Community Perception of Nomadic Herdsman Activities, Builsa South District of Northern Ghana, 2014, UDS

This reports highlights the findings from a research project conducted by the University of Development Studies, Ghana, in response to the ‘Preparedness and Resilience Research’ small grants program (Phase I) implemented by Response 2 Resilience Institute and the Global Disaster Preparedness Center

Abstract: 

The movement of nomadic herdsmen from the Sahel into forest areas is a natural response to the dwindling forest cover of the Sahelian ecological belt of Africa. The herdsmen encroach on farmlands, cut trees to feed their flocks, and deplete limited water resources. The resulting environmental degradation often pitches them against host communities, with occasional outbreaks of violent conflicts. This study assessed community perceptions about the activities of nomadic herdsmen and climate variability in order to find pathways to reduce vulnerability, improve adaptive capacity, and promote mutual cohabitation among nomads and indigenes. Respondents were randomly sampled from three communities (Wiesi, Fumbisi, and Kanjarga) in Builsa South District. Ten key informants and participants in five focus groups confirmed that communities in the district know about climate change and its effects on livelihoods and that the activities of nomadic herdsmen worsen the effects of climate variability. They also adversely affect farmers’ livelihoods, especially those of women who depend on shea butter processing. While host communities want to expel the nomadic herdsmen, proper management can benefit both them and the nomads.

Are you sure you want to delete this "resource"?
This item will be deleted immediately. You cannot undo this action.

Related Resources

Research
16 Dec 2014
The Red Cross/Red Crescent is facilitating a two-year technology initiative to collaboratively explore, inform and adapt emerging solutions to strengthen the resilience of vulnerable urban communities. We will collaborate with a diverse range of stak...
Tags: Research, Urban Risk Reduction
Report
13 Dec 2021
The aim of this report is to contribute to increased knowledge of what loneliness means to children and young people, and how we as a society can help prevent it. By putting into words what for many is still perceived as shameful, we hope to be able ...
Tags: Report, Mental Health and Psychosocial Support
Research
21 Sep 2015
El documento es el resumen ejecutivo del proyecto ‘Análisis Comparativo de Herramientas de Análisis de Medios de Comunicación Social para la Preparación para Desastres’ que destaca los resultados claves del estudio. 
Tags: Research