Nomadism: A Case Study

Sahel Nomads. Image credit btcycle.com

Sedenterisation of Nomads in the Sahel

• In this scheme, an area to settle the nomads is selected by UN officials.
• A deep well is sunk at the centre, to provide water throughout the year.
• Twenty or more homesteads are pegged at radius of 1 km from the well and homes are built here.
• Fields are separated away from the well for each homestead.
• In summer, when rains are naturally falling, the settlers graze their livestock away from the well since pastures will be available.
• During this time, it is prohibited to graze within 1 km radius around the well.
• When it is winter time, the animals can now be grazed toward the central well.
• Pastures can be irrigated and crop stalks used as supplementary feed.
• Each farmer will only be allowed a maximum of 15 heads of livestock.
• In this way, it is felt the nomadism will stop, the animal numbers controlled, animals vaccinated and the living standards raised.
• Permanent homes are built and the farmers indulge in both crop production and animal husbandry, a sustainable type of mixed farming.

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