Maps, figures, and tables present data on rainfall trends and distribution in this Sahelian setting, demonstrating the high level of variability within and between years. The pattern of soils, vegetation and water are described and how these provide the basis for the economy of village and household. Land use, crop choice, and livestock ownership are discussed alongside ownership of other productive assets, such as wells, plough-teams, and donkey-carts. Overall production of the main crop, millet, is described and its allocation to a range of purposes, with a picture of how many days of grain are available from the harvest for different households. Household income and expenditure are shown, the principal sources of income, and cash expenditure by category of purpose, such as purchase of livestock, marriage costs and payment of taxes. It is shown that size of income is partly a function of household size, but also the result of special circumstances, such as whether a marriage is in preparation, or a new ox needs to be bought.