Sahel-Type
Sahel-type sheep are not one narrow closed breed, but a broad group of tall, long-legged sheep kept across the dry belt south of the Sahara. They are common in West African and Sahelian pastoral systems, with regional names and local strains varying by country and community. Compared with West African Dwarf sheep, Sahel-type animals are generally taller and better suited to open, arid movement.
Their practical value comes from heat tolerance, walking ability, and usefulness for meat in low-rainfall grazing systems. Flocks may be managed by pastoralists, agropastoral farmers, or market-oriented breeders, so appearance and performance can differ widely. Selection should focus on fertility under local feed, lamb survival, parasite and disease pressure, feet, and the ability to travel between grazing and water. Anyone using the label should preserve the regional name when known, because Sahel-type is a useful umbrella but not a substitute for local flock identity.
