Assessment of Transhumant Flow in and around Lake Fitri's Wetlands, Chad

Abstract

Lake Fitri is one of the most important ecosystems in Chad. This lake is located about 300 km east of N'Djamena, and covering an area of about 500,000 hectares, it is the hub of a thriving local economy and the second largest in the country. It is very productive and plays an important role, especially during periods of low rainfall, for the food security of local populations and those coming from elsewhere.

Lake Fitri region has extensive pastures in the lowlands and in the islands. Exiled pastures in dune areas are poorly valued due to lack of water. In these areas, access to drink water is a problem and the cattle farmers are forced to travel long distances to get water from the lake or catchment basins of the Batha River. This study aims to evaluate the transhumance flow around Lake Fitri, it was conducted using the transect method and semi-structured interviews as well as surveys. The constraints recorded in the areas of the lake are presented here in order of importance: the degradation of aquatic pastures, the upsurge of conflicts between herders, farmers and fishermen, the disorganization of the rules of access to natural resources.

Transhumance activities are motivated by the search for water, greener pasture and the escape of insects and outbreaks of epizootics. These displacements involve long distances ranging from a few tens to hundreds of kilometers. It is necessary to distinguish several types of transhumance according to the amplitude of the displacements: the small transhumance are concerns with displacements lower than 50 km. It takes place between the sedentary villages and the paths around these villages. The great transhumance involves long distances ranging from a few tens to several hundred kilometers. Green grass make up the bulk of livestock feed, but their nutritional value declines rapidly at some point in their development cycle. Current grazing is from the best period, but lasts too long in the dry season until they are depleted. The deepest causes of pasture degradation are the growing influence of man and his animals as a result of rapid population growth.