Environmental change in the Sudan-Sahel
region of West Africa (SSWA) has been much debated
since the droughts of the 1970s. In this article we assess
climate variability and environmental stress in the region.
Households in Senegal, Mali, Burkina Faso, Niger, and
Nigeria were asked about climatic changes and their perceptions
were compared across north–south and west–east
rainfall gradients. More than 80% of all households found
that rainfall had decreased, especially in the wettest areas.
Increases in wind speeds and temperature were perceived
by an overall 60–80% of households. Contrary to household
perceptions, observed rainfall patterns showed an
increasing trend over the past 20 years. However, August
rainfall declined, and could therefore potentially explain
the contrasting negative household perceptions of rainfall
trends. Most households reported degradation of soils,
water resources, vegetation, and fauna, but more so in the
500–900 mm zones. Adaptation measures to counter
environmental degradation included use of manure, reforestation,
soil and water conservation, and protection of
fauna and vegetation. The results raise concerns for future
environmental management in the region, especially in the
500–900 mm zones and the western part of SSWA.