In recent past, concerns about trans-border migration and security in West Africa and Africa has come to the forefront of international policy debates. More significantly, this movement has been motivated by the quest for greener pasture for livestock among livestock producing families. This associated disagreements tends to breed conflict and huge security implications. As if there are no clear-cut policies and regulations to check these menace, fragile farming communities appears to be over-taken by these seemingly powerful trans-border livestock producers. What are the existing Regulatory/Policy Framework for nomadic livestock in West Africa concerning trans-border movement of livestock?
andrewEnlightened
What are the existing Regulatory/Policy Framework for nomadic livestock in West Africa on trans-border movement of livestock for greener pasture?
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aron
FAO recommended polices necessary for support of farmers and pastoralists including access to pasture lands, water resources, services and suitable infrastructure. Livestock owners and pastoralists must participate in developing policies and regulations that can help them maintain their threatened species. However, rarely are small farmers and pastoralists represented in decision-making at the national and international levels. In this regard livestock insurance scheme and early warning systems must be considered.
John Wick
Policy framework often will support a sedentary population while pastoralist communities are marginalised because of attended conflict. However, to support pastoralism the following may be highlighted. 1. Protecting pastoralism right, 2. strengthening the pastoral economy, 3. empowering pastoralist and 4. investing in essential service for the pastoralist.
Andrew Pel
the truth is that pastoralists identity is tied to the cattle they rear and move with. for instance, if I want to cross to Ghana without immigration papers, the easiest way is to carry about 50 or more cows, and cross from Benin to Togo, and then to Ghana without being harassed. When I get to Ghana, I will not look different from other pastoralists living there, since the identity is tied to cattle. The next thing is to look for a small farming community and begin to torment and dominate their land. This is the case of many communities in West Africa, and particularly in the Middle-belt region of Nigeria where 95 per cent of the population are farmers. In Nigeria, the pastoralist Bill is set to give right of settlement to pastoralists in any part of the country in the name of grazing reserve. Yet nothing has been said about the right of farmers to protect their farms. I honestly agree 100% with Elniema that small groups (whether farmers or pastoralists) are rarely considered in decision making at the national and international levels. When trouble breaks, no one genuinely cares, rather such troubles become sources of income for various committees of inquiry.