s (view from an
ultralight aeroplane) Much of the region consists of
mangrove swamps. The upper reaches of the rivers adjoin the
Sahel region and are affected by its
desertification. The salinity of the water increased during the 1970s instance of the
Sahel drought and mismanagement of the rivers upstream has been described as a factor. Mangroves are disappearing, and
freshwater fish are disappearing with them. The villagers have difficulty obtaining
freshwater. Sometimes water pumps are donated by international organizations, but spare parts are difficult to find when the pumps fail. The change in water salinity is affecting the ecosystem as much as it is changing the lifestyle of the inhabitants of the region. ==Navigation==