Since 1985, the University of Hohenheim, Germany, in collaboration with the ICRISAT Sahelian Center, Niger, has pursued the development of improved agricultural systems for smallholder farmers in the fragile agricultural ecosystem of the West African Sahel. Wind erosion is one of the constraints that limits crop production in the region and was therefore a major focus of research. In this book, scientists from different disciplines work together to present a holistic view of this crucial problem and offer possible solutions to farmers in the region. This book is intended for researchers and institutions focusing on sustainable agriculture in the West African Sahel, as well as in other parts of the world where wind erosion affects agricultural production. A deliberate effort has been made to ensure that the book should be comprehensible to a broad readership, including applied researchers, extension specialists, development workers and students working in the field of soil degradation and desertification, as well as national and international policymakers.
Those involved in the planning and execution of natural resource protection programs, especially in West Africa, should also gain insights from this book. The book is written in English; the abstracts and the summary chapter are also given in French.