance of a comprehensive approach that includes peacebuilding, access to basic services, and governance reform to effectively address the Sahel crisis.

Politics, Extremism, Dialogue, Groupes armés, Impunity

The article titled "Climate Risks and Food and Nutrition Security in Niger: Mapping Impacts and Resilience Needs" analyzes the effects of climate change on food security in three regions of Niger. The authors identify drought as the main risk, leading to declines in agricultural production, livestock numbers, and the disappearance of valuable tree species. These impacts exacerbate food insecurity and poverty. Factors contributing to the vulnerability of rural households include land degradation, poverty, and the rudimentary nature of agro-pastoral activities. The study proposes resilience benchmarks, classified into four groups (V1, V2, V3, V4), to guide effective responses to climate risks.

Climate change, Security, Food security

The article examines agroclimatic risks affecting rainfed agriculture in western Niger, combining community perceptions and meteorological data. Communities identify early cessation of rains, early-season sand winds, and dry spells as the main climatic risks. These perceptions align with observed data analyses, except for early cessation of rains, where an improvement is noted but remains imperceptible to communities due to climatic variability. Immediate impacts include loss of seedlings and crops, leading to food insecurity and weakened livestock. Although adaptation strategies, such as the use of improved crop varieties and water and soil conservation techniques, are implemented, communities remain vulnerable to these phenomena. The study suggests that targeted adaptation strategies addressing identified risks would help mitigate the effects of climate change on rainfed agriculture in the Sahel.

Agriculture, Climate change

The study conducted from July 2020 to June 2022 as part of the RESILAC project analyzes individual strategies and collective dynamics influencing mental health and socioeconomic integration of youth in the Lake Chad Basin. It provides an overview of mental health systems in four countries, identifies emerging mental disorders and profiles of individuals in psychological distress, and examines endogenous mechanisms for addressing mental health issues and trauma. The study aims to produce operational knowledge to sustainably improve interventions for youth affected by conflicts in this region.

Governance, Youth, Santé mentale

The report by Search for Common Ground examines the participation of Sahelian women in digital spaces, focusing on the challenges and opportunities they encounter. It highlights that, despite a growing online presence, women face obstacles such as limited access to technology, restrictive sociocultural norms, and risks of online violence. The report recommends actions to enhance women's digital inclusion, including strengthening technological skills, raising awareness of digital rights, and creating safe online environments.

Gender, Women, Violence, Numérique

This article explores state formation in the Sahel through the prism of Charles Tilly’s “warmongering” model, with a focus on the war on terror and its impacts. Focusing on Burkina Faso, it shows a dual dynamic: on the one hand, war strengthens coercive capacities and revives the national project; on the other hand, it weakens the state through its patrimonialization and hybridization. The Sahelian context partly confirms Tilly’s theories, but also reveals a distinct state, which moves away from the ideal Weberian model. International security policies and the management of self-defense groups contribute to this complexity, exposing the state to internal and external challenges. Finally, if war accelerates state formation, it also exacerbates sociopolitical tensions and administrative informality.

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

The ILO report examines the role of decent work in fostering peace and resilience in the Sahel, aligning with the G5 Sahel's Integrated Priority Action Framework (CAPI). It highlights major challenges, such as inequalities, competition over natural resources, and weak state functions fueling conflicts. The ILO approach offers solutions based on decent job creation, social dialogue, and inclusive local governance. Recommendations include leveraging local resources, supporting essential infrastructure, and implementing programs promoting social cohesion and crisis resilience. This report contributes to sustainable development and peacebuilding efforts.

Natural ressources, Security, Peace, Justice, Education, Mediation, Gold, Social, Dialogue, EMPLOYMENT