The soils in the Sahel are often composed of a lateritic layer covered with sand. In case of erosion, the solid laterite appears on the surface.

The principal methods used to regenerate degraded lands are: the stone bunds (photo to the left), ridge (photo below), half moon the zaï (a basin to keep the water, photo below) and area enclosures. Area enclosures are mostly used to regenerate grazing lands while the establishment of the half moon is an approach that can be combined with tree plantation. The zaï and the stone bunds may be used to regenerate degraded lands. The use of the zaï in the Niger is a profitable approach to increase yields. Mulching can also be used to regenerate degraded land.

The Acacia senegal, Ziziphus mauritania, and Acacia tumida are well adapted trees to lateritic soils.

                     Ridge                                                 Zaï

For more information:

Study on the regeneration of degraded lands (Chris Reij):
http://epiq2admin.web.aplus.net/pubs/niger_etude_sahel.pdf

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