Transhumant Herders Research Articles

THE DECLINE AND REVITALISATION OF TRANSHUMANCE IN THE VALLES OCCIDENTALES OF SPAIN’S ARAGONESE PYRENEES

This case study of the decline and revitalisation of transhumance in the Valles Occidentales challenges the dominant narrative that transhumance is a practice of the past without present-day relevance and viability. Drawing from interviews and participant observation with current and former transhumant herders in 2010 and 2018, this case illustrates that transhumance remains an important adaptation to take advantage of varying forage availability over space and time, using a production system that is more profitable than semi-extensive management with winter stable feeding. Social concerns, rising winter-forage costs and declining labour availability led most herders in the Valles to abandon transhumance in the 1980s. In the 2010s, increasing profitability, changing technology and increasing cooperation facilitated revitalisation, while shifting social norms and gender roles both facilitated and challenged continuity of transhumance. This case study suggests a number of interventions that could support revitalisation and continued viability of transhumance in other regions of Spain. This article was published open access under a CC BY-NC 4.0 licence: https://creativecommons.org/licenses/by-nc/4.0/ .

Typologie des systemes de productions du bovin de race djelli (Bos taurus indicus) dans les communes de Gotheye, Sinder et Say au Niger

The development of Djelli cattle breeding in Niger remains a challenge due to prejudices about its productivity. The particularities of its production systems have not been sufficiently developed. The aim of this study is to develop a typology of local Djelli cattle production systems in six localities in the communes of Gothèye, Sinder and Say in Niger. A survey was carried out among 150 breeders. Discriminant factor analysis (DFA) and hierarchical ascending classification (HAC) were used to identify three types of production system: The first type is made up of transhumant herders whose main activity is livestock rearing and who belong to the Peulh ethnic group. This type is characterized by large herds (27 head). They have 3 breeding cows and 4 suckling cows for 16 breeding females. The second type is made up of sedentary breeders. Their main activities are fishing and trading, and they belong to the Sonrai socio-cultural ethnic group. Their herds are modest (17 head), comprising 2 breeding and 5 suckling cows for 11 breeding females. The third type is made up of semi-transhumant herders. Their main activity is farming, and they belong to the Sonrai socio-cultural ethnic group, with an equally modest herd size (18 head). The number of breeding cows is similar to that of the sedentary herders (2 head). However, the number of sucklers is reduced to 3 head for 10 breeding females. The daily intake of bran concentrate per suckling female is the highest (5 kg of bran concentrate per day). The ratio of lactating females to females of breeding age was r =0.45 in the sedentary group, compared with r =0.30 in the semi-transhumant group and r = 0.25 in the transhumant group. The results also showed that the rearing environment is dominated by a diet of rice straw (39%) and rice bran (49%). The most frequently vaccinated disease on the farms was pasteurellosis (87.3%), and the highest deworming rate was 40%. The environment also revealed a variation in lactating females for the riparian localities of Say and Yelwani (5.4±2.6b and 6.0±2.8b respectively), which are very significantly different (P<0.001) from the non-riparian localities of Koulbaga and Tassikoirey (2.9±1.2a and 2.8±1.20a respectively). In conclusion, sedentary farmers are the most productive in a food environment dominated by rice crop residues and diseases such as pasteurellosis and endoparasites. Key words : Production systems, herd size, sedentary breeders, lactating female

Analysis of the interrelationships of stakeholders involved in the management of transhumance in southern Benin.

The management of pastoral mobility is a stakeholder-centered approach for the integration of resource conservation and agricultural development. This study aimed to characterize the stakeholders of transhumance and to analyze their influence in the municipality of Djidja in southern Benin. For this purpose, semi-structured interviews were conducted with 300 stakeholders involved in transhumance and pastoral resource management. The Likert scale (1 to 5) was used to assess the levels of influence and focus groups were conducted. The results showed that several stakeholders (transhumant herders, agro-pastoralists, farmers, hunters, fishermen, loggers, gendarmerie, Garso, CTAF, cattle farmers' associations, farmers' associations, SCDA, and communal transhumance committee) were involved in transhumance with diverse interests, backgrounds, knowledge, and power (P < 0.05). More than half of the farmers (72%) blame transhumant herders whose practices are source of multiple conflicts among (please mention what kind of conflicts and with whom by providing example). Statistical analysis indicated a strong influence with significant differences (P < 0.001) in the pastoral resources by four stakeholders including the communal transhumance committee, the association of herders, the Garso (scout and intermediary for transhumant herders), and the transhumant herder. This research demonstrates how the systematic analysis of the activities carried out by the stakeholders, the interconnected activities between them, and their relationships can offer insights for a better coordination of transhumance. For effective pastoral management, it is therefore important to build a dialogue between the different stakeholders involved in transhumance in southern Benin.

Perception of transhumant herders on climate change and their adaptation strategies

Climate change is becoming one of the greatest challenges of our times questioning the survival of humanity and the coexistence of biodiversity. Its impact is realized globally in aspects of climate-induced disasters, water stresses, rangeland, agricultural, and food production. This case study confers the extent and impact of climate change on transhumant herders along with their coping strategies in Lho and Sirdibas of Chumnurbi Rural Municipality, Gorkha. Focus group discussion, key informant interview, and questionnaire survey were carried out in two wards covering herder's perception towards various climatic variability, impacts on transhumance system, and adaptation strategies undertaken for resilience. Data were analyzed using descriptive, inferential statistics and GIS such as percentage, frequency, weighted mean, index of relative ranking, Chi-square test, Normalized Difference Vegetation Index (NDVI), Normalized Difference Snow Index (NDSI), etc. were presented in figures and charts. This study showed that temperature is rising and precipitation is falling in the rural mountainous areas along with a decrease in snow cover and an increase in vegetation cover over a period of time. Seasonal movement of livestock is mainly guided by the search of forage resources and for adjusting the temperature. The impacts such as the decrease in pasture resources, increase in drought, decrease in agricultural production, etc. were perceived by the herders. Adaptation strategies such as the seasonal movement of livestock, diversification of income sources, and grazing resources were most noticed. Most of them were autonomous based on indigenous knowledge and innovation. The study recommends that the perceived changes and possible impacts of climate change to the transhumance systems need to be monitored scientifically over time. Further, more programs and policies should be developed for the resilience of the community.

Summer Camps Location and Distribution of Archaeological Sites in North Neuquén (Northwest Patagonia)

ABSTRACT We study the bioclimatic and landscape characteristics of summer camps of modern transhumant herders from North Neuquén to generate a distribution model of upland areas suitable for herding and project their spatial distribution throughout the Holocene. With this aim, we analyzed ethnographic, bioclimatic and landscape data using habitat suitability models. The location of different types of archaeological sites was then compared with the projected models. The results for the current data show that the bioclimatic variables have a central role in determining the location of summer camp areas, showing a better capacity of explanation than the solely use of landscape variables as altitude. The projection of the bioclimatic model into the past showed significant temporal and spatial variation, although the archaeological sites are consistently localised in the limit between annually available and summer areas. For the Late Holocene, burial and rock art sites are mainly placed in areas available annually and in areas characterised as summer camps, respectively. Our findings show the usefulness of studying the ways of life and use of space of modern transhumant herders as a valid resource to generate hypotheses or expectations about the distribution of the archaeological sites from the same region.

Ilemchane Transhumant Pastoralists' Traditional Ecological Knowledge and Adaptive Strategies: Continuity and Change in Morocco's High Atlas Mountains

Mountain rangelands are critical resources for mobile pastoralists, and they provide benefits to humankind broadly. Yet mountain pastoral social–ecological systems (SESs) face challenges that affect both mountains and rangelands. Herders' traditional ecological knowledge (TEK) underpins their adaptive strategies and serves as a resource for future adaptation. This holistic case study of Ilemchane transhumant herders in Morocco's High Atlas Mountains applies a simple framework to explore how herders' biophysical TEK, practices, and institutions interrelate and how climate and social changes affect the SES. Using participant observation, interviews, and surveys, we find Ilemchane climate, plant, and ecological knowledge shape their practices and institutions, which in turn reinforce or alter TEK. Building on a recent synthesis of mountain SES, we identify a paradox of remoteness, wherein Ilemchane remoteness both maintains traditional transhumant culture and TEK and threatens it. Overcoming this paradox may require internal organization, collective action, and external support.

Against the Tide: The Future of Transhumant Herders in the Kailash Sacred Landscape of Nepal

Transhumant pastoralism, with its cultural, ecological, and socioeconomic significance, is an important livelihood strategy for mountain communities. Despite its importance, transhumant pastoralism is declining in the Hindu Kush Himalayan region. This study examines the drivers of change experienced by transhumant herders in Bajhang, western Nepal, in order to understand future implications for transhumant pastoralism in the region. Here, animals are raised to transport goods to remote villages and to earn supplemental income through the sale of milk, meat, and livestock. The study found that herders are experiencing multiple drivers of changes—including socioeconomic, political, institutional, ecological, and climatic—which have both positive and negative implications for their livelihoods. Herders have responded to these changes by altering their transhumance routes and by reducing the variety and numbers of animals raised. The increasing market demand for meat from freely grazed animals and limited road access are current factors contributing to the perpetuation of transhumant herding in Bajhang. Meanwhile, the institutional mechanisms provisioned in the National Rangeland Policy are neither functional in the study area nor able to resolve issues of the herders. The study recommends developing an incentive-based mechanism involving herders and other stakeholders to address the challenges faced by herders.

Farmers’ and Herders’ Perceptions on Rangeland Management in Two Agroecological Zones of Benin

The sustainable use of rangelands in pastoral areas requires the inclusion of all stakeholders to develop sound management strategies. However, the role of these actors in the sustainable management of natural resources is still poorly understood. The present study aims to (i) assess the perception of farmers and herders of the risks and opportunities of transhumance on rangeland resource use and management, and to (ii) generate useful knowledge for the design and implementation of policies that favor the coexistence of these actors and reduce competition over rangeland resources use in Benin. To this end, interviews were conducted with 240 crop farmers and herders using a semi-structured questionnaire in two contrasting agroecological zones in the northern (Kandi) and the southern (Kétou) part of the country. Among the respondents, 64% of farmers in the North were agro-pastoralists (owning 10.6 ha of land and 10.7 cattle) and 36% were herders (keeping 45.8 cattle and cultivating about 3.7 ha of land). They perceived that communal rangelands were entirely degraded. In the South, 36% of respondents were agro-pastoralists (with 0.3 cattle and farming 4 ha of land) and 64% cattle herders (raising 45.3 cattle and farming 0.9 ha of land only). Of the herders, 50% kept cattle for more than 20 years, while agro-pastoralists had no previous experience in cattle herding. Cultivation practices among crop farmers, such as high use of mineral fertilization (23.8%) and bush fires for land clearing (22.5%), were reported in Kandi (North) and Kétou (South) as factors that might contribute to land degradation. However, these farmers perceived transhumance as a threat to the sustainable use of natural resources. In contrast, herders perceived transhumance as an opportunity to valorize unused land and increase the availability of manure to cropland. The prevalent negative attitude of crop farmers regarding transhumant herders increases the vulnerability of cattle herding in both regions. There is an urgent need of raising awareness concerning the mutual benefits provided by the coexistence of crop farmers with herders to promote participative rangeland management strategies. This may contribute towards coping with the current challenges of food insecurity and increasing climate variability as well as to reducing recurrent conflicts in the region.

Caves as interim-refugia: Chemical signatures of human habitation under extreme environments of Ladakh, NW India

Caves – particularly in the Eastern part of Ladakh – offered interim-refugia to the transhumant herders and travelers during different times (and climates) in the past. The past communities living in the extreme environmental conditions of Ladakh followed a transhumance lifestyle and combined it with subsistence agriculture for living. In order to better understand how ancient people utilised the caves located in eastern sector of Ladakh along the Leh-Manali route, we systematically surveyed a number of caves which contain archaeological traces of Transhumant occupation. The ceilings of most of the caves have coatings of a very hard, sticky, shiny, and resinous Black Charred Material (BCM). Multiple analysis using X-Ray Diffraction (XRD), Field Emission Scanning Electron Microscopy-Energy Dispersive X-Ray Spectroscopy (FESEM-EDX), FourierTransform -Infrared Spectroscopy (FT-IR), Raman Spectroscopy, Gas Chromatography-Mass Spectroscopy (GC–MS), Lassaigne’s test, elemental and stable isotope analysis of carbon and sulfur using Element- Analyser coupled with Isotopic Ratio- Mass Spectroscopy (IR-MS) were applied to characterize the cave roof coatings. The results indicate presence of quartz > plagioclase > dolomite (sandstone) type host rock in the vicinity, whereas, the BCM shows graphitic moiety. The completely different diffractograms of host rock and BCM suggest that there is no genetic relationship, where the substrate is of natural lithogenic origin, while the BCM is anthropologically produced. Similarly, polyaromatic hydrocarbons (PAHs) peaks in the D and G band confirm the graphitic character of anthropogenic origin. The higher concentration of PAHs in soot particles, which are carcinogenic in nature may severely affect human health. The high average wind speed containing relatively large quantities of silica particles, along with increased PAHs, may be responsible for the non-occupational pneumoconiosis prevalent in the region. Based on these observations, we hypothesize that the caves were used by the transhumant herder communities during the summer for grazing their livestock and by travelers during the long silk route journeys.

A CONSIDERATION OF EASTWARD SPREAD OF THE SAMARRAN PHENOMENON IN THE LIGHT OF NEW EVIDENCE ALONG THE ZAGROS PIEDMONT

The Samarran phenomenon has been under discussion since the early 20th century. Over the past several decades, increasing evidence has indicated that it was geographically distributed in a very large area across the Near East. In this regard, the eastward spread of the Samarran phenomenon across the Iranian frontier was little known, because related finds had mostly been recovered in the 1960–70s. This article highlights the discovery of new evidence in the transitional zone that connects the Zagros highlands with the Mesopotamian lowlands. During recent surveys in the plains of Mehran, Meimak, Soumar and Sarpol-e Zahab, a number of sites were found. They yielded ceramics identical with those already reported from nearby late Samarran sites such as Chogha Mami, Songor A and Rihan I. Chronologically, surface materials indicate that these newly found Iranian sites should belong to the late phase of Samarran period, coinciding with the so-called Chogha Mami Transitional (CMT). As seen from the natural setting of the sites along streams, and due to the predominance of nomadic herders in this transitional zone, we may assume that transhumant herders played a role in the eastward spread of the late Samarran phenomenon via the river valleys and that the site's inhabitants might have been familiar with a primitive irrigation system. Furthermore, it is speculated that the cold dry climatic event of 8.2 kya might have resulted in an increased intensity of population in the lowlands. Nevertheless, the subsequent climatic optimum appears to have paved the way for the eastward spread of late Samarran/CMT elements. Regardless of what was the major trigger of such an expansion, however, intensive economic interactions of societies probably played a role in the very early sixth millennium B.C., when natural raw materials such as bitumen were imported from western/southwestern Iran to central/southern Mesopotamia.

Système d’information et de modélisation de la vulnérabilité pastorale pour la gestion et la prévention des crises au sahel

L’élevage pastoral au Sahel est extrêmement dépendant des irrégularités climatiques, et particulièrement de la qualité de la saison des pluies qui conditionne la repousse des pâturages et le remplissage des points d’eau. Les éleveurs nomades et transhumants adaptent leurs stratégies de déplacement à l’état et à la disponibilité de ces ressources. Les outils de suivi de la sécurité alimentaire de ces territoires pastoraux doivent donc intégrer, en plus des données spatialisées sur la biomasse, des informations sur ces mouvements pastoraux et sur les facteurs qui les conditionnent. Pour accompagner les systèmes d’alerte locaux au Sahel, l’organisation non gouvernementale Action contre la Faim propose un modèle de vulnérabilité pastorale basé sur des données satellitaires acquises en temps réel et sur la connaissance des pratiques pastorales. Ce modèle permet d’alimenter en informations un système d’alerte précoce en identifiant les zones d’intérêt pastoral déficitaires en ressources plusieurs mois avant la période de soudure potentiellement problématique. La confrontation avec l’information concomitante collectée sur le terrain par des relais sentinelles permet une surveillance de la situation pastorale, contribuant au développement des infrastructures ou au déploiement de l’aide humanitaire.

Influence du pâturage et du gradient climatique sur la diversité floristique et la productivité des parcours naturels au Bénin

Située dans la zone soudanienne du Bénin, la forêt classée de l’Alibori supérieur est à cheval entre le climat tropical humide et le climat tropical sec. Elle est l’une des destinations privilégiées des transhumants nationaux et étrangers. Ces derniers sont attirés par ses ressources pastorales. Les fortes concentrations de bétail présentes ont des conséquences sur la biodiversité qu’il importe de connaître afin de prendre les décisions appropriées. Cette étude a eu pour objectif d’évaluer l’influence de l’intensité du pâturage et du gradient climatique sur la richesse et la diversité floristique, la phytomasse ainsi que sur la valeur pastorale de ces parcours. Les résultats ont montré que les effectifs des familles, genres et espèces diminuaient à mesure que l’intensité du pâturage augmentait. Ce même constat a été fait au niveau de la diversité maximale, de la phytomasse et de la capacité de charge. La zone soudanienne humide a montré une richesse et une diversité floristique, ainsi qu’une productivité et une capacité de charge meilleures que la zone soudanienne sèche. La valeur du recouvrement de la zone sèche a été plus élevée que celle de la zone humide, alors que sa valeur pastorale a été plus faible. Ces résultats pourraient contribuer à la gestion durable des parcours naturels des aires protégées et du système pastoral au Bénin.

Feeding and spatial behaviours of transhumant cattle in southern Benin: implications for the sustainable management of rangelands

Feed intake on pastures plays a vital role in cattle rearing in West Africa. However, the scarcity of pastures during the dry season may result in changing grazing behaviour by cattle. Therefore, we studied the management practices of transhumant herders on communal rangelands through monitoring of cattle herds’ behaviour in southern Benin. We expected changes in grazing behaviours of cattle and shifts in diet composition and diet overlaps between herds. Therefore, feeding and spatial behaviours of cattle were studied on six transhumant herds monitored daily, each during three consecutive days on communal rangelands of Djidja. In each herd, three adult cows of four to five years old were equipped with two GPS data loggers (GT-730FL-S) to monitor animals’ movements. The data loggers were set to record the positions of the animals every 10 s and direct observations of the animal activities were made. The results indicated that the activities of cattle varied greatly according to site (p < 0.05). Moreover, feed ingested varied with site. The ration was dominated by woody species with 70% Fabaceae, whereas shrubs and grasses were less represented, indicating a shift in diet. This analysis is required for better monitoring of grazing cattle.

The role of cross-border transhumance in influencing resident herders’ cattle husbandry practices and use of genetic resources

For centuries, the humid West African coastal country of Benin attracts cattle herders from neighboring Sahelian countries such as Niger, Burkina Faso and Nigeria. Each year, several thousands of cattle are trekked over hundreds of kilometers to Benin following established and non-established transhumance corridors. This cross-border mobility has been shown to play an important role in ensuring the productivity of the transhumant herds through adequate late dry season access to pastoral resources. Yet, its effects on the traditional agro-pastoral production systems that are encountered along the routes in Benin have never been explicitly investigated. Therefore, we collected socio-economic household data, herd characteristics and management data from 104 resident herders and 38 transhumant herders in 2 vegetation zones of Benin. To determine whether or not the proximity to transhumance corridors affects sedentary production systems, characteristics of cattle herds and farmers’ management practices were compared between villages close to (within a 25 km buffer) and far from (outside a 25 km buffer) transhumance corridors within and between vegetation zones using non-parametric statistical tests. Existing relationships between resident and transhumant herders were also identified and characterized. Subsequently, herd characteristics and management practices were compared between resident herders having relationships with transhumant herders and those without. Herd sizes of resident herders living close to transhumance corridors were larger (P < 0.01) than those of their counterparts living far away. Also, proximity to transhumance corridors had positive effects on herd management practices. The relationships between resident and transhumant herders were governed by a variety of interests including encampment/manuring contracts, exploitation of grazing lands and watering points, trading and bartering of cattle. This exchange of cattle is an important driver of change in the breed composition of local herds and represents an opportunity for resident herders to enhance their herds’ productivity through crossbreeding. However, the mere replacement or indiscriminate crossbreeding of local cattle breeds with those kept by transhumant herders threatens the sustainability of the traditional resident herding systems by increasing the risk of genetic erosion and loss of valuable adaptive traits in indigenous animal genetic resources.

Calendrier pastoral et carte de transhumance des éleveurs exploitant les ressources pastorales de la commune de Djidja au Sud Bénin

Djidja est l’une des plus grandes communes productrices agricoles du département du Zou au sud du Bénin. De par ses ressources fourragères et hydriques, elle est devenue une destination des éleveurs transhumants. Les mouvements des éleveurs transhumants continuent de s’étendre, de même que les séjours dans cette zone d’accueil s’allongent. L’étude a eu pour objectif global d’élaborer le calendrier pastoral et la carte de transhumance des éleveurs fréquentant cette commune. Des entretiens semi-structurés ont été conduits auprès de 300 acteurs de la transhumance. L’enquête a montré que la transhumance dans cette commune était surtout due à la recherche de ressources fourragères et hydriques (78,7 %). Sept périodes (Seeto, Nduungu Mawdo, Nduungu Pamarel, Jahol, Djaamdè, Dabuundè et Cheedu) ont été identifiées dans le calendrier des transhumants fréquentant cette zone avec une particularité de deux périodes de Nduungu (saison des pluies). Cette particularité est liée aux données climatiques de la zone qui comprend quatre saisons, dont deux pluvieuses et deux sèches. Le calendrier pastoral, l’itinéraire suivi et les temps de séjour dépendaient de la disponibilité des ressources pastorales des zones d’attache, de transit et d’accueil. Ainsi, la bonne connaissance des pistes empruntées, des points d’entrées et de sorties, et des périodes d’accueil des éleveurs transhumants serviront d’outils aux décideurs en matière de gestion durable de la transhumance et des ressources pastorales au sud du Bénin.

Perceived effects of transhumant practices on natural resource management in southern Mali

Recurring forage and water scarcity in the Sahelian zone of West Africa, especially in the dry season, has led to increased livestock movement into Sudano-Sahelian and Sudano-Guinean zones in the region. This increased movement by transhumant herders has resulted in growing competition over natural resources. Despite the strong presence of transhumant herds in the Sudano-Sahelian/Sudano-Guinean zones of Mali in the past 30 years, there has been limited research on the practice of transhumance in these zones, compared to several studies in the Sahelian zone. In this paper, we present how various actors in two districts in the Sudano-Sahelian/Sudano-Guinea zones of Mali perceived the effect of transhumant practices on natural resource management. Results from the study showed that more than 75% of all categories of respondents in both study sites perceived a decline in availability of forage resources and water as a result of the increased number of transhumant herders in their communities. Furthermore, a greater proportion of farmers and settled pastoralists in both study sites responded that there has been a decline in species richness of the vegetation. In contrast, more than 50% of transhumant herders did not see any change in species richness of natural vegetation due to their presence. They argued that the observed decline in species richness of the vegetation is due to climate change. Education level, location and socio-professional categories tended to be the key factors influencing respondent’s perception on the impact of transhumant practices on natural resource management. As the perceived impact of transhumant practices depends on socio-professional groups, it is necessary to engage all the actors on how to effectively manage the presence of transhumant herders, in order to promote sustainable use of natural resources in southern Mali. Besides, more research is needed to assess the validity of the reported perceptions in this study.

Historically evolved practices of the Himalayan transhumant pastoralists and their implications for climate change adaptation

The people living in the agrarian societies develop different strategies in response to climatic variability and environmental uncertainties. Transhumant pastoralists in the Himalayas are among those who follow nature's rhythm of seasonality. The traditional practices built in group's experience might be useful to adapt with climate variability and change. Therefore, this study aims to: 1) study perceptions of transhumant herders towards changes in key climatic variables and validate them with observed data; 2) explore traditional practices of transhumant herders and their significances for climate change adaptation in Khaptad National Park, far-Western Nepal. Data were collected by means of semi-structured interview and focus groups discussions. The results showed that the perceptions of transhumant herders match with observed climatic trends in many instances and herders' traditional strategies have potential in reducing risk from climate change. The findings indicate that the historically evolved practices might be useful for climate change adaptation.

Historically evolved practices of the Himalayan transhumant pastoralists and their implications for climate change adaptation

The people living in the agrarian societies develop different strategies in response to climatic variability and environmental uncertainties. Transhumant pastoralists in the Himalayas are among those who follow nature's rhythm of seasonality. The traditional practices built in group's experience might be useful to adapt with climate variability and change. Therefore, this study aims to: 1) study perceptions of transhumant herders towards changes in key climatic variables and validate them with observed data; 2) explore traditional practices of transhumant herders and their significances for climate change adaptation in Khaptad National Park, far-Western Nepal. Data were collected by means of semi-structured interview and focus groups discussions. The results showed that the perceptions of transhumant herders match with observed climatic trends in many instances and herders' traditional strategies have potential in reducing risk from climate change. The findings indicate that the historically evolved practices might be useful for climate change adaptation.

The Role of Transhumance on Land Use /Cover Changes in Mountain Vermio, Northern Greece: A GIS Based Approach

Transhumant flocks graze the vegetation of medium and high elevation rangelands during late spring to autumn depending on the geographical area and climatic conditions. This study aimed to assess and interpret the impacts of transhumance decline on the land use/cover on Mountain Vermio, for the period 1985-2009. For many years, this area has received high stocking rates from transhumant livestock. However, during the last 30 years transhumance has been dramatically decreased. Land cover changes have been identified using a post classification comparison approach within a Geographical Information Systems environment. Moreover, the rate and the spatial differentiation of land use/cover were determined by means of the Dynamic Degree Index. According to the results, the acreage of grasslands and grazed open forests has decreased during the study period (3% and 83% respectively), while shrublands demonstrated an opposite trend with an increase of 25%. Furthermore, based on the Dynamic Degree Index, the greatest changes occurred in the conversion of grazed open forests and shrublands, compared to other land use/cover categories. This can be attributed to changes in sheep and goats populations grazing in the area, also related to the dispersion of flocks in local rangelands. Moreover, this article presents the results of a questionnaire survey on transhumant herders. These results, combined with the assessment of changes in the Dynamic Degree Index, reflect the difficulties that farmers face in terms of access to rangelands and their increased awareness regarding the environmental role of transhumance.

Shaping Rules and Practice for More Justice. Local Conventions and Local Resistance in Eastern Senegal

Participatory programs and the transfer of the means of regulation to local populations can move local people to adopt government or development project agendas. They do not always succeed. When externally driven agendas fail to match local norms and practices, they are resisted and re-worked to accommodate local views, needs, and aspirations. In this interaction both the external agenda and local norms are contested and reconstituted in ways that follow the contours of the power asymmetries among local actors and external resource users, government agents and project managers. In the Tambacounda Region of Senegal, forest-dwelling villagers constantly negotiate forest use with more powerful urban-based merchants and transhumant herders. Government and international development programs have introduced ‘local conventions,’ written agreements among resource users, to reduce conflict over resource-use decisions. However, despite elaboration through participatory processes these conventions impose rules of management and use that contradict local environmental subjectivities; consequently, local people resist and rework introduced rules, and thus reconstitute them as, at least partly, their own.