ABSTRACT
In the Sahelian countries of Africa, the major constraints on food production are related to soils as well as water. Most soils are sandy and deficient in organic matter, as well as in clay content, cation exchange capacity (CEC), moisture-holding capacity and natural fertility. Those that are heavier and better in quality are invariably subject to intensive use and are thus vulnerable to various types of erosion. At present, soil erosion and degradation threaten large areas devoted to crop production not only in Senegal but also in most developing countries of Africa. A recent study by Scherr (1999) identifies soil degradation as probably the major threat to developing-country food security in the near future.
