Pastoral transition

This book provides an in-depth analysis of contemporary transformations in pastoralism in northern Cameroon, marked by a gradual transition to sedentarization in a context of intense land pressure and multiple instabilities. It also reveals a gradual loss of pastoral mobility, which was nevertheless a fundamental mechanism for ecological and social adaptation in Sahelian environments. The disappearance of transhumance corridors and the marginalization of pastoral areas not only compromise the viability of the pastoral system, but also exacerbate tensions between sedentary herders and indigenous farmers. In several localities in the region, conflicts over land access and ownership have multiplied, undermining social cohesion. In the face of these changes, current land management systems appear inadequate. The lack of legal recognition of sedentary herders' land rights, weak local institutions, and the overlap between customary and modern land norms exacerbate land insecurity and inequalities in access to land. In light of these findings, this book proposes a series of recommendations to support a more equitable and sustainable transition.