Building Resilient Food Systems in the Sahel: Lessons and Innovations

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The Sahel is a region of both struggle and strength. Stretching across Africa just below the Sahara Desert, it is home to millions of farmers and herders who rely on the land for survival. Yet, every year, the same land is tested by drought, poor rainfall, conflict, and economic hardship.

Building a strong and resilient food system in the Sahel is no longer a dream; it is a necessity. The region’s future depends on how well it can adapt to climate change, restore degraded land, and support farmers to grow enough food in a fast-changing world.

This article explores what is working, what still needs to change, and how the Sahel can build food systems that feed both its people and its future.

Why Food Systems in the Sahel Matter

The Sahel stretches across Africa just south of the Sahara Desert, covering parts of countries such as Senegal, Mali, Burkina Faso, Niger, and Chad. It is home to over 150 million people, many of whom depend on farming, herding, and fishing to survive. Climate change, land degradation, and insecurity have made food production more difficult.

The region’s food systems matter not just for local communities but also for global stability. A resilient Sahel can help ensure regional peace, reduce forced migration, and strengthen Africa’s food supply chain. According to the World Bank, it’s estimated that in five countries in the Sahel known as the G5 Sahel (Burkina Faso, Chad, Mali, Mauritania, and Niger), 10.2 million people were food insecure from June to August 2023. Out of these, more than 900,000 people were in emergency situations, and in Burkina Faso and Mali, more than 45,000 people faced famine. This shows how critical it is to build stronger systems that can withstand shocks and support growth.

Understanding the Challenges

1. Climate Pressure

According to Climate Diplomacy, the Sahel is warming 1.5 times faster than the global average. Erratic rainfall, drought, and heatwaves reduce crop yields and water availability. Traditional farming systems, which depend heavily on rain-fed agriculture, are increasingly vulnerable.

2. Land Degradation and Soil Health

Decades of overgrazing, poor farming practices, and deforestation have degraded large areas of farmland. More than 80 percent of the Sahelian populations make their living from subsistence rain-fed Agriculture. This affects productivity and makes it harder for farmers to earn a stable income.

3. Insecurity and Migration

Many rural areas face security challenges due to conflicts, banditry, and insurgencies. This makes it difficult for farmers to access land, markets, and financial services. As a result, young people often migrate to cities or neighbouring countries, leaving behind ageing farming populations.

Lessons from Past Interventions

1. Community-Based Approaches Work

Successful projects in the Sahel show that involving local communities in planning and decision-making leads to stronger results. Programmes like the Great Green Wall Initiative have shown that when farmers and herders lead the process, land restoration is more effective and sustainable.

2. Blending Traditional Knowledge with Modern Science

Indigenous farming methods such as zai pits and farmer-managed natural regeneration have helped restore millions of hectares of land. When combined with modern tools such as climate data and improved seed varieties, productivity increases significantly.

3. Partnerships Drive Impact

Strong partnerships between governments, NGOs, private investors, and local communities have delivered better results than isolated interventions. For example, the World Bank’s Sahel Irrigation Initiative is helping countries coordinate investments and share best practices across borders.

Innovations Transforming Food Systems

1. Climate-Smart Agriculture

Farmers are adopting climate-smart practices such as drip irrigation, drought-resistant seeds, and water harvesting. These practices reduce the impact of drought and improve productivity. For example, solar-powered irrigation systems have allowed farmers to grow crops even during dry seasons.

2. Digital Platforms for Farmers

Agri-digital tools are helping farmers access weather forecasts, market prices, and financial services. Mobile-based platforms are reducing information gaps and connecting smallholder farmers to buyers and suppliers. This increases incomes and market participation.
 

3. Innovative Financing Models

Access to finance remains a major barrier. However, new models such as blended finance, micro-insurance, and agritech investment platforms are making capital more available to rural farmers. Partnerships with fintech startups are also helping farmers insure their crops and access credit.

The Money Side of the Story

Investments in agriculture and food systems in the Sahel have grown steadily in the past decade. However, most of this funding goes to large-scale projects, while smallholder farmers still struggle to access financing.

Private sector interest is increasing. International investors are recognising the region’s potential for sustainable agriculture, especially in solar-powered irrigation, agro-processing, and climate technology. 

There is a clear opportunity to direct more resources toward small and medium-scale innovations that can create jobs and improve resilience.

Building a Resilient Future

1. Policy and Governance

Good governance and clear agricultural policies are crucial for resilience. Governments must create an enabling environment for investment, innovation, and sustainable farming practices. This includes supporting land tenure systems, market access, and extension services.

2. Scaling Up Local Solutions

Some of the best solutions in the Sahel are homegrown. Programmes such as farmer-managed natural regeneration started as community initiatives and are now being scaled nationally. Scaling these solutions requires investment, training, and strong local institutions.

3. Strengthening Regional Cooperation

The challenges of the Sahel go beyond national borders. Shared water resources, migration, and trade require coordinated responses. Regional organisations and trade platforms can support knowledge sharing, cross-border infrastructure, and joint investments.

Conclusion

The Sahel’s food system challenges are complex, but not impossible to overcome. The region has shown time and again that with the right mix of local innovation, investment, and partnerships, communities can adapt and thrive. Building resilient food systems here is not only vital for regional stability but also a key part of the global fight against hunger and climate change.

The future of food security in the Sahel depends on the choices made today. Investing in people, climate-smart innovations, and sustainable systems will ensure that this region moves from vulnerability to strength.