Hydro-climatic risks and agro-pastoral conflicts are two major challenges faced by the populations along the Senegal-Niger river axis. In this region, where water and natural resources are crucial for survival, droughts, floods, and climate change exacerbate tensions between farmers and herders. This article provides an introduction to the complex links between hydro-climatic risks and agro-pastoral conflicts, highlighting the impacts on local communities and exploring potential solutions for promoting peaceful coexistence.
Hydro-climatic risks: droughts, floods, and environmental impacts
The Senegal and Niger rivers, while essential for socio-economic development, are becoming increasingly vulnerable to climate hazards. Frequent droughts and sudden floods put pressure on water resources and jeopardize the livelihoods of riverine populations. Prolonged droughts lead to a decrease in river water levels, reducing the availability of water for irrigation, livestock watering, and domestic use. Conversely, floods can destroy crops and lead to population displacements (IPCC, 2014).
These hydro-climatic risks are exacerbated by climate change, which alters precipitation patterns and intensifies seasonal variability. Areas that were once suitable for agriculture or livestock farming are becoming unpredictable, affecting food production and the economic security of families. Furthermore, communities are often poorly equipped to cope with natural disasters, which worsens the impacts of droughts and floods (Niang et al., 2014).
Agro-pastoral conflicts: a consequence of environmental pressures
Hydro-climatic risks directly affect the relationships between sedentary farmers and nomadic herders, two groups that rely on the same natural resources for their livelihood. Farmers, who cultivate fertile lands near the rivers, and herders, who move their livestock in search of pastures and water points, see their living spaces shrink under the pressure of climate change. The scarcity of water and cultivable land leads to increased competition between these two groups, fueling sometimes violent conflicts (Benjaminsen et al., 2012).
These conflicts are often exacerbated by economic and social factors, such as population growth and weak local governance structures. For instance, during periods of drought, herders are forced to cross farmland to access water points, which causes tensions with farmers. In turn, farmers protect their fields from the passage of livestock, which can escalate into confrontations. The resulting violence impacts community security and undermines stability in the region (Moritz, 2010).
The impact of hydro-climatic risks and conflicts on local communities
Agro-pastoral conflicts and hydro-climatic risks have profound consequences for the lives of riverine populations. In addition to economic losses due to crop and livestock damage, these tensions create an atmosphere of mistrust between communities, making it difficult to cooperate in managing natural resources. Forced population displacements and the destruction of local infrastructure exacerbate precariousness, leaving communities dependent on external aid for survival (Turner, 2004).
The psychological impacts should not be underestimated either, as families affected by violence not only lose their livelihoods but also the security that enables them to live in peace. This instability weakens communities and limits their ability to adapt to the effects of climate change. The combination of hydro-climatic risks and agro-pastoral conflicts thus creates a vicious circle that makes the region increasingly vulnerable to ecological and humanitarian crises.
Solutions for peaceful coexistence and sustainable resilience
In the face of these challenges, solutions for natural resource management and conflict resolution are needed to promote peaceful coexistence between farmers and herders. One possible approach is Integrated Water Resources Management (IWRM), which proposes coordinated and equitable water management among different users. By integrating the needs of both farmers and herders, IWRM could help reduce tensions and optimize water use for agricultural and pastoral activities (Molle & Mollinga, 2003).
Creating secure and well-marked transhumance corridors is another solution that would allow herders to cross farmland without causing conflicts. These corridors, established in consultation with local communities, would reduce the risk of confrontation by providing access to water points and pastures along migration routes. The Food and Agriculture Organization (FAO), for example, has developed transhumance corridor programs in West Africa, which have shown encouraging results in reducing conflicts (FAO, 2016).
Moreover, involving local communities in resource management decisions is crucial. Associations of agricultural and pastoral producers can play a role in mediating conflicts and implementing sustainable practices. Awareness and training campaigns also help farmers and herders better understand the benefits of peaceful coexistence and shared resource management (Benjaminsen et al., 2012).
Conclusion
Hydro-climatic risks and agro-pastoral conflicts constitute a complex challenge for the Senegal-Niger river axis, requiring an integrated and sustainable approach. The young researchers' conference provides a platform for exchange and reflection on these issues, offering an opportunity to share innovative ideas for strengthening the resilience of communities in the face of environmental pressures. By promoting peaceful cooperation and sustainable resource management, it is possible to envision a future where farmers and herders can coexist harmoniously and contribute to the development of this region, crucial for West Africa.
References
Benjaminsen, T. A., Alinon, K., Buhaug, H., & Buseth, J. T. (2012). Land Use and Climate Change Conflicts in the Sahel. Journal of Peace Research, 49(1), 23-34.
FAO. (2016). Managing Pastoral Transhumance in the Sahel. Food and Agriculture Organization of the United Nations.
IPCC. (2014). Climate Change 2014: Impacts, Adaptation, and Vulnerability. Cambridge University Press.
Molle, F., & Mollinga, P. (2003). Water Poverty and the Governance of Water Resources. Water International, 28(3), 296-305.
Moritz, M. (2010). Understanding Herder-Farmer Conflicts in West Africa: Outline of a Processual Approach. Human Organization, 69(2), 138-148.
Niang, I., Ruppel, O. C., Abdrabo, M. A., et al. (2014). Africa. In Climate Change 2014: Impacts, Adaptation, and Vulnerability. Cambridge University Press.
Turner, M. D. (2004). Political Ecology and the Moral Dimensions of “Resource Conflicts”: The Case of Farmer–Herder Conflicts in the Sahel. Political Geography, 23(7), 863-889.