Rebuilding Resilience in the Sahel: Regreening in the Maradi and Zinder Regions of Niger

background

Throughout the late twentieth century, the societies and ecosystems of the Nigerian Sahel region has experienced  increased vulnerability to economic and climatic uncertainty, yet forests have been able to rebound. This study seeks to describe the factors that contributed to the successful reforestation of the Sahel, especially the Maradi and Zinder regions.

Goals & Methods

The authors use systems analysis to examine the patterns of interaction as biophysical, livelihood, and governance indicators changed relative to one another during forest decline and rebound. 

Conclusions & Takeaways

The authors note that no single factor was responsible for this regreening; instead,  a mixture of factors allowed for reversals of positive feedback loops. The authors warn that although these regions are now more resilient to stress, their future remains uncertain due in part to the threat of climate change and rapid population growth.