Study of Grazing Potential in the Savannas of North-West Benin

Abstract

This paper looks at appropriate tools for rapid analysis of use-related damage and a problem-oriented strategy for rehabilitation of the savannas of north west Benin, an important source of land for grazing, which, due to overexploitation is now under threat. Following an outline of the area's pastoral ecology, primary production and fodder stocks, strategies used to defuse the increasing conflict between croppers and herders are suggested, which would ensure both groups have a secure water supply throughout the year and that the traditional practice of transhumance can be continued through the creation of grazing corridors to allow the traditional migratory movements of the transhumant herds over large areas. Due to the lack of developed infrastructure and the frequent lack of land-use planning, permanent supervision and extensive monitoring of changes in land utilization are recommended. In this way, desertification can be prevented. Using satellite data, effective early warning systems can be established and the next step in evaluation, forecasting, can be undertaken. By drawing on these analyses and relating them to socioeconomic data, model scenarios can be established for ecologically sustainable grazing management in the north western region based on the differing variables of population growth, increases in livestock production and ratios of arable land to pastureland. (CAB Abstract)