15 Climate Change and the Evolving Fulani Pastoralists Cattle Production System in Nigeria: A Need to Retool Extension and Innovation Services

Abstract

Abstract The Fulani pastoralists of Nigeria, as in other parts of West Africa, are traditionally semi- sedentary or nomadic herders, and are often described as the largest nomadic group in the world. The combined effects of climate change and instability due to terrorist activities have led to massive displacement of many Nigerian Fulani households to Southwestern Nigeria in search of refuge, pasture and water for their cattle. The objective of this project was to examine the current Fulani cattle production system. In addition to obtaining data via focus groups and direct observation, a survey was administered to members of 600 Fulani pastoralist households to determine cattle production techniques and herding strategies adopted. The observation period occurred over a 24 month period in three Southwestern Nigeria states (Ogun, Kwara and Oyo). Herding activities were mapped by using hand-held Global Positioning System (GPS) to obtain the coordinates of grazing routes and settlements. The results showed that the Fulani operate a system of male social contract and kinship networks in labor utilization and movement of herds. Among semi-sedentary and sedentary groups, the grazing orbit was usually within 5km to 10km radius of the settlement, depending on the season. Of the households observed, very few had access to tap or treated water (0.9% in Oyo, 1.4% in Ogun and 0.2% in Kwara). In Ogun, rivers and streams provided water for the largest number of households, while in Kwara, hand-dug wells were the largest providers. In Oyo, streams and rivers provided water for a large percentage of the Fulani households. In addition to a lack of basic water infrastructure, the results further revealed low productivity of cattle due to poor management and the utilization of cattle breeds with low genetic potential. It is recommended that micro-ranches, enhanced by extension services that provide training on cattle management, be implemented for this population.