The Sahel is home to a diverse population of people, including ethnic groups such as the Fulani, Tuareg, and Songhai. The people of the Sahel rely heavily on agriculture and pastoralism as their main livelihoods. However, the region has been facing severe environmental challenges for decades. Climate change, desertification and land degradation are the most significant environmental challenges that are affecting the Sahel and it's population. Furthermore, population growth, poverty, and weak governance have exacerbated the situation and contributed to the deterioration of the natural resources in the region.

International organizations, governments and communities are working to find solutions to the crisis in the Sahel region, through supporting sustainable agricultural practices, reforestation, improving access to water, strengthening governance and supporting resilience of communities.