The Sahel faces increasing flooding and climate vulnerability due to changing weather patterns and political instability following military coups. Efforts to adapt are hampered by lack of access to international climate finance and poor governance. Community-based initiatives and regional cooperation present potential pathways for resilience.
The Sahel region has been severely impacted by torrential rains during its rainy season from July to September, leading to extensive flooding that has displaced millions and inundated vast areas of cropland across countries such as Burkina Faso, Chad, Mali, Niger, Nigeria, and Sudan. This natural disaster comes in the wake of military coups that have disrupted governance and climate adaptation initiatives and have isolated these nations from Western support and international climate financing, leaving communities vulnerable to extreme weather impacts.
Organizations like the Sahara and Sahel Observatory (OSS) are attempting to empower local communities by promoting sustainable land and water management through initiatives like Water User Associations and agroecology, which leverage local expertise to build resilience. Although the Sahel has significant potential for renewable energy and sustainable agricultural practices, ongoing political instability, ineffective governance, and a lack of financial resources are hindering progress in addressing these climate-related challenges.
The recent flooding has devastated rural areas, transforming roads into rivers and villages into isolated islands, as families struggle to salvage their belongings. Satellite data indicate that rainfall levels have surged substantially above historical averages, causing severe crop and livestock losses. Housséini Ouedraogo, Mercy Corps’ country director for Mali, notes that contaminated water from floods has led to heightened disease risks while also stranding communities due to damaged transportation routes.
The existing political instability in countries such as Niger, Mali, and Burkina Faso makes climate adaptation efforts exceedingly complex. Recent military rule has led to political isolation from Western nations, complicating access to climate finance and vital international support. Despite the European Union’s aid to address flooding, the overall climate resilience of these nations remains at jeopardy from weak governance and limited funding.
The Sahel is one of the most climate-vulnerable regions, where reliance on agriculture and a semi-arid environment increase exposure to threats such as drought and water scarcity. Ibrahim Mohammed Bello, a climate change expert from Nigeria, indicates military regimes prioritize security over environmental policies, disrupting climate initiatives and impairing effective adaptation efforts.
Countries like Chad and Mauritania have managed to develop relatively coherent climate policies compared to their junta-led peers, focusing on sustainable agriculture and disaster risk reduction. However, these policies tend to emphasize short-term security over long-term sustainability. Sanctions from Western governments have made it difficult for junta-controlled nations to secure necessary resources to combat climate change effectively.
Community-based adaptation strategies leveraging local knowledge and practices are becoming essential in the Sahel. The OSS has been instrumental in assisting these nations in accessing international climate funds through programs like the Green Climate Fund. Empowering communities to lead their adaptation efforts promotes culturally appropriate interventions and strengthens social bonds, as articulated by Reuben Steve Muhanji from OSS.
Water User Associations exemplify successful community-based initiatives, allowing local stakeholders to collaboratively manage water resources in a region that frequently faces scarcity. These associations are crucial for meeting local needs while also addressing environmental sustainability concerns.
Despite significant hurdles like political instability and funding shortages, there is a push for improved governance among the Sahel’s junta-led states to support sustainable resource management. Enhanced regulatory capacity and investment in robust data monitoring systems will help optimize resource allocation in water-scarce areas, guiding better management decisions.
In the absence of international funding, the Sahelian territories are increasingly relying on local adaptation strategies, including agroecology and renewable energy initiatives. The interconnection of the West African Power Pool offers opportunities for cleaner energy access contingent upon necessary political reforms to facilitate energy infrastructure development.
To tackle the interwoven issues of political instability and climate vulnerability effectively, collaborative projects prioritizing community involvement and innovative solutions are essential. As Muhanji emphasizes, “We need to look at this in a holistic manner… Climate change does not just affect you, it affects your neighbors.” Stronger regional cooperation will be vital in addressing the multi-faceted climate challenges confronting the Sahel.
The Sahel region is grappling with severe flooding due to climate change, compounded by political instability resulting from military coups in several countries. International isolation has hindered access to vital climate finance, exacerbating vulnerabilities. Although local adaptation efforts are underway, sustainable solutions require enhanced governance and regional cooperation. Ultimately, a unified approach to address climate resilience is critical for the Sahel’s future.
Original Source: news.mongabay.com
