Key findings on livestock mobility

A study on transhumance in the Sahel in 2014–2017 revealed “10 key findings on livestock mobility in West Africa – a reality check” (2018, 30pp), edited by Brigitte Thébaud et al. The study formed part of the project “Strengthening Resilience through Livestock Mobility” implemented by the NGO Acting For Life together with local partners, funded by UK-Aid and the European Union. Although the study was made in West Africa, findings are likely to be applicable in Eastern Africa, as the principles behind transhumance are the same.

With reference to each of the 10 key findings, the perspectives of transhumant women are included.

The study revealed that mobile herders make a considerable contribution to local economies and are supplying the value chain for livestock at competitive prices. However, in addition to the usual climatic variation between years, mobile herders now experience more frequent extreme weather events. They face difficulties in accessing animal heath services and also face risks related to, e.g. predators and thefts. The study calls for better ways of networking and securing the movement of transhumant livestock within and between countries through a coherent policy approach to facilitate the mobility that is essential for making economic use of the drylands.

10 key findings on livestock mobility in West Africa – a reality check

Posted on 17 December 2018 in Pastoralism, Mobility & Land Tenure, Value of Pastoralism