The cement industry, a key player in globalization and urbanization, has replaced traditional shelters with modern buildings, raising environmental concerns. This study examines the use of cement in construction in Togo, its impact on residents’ thermal comfort, and adaptation strategies for sustainable construction and well-being. The research was conducted in Lomé, Atakpamé, and Kara through documentary research, photography, household surveys, interviews, and temperature recordings, involving 646 households and nine interviews. Findings reveal a high use of cement due to availability, ease of use, strength, affordability, and aesthetics. Cement houses are generally less comfortable than earthen houses, particularly in hot climates. Lomé and Kara experience higher discomfort, while Atakpamé has lower discomfort despite cement dominance. Thermal comfort varies more during the day. Residents adopt strategies like sleeping outside, wearing light clothing, installing awnings and false ceilings, planting trees, staying hydrated, taking cool showers, and ventilating rooms.

The dynamics of the urbanisation of Sarh town in Chad, although less rapid than that of the capital city, has led to a significant loss of vegetation and unsustainable land use. This research aims to analyse the dynamics of land use, focusing on the expansion of built-up areas and the loss of vegetation. The methodology used includes the analysis of Landsat images from 1994, 2003, 2013, and 2022, supplemented by field data, statistical analysis, interviews, and documentary analysis. The results show that the built-up area, estimated at 806 hectares in 1994, reached 2603 hectares in 2022, representing an annual increase of 4.1%. Moreover, the area of vegetation decreased from 759 hectares to 231 hectares, a reduction of 69%. In addition, there is a strong negative correlation (r = −0.93) between the expansion of built-up areas and the loss of vegetation. On average, the annual growth of built-up areas (4.1%) exceeds that of the population (3.33%). Field surveys reveal that this situation is due to a preference for more spacious housing, inadequate land management, and the limited resources for vegetation rehabilitation. This research highlights the critical need for effective urban planning and management strategies to address the challenges posed by rapid urbanisation in secondary towns like Sarh.

The expansion of secondary towns in Africa, although less rapid than that of capital cities, poses significant challenges for environmental sustainability. Sarh town (Chad) is an example of this urbanisation phenomenon, which has led to a significant loss of vegetation. This research aims to analyse the dynamics of land use, focusing on the expansion of built-up areas and the loss of vegetation. The methodology used includes the analysis of Landsat images from 1994, 2003, 2013 and 2022, supplemented by field data, statistical analysis, interviews and documentary analysis. The results show that the built-up area, estimated at 806 hectares in 1994, reached 2,603 hectares in 2022, representing an annual increase of 4.1%. Moreover, the area of vegetation decreased from 759 hectares to 231 hectares, a reduction of 69%. In addition, there is a strong negative correlation (r = ̵ 0.93) between the expansion of built-up areas and the loss of vegetation. On average, the annual growth of built-up areas (4.1%) exceeds that of the population (3.33%). Field surveys reveal that this situation is due to a preference for more spacious housing, inadequate land management and limited resources for vegetation rehabilitation. These results highlight the need to adopt effective planning tools to ensure sustainable land use.

Housing, access to which is recognised as a universal right for all, embodies the values, traditions and social dynamics specific to different communities. It is a place of residence whose choice is often influenced by social, economic, religious, demographic, cultural and environmental factors. The housing in Bol, a Sahelian town in the Lac province of Chad, is a good example of this. This study looks at the spatial organisation of housing and the factors influencing residential choice in Bol, a Sahelian town in Chad's Lake Province. The study explains how traditional and modern influences intersect in the built environment, affecting architectural identity and social cohesion. The research methodology includes documentary analysis, field observations, photography, architectural surveys, interviews with urban stakeholders, focus group discussions and household surveys. The results reveal that there are three types of housing in the town of Bol, namely traditional housing, semi-modern housing and modern housing. In addition, three modes of spatial organisation were identified, including organisation around the central courtyard, separation of men and women, and random layout. Housing choice and spatial organisation were influenced by culture, age (p < 5%), gender (p < 0.001), religion (p < 0.001), occupation (p < 0.001) and income (p<5%). The field surveys reveal a transition to modernity that would result in a loss of the architectural identity of the town of Bol. These results provide urban players, political decision-makers and the public with essential information for improving housing and preserving the architectural identity of Bol.