The dramatic 95-mile long Bandiagara Escarpment in Mali, West Africa, has been inhabited since at least the 3rd century B.C. Its current inhabitants are the Dogon people, who arrived in the area during the 15th century. (...)
The dramatic 95-mile long Bandiagara Escarpment in Mali, West Africa, has been inhabited since at least the 3rd century B.C. Its current inhabitants are the Dogon people, who arrived in the area during the 15th century. The Dogon adopted the building techniques of their predecessors, constructing earth-brick and thatch dwellings high up on the cliff face, for protection and to take advantage of cooler air. With their tight-knit social culture, the Dogon have maintained their traditional way of life.
Recently, however, population growth, scarce agricultural land, and lack of access to water have had a serious impact on the region. Villages are abandoned as people seek an easier way of life down on the plain. Without regular maintenance, the traditional earthen buildings of the Dogon quickly succumb to the elements. In 2004, the Bandiagara Cultural Landscape was placed on the WMF Watch.
