Climate change, migrations, and the peopling of sine-Saloum mangroves (Senegal) in the past 6000 years

A significant migration of shell-fishing populations to the Sine-Saloum mangrove Delta, Senegal, occurred around 2000 years ago, coinciding with the end of a prolonged aridification phase and the rise of trans-Saharan trade. This study reconstructs human demography and shell fishing activity over the past 6000 years using radiocarbon dating from archaeological shell middens. Findings indicate two distinct migration waves (200–400 CE and 600–800 CE), likely driven by climate stress and political upheaval, with peak activity around 1700 years ago. The Delta's abandonment in the early 15th century may reflect unsustainable resource use or regional destabilization, followed by a new settlement phase led by the Manding Guelwars, aligning with oral traditions.

Carré, M., Quichaud, L., Camara, A., Azzoug, M., Cheddadi, R., Ochoa, D., Cardich, J., Pérez, A., Salas-Gismondi, R., Thébault, J., & Thomas, Y. (2022). Climate change, migrations, and the peopling of sine-Saloum mangroves (Senegal) in the past 6000 years. Quaternary Science Reviews, 293, 107688. https://doi.org/10.1016/j.quascirev.2022.107688