By Ricki Watkins, Communications Intern
Mapping Transhumance Corridors in West Africa

Project enumerators meet with local community members in Ouro Suigi to verify the accuracy of the corridor maps. Photo courtesy of John McPeak.

Research Impacts:

•  Livestock herding routes pass through agriculture zones, creating livestock herder-farmer conflicts in West Africa.
• Researchers work to map out livestock corridors and collect data for 32 communities.
• Policy makers can use research findings to create land-use management plans, thus mitigating conflict.
• Researchers partner with the Senegalese Institute for Agriculture Research to collect survey data and feed samples.
• USAID-funded project, Yaajeende, plans to use the corridor maps in its land management work in Senegal.
• Three master’s students work with the project team, gaining vital research experience.

Based upon the seasons, livestock herders in the West African countries of Mali and Senegal move their herds along specific paths called transhumance corridors in search of food for their livestock. However, these corridors pass through agricultural cultivation zones, creating problems between farmers and livestock herders.  Continue reading →