Sahel: Climate Change and Resource Competition

The Sahel, a semiarid region in Africa south of the Sahara Desert, has long been a focal point and an environmental issue. The area, which includes Senegal, Mali, Niger, Chad and Sudan, is a symbol of the interplay of climate, resources and security. In recent years, the Sahel region has faced several challenges, including climate change, resource scarcity and increased energy development. These challenges, combined with local, regional and international conflicts, highlight the need to understand the region better.

The Climate Imperative: Vulnerability and Adaptation

The region is mainly characterised by climate change, erratic rainfall and frequent floods that threaten the livelihoods of millions of people. Between 1970 and 2020, average rainfall in the Sahel region decreased by 20-30%, leading to the most severe droughts in the 1970s and 1980s. The average temperature in the area has increased 1.5 times faster than the global average, leading to more severe desertification and soil degradation. According to the United Nations, up to 80 per cent of agricultural land in the Sahel is degraded, agricultural production has declined, and the food security of millions of people is at risk. It is the backbone of the global economy. Staple crops such as millet and sorghum are vulnerable to water stress and loss of soil fertility. As a result, an estimated 33 million people in the Sahel are affected by malnutrition each year, according to the World Food Programme (WFP). Livestock is also essential to the Sahel’s livelihoods but is threatened by crop and water losses. Competition for these scarce resources often leads to clashes between farmers and herders, creating regional instability. Migration also increases security as people migrate for farmland and better lives. This drive has created new tensions in the city and neighbouring countries, further disrupting already fragile systems and governance. The initiative is a significant program to rehabilitate degraded areas and protect deserts. As of 2021, some 18 million hectares of land have been restored, more than 300 million tons of carbon dioxide have been stored, and more than 12 million people have benefited. However, progress has been uneven, hampered by financing constraints (only 4% of the initial $33 billion pledge has been implemented), governance problems, and local resistance.

Exploiting renewable energy in the Sahel

Despite its drawbacks, the Sahel region holds great potential for renewable energy, particularly solar energy. The region has one of the world's highest concentrations of solar energy, with an average of more than 5.5 kilowatt-hours of solar energy per square meter per day. This makes the Sahel an ideal candidate for solar energy projects. Harnessing these resources could transform the region’s energy landscape, providing electricity to millions of people and supporting economic development. The Sahel Alliance, a partnership of Sahelian countries and international organisations, continues to be a pillar of growth in the region. Projects such as the African Development Bank’s Desert to Power initiative are using solar energy to power 250 million people in the region by 2030. If fully implemented, this measure could generate up to 10 GW of solar energy, alleviating energy poverty in a region where only 26% of the population can access electricity. Inadequate infrastructure, lack of expertise, and political instability make it challenging to implement renewable energy projects. For example, expanding grids in rural areas can cost between $2,000 and $10,000 per mile, significantly damaging government cash flow. In addition, despite the long-term benefits of solar technology, the high initial investment costs required are a deterrent to many governments and private investors.

Race for resources: A catalyst for conflict

The Sahel’s natural resources, including minerals, oil and gas, have become a double-edged sword. While these resources have the potential to stimulate economic growth, they also increase competition and conflict. For example, Niger has one of the world’s largest reserves of uranium, accounting for around 7% of global production in 2020. Resource extraction in the Sahel is often accompanied by environmental destruction and social change, creating tensions between local communities and the mining industry. For example, open-pit uranium mining in Niger has led to groundwater contamination and health problems in surrounding communities. In some cases, revenue from resource development is distributed unequally, creating inequality and increasing stress. Militant groups and criminal organisations also seek to exploit lucrative resources to fund their activities and fuel violence. The Sahel has become a geopolitical battleground where world powers compete for influence. China, for example, has invested heavily in infrastructure and mining in the region, while Western countries maintain a presence through aid and military operations. These conflicting interests often make establishing a coherent and stable financial management system difficult.

Intersecting Challenges: Climate, Energy and Resources

The challenges posed by climate change, energy development, and resource competition are interconnected. Climate change is causing resource scarcity and more significant stress on land and water. These tensions, in turn, hinder energy development as conflicts cause harm and discourage investment. On the other hand, developing renewable energy projects can alleviate some challenges by providing alternative livelihoods and reducing dependence on scarce resources. Similarly, community energy projects can foster cooperation and integration, balancing the division of labour rather than competition for resources. Integrating these processes requires collaboration at many levels, from local communities to international organisations.

The Role of Policy and Governance
Regional organisations such as the G5 Sahel (Burkina Faso, Chad, Mali, Mauritania and Niger) play an essential role in ensuring security and development. However, these measures often face budget constraints and require international support. These include investing in climate-resilient agriculture, strengthening land tenure, and encouraging stakeholder dialogue. Transparency and accountability in resource management are also essential to prevent corruption and ensure funds benefit local communities. While foreign aid and investment are necessary, they must be aligned with regional priorities and follow a path that strengthens rather than weakens local institutions. Capacity-building assistance will help enhance knowledge and governance mechanisms to help Sahel countries better manage their resources and adapt to climate challenges.

Opportunities for Sustainable Development

The Hellenic region also has significant opportunities for sustainable development. By harnessing the potential of renewable energy, the area can move beyond traditional energy production and create a sustainable and inclusive economy. Investing in green building and technology can create jobs, improve livelihoods and increase resilience to climate change. Initiatives to promote cross-border cooperation, such as energy cooperation and trade agreements, can help reduce the impact of competition for resources. Strengthening regional institutions and promoting integration can also help ensure long-term stability.

Conclusion
The Sahel stands at a crossroads, facing a complex web of challenges that demand urgent and coordinated action. Climate change, energy development, and resource competition are not separate issues; they impact a larger struggle for energy and sustainability. Solving these challenges requires an integrated approach integrating climate change, sustainable energy production, and governance. By harnessing renewable energy sources, promoting regional cooperation and prioritising sustainable development, the region can show the way to a prosperous and sustainable future. However, realising this vision requires the resolute determination of local, regional, and international actors, as well as the cooperation of the Sahel people.

1. Sofia Eve Mathew, Department of International Relations, Peace and Public Policy (IRP and PP), St Joseph’s University, Bengaluru-560027, India, Email: [email protected].

2. Dr. Karamala Areesh Kumar, Head, Department of International Relations, Peace and Public Policy (IRP and PP), St Joseph’s University, Bengaluru-India: 560027, Email: [email protected], [email protected], ORCID: https://orcid.org/my-orcid?orcid=0000-0002-3908-071X, Scopus ID: 57653964500.