In 2015, Senegal will have 16 million inhabitants, a doubling of the population in only 25 years. At the same time, the urban population will reach 9 million inhabitants (56% of the population). The percentage of youth (20 years) will be above 58% of the population. Yet, the desert does not stop growing. Population pressure in the countryside and sprawling development of cities are destroying Senegal's rural areas. In Senegal, due to permanent dryness and demographic growth, ecosystems have deteriorated greatly. For example, in 10 years, forests have been reduced from 12.7 billion hectares to 11.9 billion hectares. The rate of population growth can have a definite impact on cultivable land, which will continue to recede until it will no longer support sustainable agriculture. Deforestation affects food production and compromises the land's ability to retain water. The level of precipitation diminishes with deforestation, which exacerbates soil degradation. An infernal cycle secures the impoverishment of a productive ecosystem. Rural populations are thus forced to move to urban areas. The hope of a better life in cities is an illusion for the ecological refugees. 22% of Senegal's population lives in Dakar, which occupies 0.3% of the national territory. This population pressure translates into congestion of transport systems, housing, education, health, sanitation, and employment. Environmental pollution has an negative effect on the quality of life. Senegal is the first Sub-Saharan African country to sign on to the Population Policy Declaration. It chose Population and Environment for the theme of the 1993 World Population Day. More is needed than just signing declarations.

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residential mobility Africa south of the Sahara population demography developing country Population Dynamics environmental protection Developing Countries Africa, Western Carrying Capacity deforestation Population Pressure Senegal Western Africa Africa Article rural-urban migration Africa, Northern migration French Speaking Africa Demographic Factors Critique Emigration and Immigration Evaluation Studies Conservation of Natural Resources Natural Resources Environmental Degradation English Abstract