Desertification is becoming a serious issue in Senegal, especially in the north of the country where the Sahara desert is slowly encroaching on former arable lands. Part of the cause of this is poor farming methods, coupled with climate change, but also the four fold increase in the country's population since independence in 1960. This rapid population expanse has led to a rise in the demand for wood and charcoal and more of the previously forested land in now required to cultivate crops to feed the population. As a result whilst there were more than 250 trees per hectare prior to 1960, today there are less than twenty.

Whilst the Senegal government is aware of the issue and has developed programs to combat the increasing desertification, in some areas the battle is probably lost. The fact that there is little irrigation, with only 17% of the rural population having access to running water is compounding the issue of desertification further.

This video documentary explores how Senegal school children are being taught about recycling and the steps they can take to ensure they have a future in the northern parts of the country.

SENEGAL DESERTIFICATION

Senegal Water

A brief video and article about the water supply in Senegal.
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