What is the relationship between the Sahara and the Sahel?

The Sahara and the Sahel are two distinct regions located in Africa. The Sahara is the world's largest hot desert, covering about 3.6 million square miles in North Africa, while the Sahel is a transitional zone located just south of the Sahara, spanning about 3,360,000 square miles across West and Central Africa.

The relationship between the Sahara and the Sahel is complex and interdependent. The Sahel serves as a buffer zone between the Sahara and the savanna to the south. It is a semi-arid region that experiences a long dry season and a short rainy season. The Sahara has a significant influence on the climate of the Sahel, as it blocks moisture from the Atlantic Ocean and the Mediterranean Sea, leading to desertification and droughts in the region.

The Sahel is particularly vulnerable to the impacts of climate change and desertification, as it is home to many pastoral and nomadic communities who rely on the land for their livelihoods. International efforts have been made to address these issues and promote sustainable land use practices in the region.