This book explores the links between environment and social systems in the Sahel, integrating ecological, demographic, economic, technical, social and cultural factors. Examining the conditions for land occupation and natural resource use, it offers a conceptual and practical approach to social organization and environmental management.

Claude Raynaut is a Researcher at the National Centre for Scientific Research (CNRS), Bordeaux, France; Philippe Lavigne Delville is a Researcher at the Research and Study Group on Techniques (GRET), France; Jean Koechlin is a Professor of Biogeography, Michel Montaigne University, Bordeaux, France; Pierre Janin is a Researcher at the French Institute for Development in Cooperation (ORSTOM), France; Emmanuel Grégoire is a Researcher at the National Centre for Scientific Research (CNRS), Bordeaux, France.

1 THE BIRTH OF THE LAND QUESTION 11 THE TRANSFORMATION OF SOCIAL RELATIONS AND THE MANAGEMENT OF NATURAL RESOURCES 2 THE EMANCIPATION OF THE WORKFORCE 12 CONCLUSION: RELATIONS BETWEEN SOCIETY AND NATURE-THEIR DYNAMICS, DIVERSITY AND COMPLEXITY