The tensions between farmers and herders in Kaduna and Katsina states, north-west Nigeria, have been compounded by multiple factors, including desertification, climate change, and insufficient rainfall, among others. The situation has been exacerbated by rapid and exponential population growth, leading to an attendant increase in the demand for natural resources, including suitable land for both farming and transhumance activities.
Consequently, these factors intensify the competition for already scarce natural resources, often resulting in conflicts, which can escalate into violent confrontations, between farming and herding communities. IOM, through its Displacement Tracking Matrix (DTM) developed and implemented the Transhumance Tracking Tool (TTT) which employs four major components, one of which is Transhumance Flow Monitoring. Transhumance Flow Monitoring tool collects data on migration flows and trends, countries of origin and destinations of herders, offering a comprehensive overview of the livestock movements.
As transhumance remains integral to the way of life for many communities, understanding and managing these movements are vital for sustainable coexistence. Transhumance Flow Monitoring tool serves as a valuable resource in navigating the complexities of transhumance, offering data-driven insights to support the development of effective interventions and transhumance policies in Kaduna and Katsina states of the north-west region.
This report presents the data for October 2024, collected through direct interviews and observations by DTM enumerators which were triangulated via a network of key informants. It highlights the number of herders and their animals, identified at 27 counting points in the seven local government areas (LGAs) across Kaduna and Katsina states. Notably, this enumeration included areas within the Kachia, Kaita, Kaura and Faskari LGAs of Kaduna and Katsina states, under the auspices of the Peacebuilding Fund. Additionally, it was extended to Batsari, Dan Musa, Faskari, Jibia and Kankara LGAs of Katsina State, with the support of the European Union Fund.
The practice of transhumance involves a systematic movement where herders migrate with their households and families. This movement is often strategic and well-coordinated, typically occurring seasonally. During the dry season, herders move southwards to regions where water and pasture are more readily available. Conversely, during the rainy season, they migrate northwards to take advantage of the lush pastures that develop with the rains. Sometimes, families move ahead very early in the morning, leaving the older male herders and the animals behind for a few days to check the security situation in the area and ensure it is safe. Given the complex socio-political landscape in Nigeria, this step is crucial to avoid conflicts with local communities and other herders. They then rendezvous at a predetermined resting point, such as a water point or a grazing area, to allow the animals to feed and rest. This method fosters a more secure and organized migration, ensuring the safety and well-being of both the herders and their herds.
In October 2024, Transhumance Flow Monitoring tool identified 271 herders in Kaduna State and 446 herders in Katsina State. The animal count was estimated at 9,808 for Kaduna State and 10,483 for Katsina State. Notably, 60 per cent of the total number of herders departed from states within Nigeria, while the remaining 40 per cent departed from Niger.