Reinforcing pastoralism in the Sahel and West Africa: a decade of progress and the path forward: World Bank Blog By Chakib Jenane, Boutheina Guermazi and Olivier Buyoya
Nouakchott, Mauritania (PANA) - Pastoralism has long been a hallmark of the cultural, social, and economic landscapes of the Sahel and West Africa, sustaining the livelihoods of over 20 million people.
This age-old practice contributes nearly 15% to the GDP of Sahelian countries, serving not only as an economic mainstay but also fostering peace and resilience within communities.
However, the sustainability of pastoralism is increasingly threatened by various external pressures, making robust global support essential to help the region adapt to the changing conditions.
A pivotal moment for pastoral communities occurred in 2013 with the adoption of the Nouakchott Declaration. Acknowledging the pressing challenges confronting pastoralism, Sahelian governments, in collaboration with their development partners, committed to strategic interventions to secure the livelihoods and means of production of pastoral populations with a view to increasing the gross income from livestock activities, and to significantly increase the incomes of pastoralists.
Substantial results achieved
The Regional Sahel Pastoralism Support Project (PRAPS)—designed to support the Nouakchott Declaration 2013 and backed by the World Bank Group and other partners—has achieved significant milestones.
Key accomplishments as of November 2024 include the expansion of veterinary services, resulting in the training of 137 veterinarians and the establishment of 415 vaccination parks along pastoral corridors, which have collectively facilitated the vaccination of over 600 million animals, thereby reducing disease-related mortality and enhancing herd productivity.
In an effort to address ecological threats to pastoral lands, PRAPS enabled sustainable management practices in over 13 million hectares, while 4,200 kilometers of transhumance corridors have been demarcated to secure mobility and improve access to resources.
This initiative, alongside the establishment of conflict resolution committees, has fostered equitable resource distribution and mitigated land degradation, thus contributing to the long-term sustainability of grazing areas. To further reinforce pastoralism, PRAPS has established 559 additional water points, markedly improving access to water for both herds and local communities.
Moreover, PRAPS has strengthened the economic impact of pastoralism through improved market connectivity. The development of over 362 new livestock markets, combined with upgraded facilities, enhanced transport infrastructure, and better access to credit, has empowered nearly 56,000 individuals, 86% of whom are women, enabling them to diversify income sources and build economic resilience.
These advancements have contributed to preserve the livelihoods of pastoral communities and bolster food security across the Sahel.
New Challenges on the Horizon
Despite these promising developments, the geopolitical and environmental landscapes in the Sahel significantly shifted over the past decade, bringing new challenges while the demand for animal sourced foods is soaring.
Climate change exacerbates vulnerabilities through rising temperatures, desertification, and erratic rainfall, which adversely affect animal health and reduce the availability of grazing lands and water. Rapid population growth and changing land-use patterns have intensified competition for scarce resources, leading to conflicts between pastoralists and other land users.
Additionally, restrictions on animal movement—central to pastoralism—are becoming more frequent due to security concerns, government-imposed limitations on transhumance, and the rise of illicit cross-border activities.
The first half of 2024 alone has seen a reported 25% increase in violence and conflict, underscoring the urgency of addressing these challenges. Without robust governance frameworks and institutions, pastoralists risk remaining marginalized, further deepening the socio-economic and ecological pressures they face.
A Call for Renewed Commitment
The Nouakchott+10 High-Level Forum convened in November 2024, a decade after the 2013 Nouakchott Declaration, served as a platform to reassess progress and reaffirm commitments to pastoral communities, but also adapting strategies to the changing realities of pastoral systems.
Recognising the necessity for a renewed approach, the Forum emphasized the continued need for innovative management of natural resources, including securing grazing areas, safeguarding transhumance routes, and improving water access through community-driven systems that promote equitable use and long-term sustainability.
The Forum also stressed the necessity of a strong cooperation and coordination between states, including coastal and certain Central African countries, to secure mobility and leverage the complementarity of agro and pastoral systems towards peaceful management of territories.
To enhance climate resilience, the Forum advocated for sustainable livestock systems that incorporate agroecological, carbon-capture, and low-greenhouse gas emission practices. Addressing resource-related conflicts also requires strengthened governance frameworks, incorporating local authorities and traditional leaders for more inclusive management of disputes and resource access.
Lastly, to diversify economic opportunities and promote inclusion, the forum underscored the importance of strengthening value chains, such as meat, milk, and hides. Investments in vocational training, microfinance, and entrepreneurship will empower women and youth, ensuring their active participation in decision-making and economic activities.
Time for Action
There is a dual need to securing pastoral systems for their unique environment, social and economic role to the Sahel’s stability, while steering the necessary transition of the livestock sector within West Africa to meet the challenges ahead.
Realising these ambitious goals will demand substantial financial and technical support from development partners, governments, and the private sector. Tailored investments that meet the specific needs of pastoral communities are crucial for ensuring the effectiveness and sustainability of interventions.
Collaboration among stakeholders will continue to be pivotal for implementing the renewed action plan, ultimately securing the future of pastoral systems.
Today, pastoralism stands as a cornerstone of resilience and stability in the Sahel and West Africa. The progress made over the past decade provides a solid foundation for confronting emerging challenges while creating new opportunities for the communities that rely on this vital practice.
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