AEGIS ECAS 2007 - View abstract

Panel	39. Livelihood, Vulnerability and Health. Moving beyond existing frameworks
Paper ID	423
Author(s)	Fabusoro, Eniola
Paper	View paper (PDF)
Abstract	Livelihoods security of Migrant Fulani pastoralists in southwest Nigeria has been of interest to researchers, development specialists and policy makers. Fulani pastoralists in Nigeria are a major stakeholder group in the country’s livestock sector holding about 90% of the nation’s herd, especially cattle, sheep and goat. However, they are one of the most disadvantaged groups whose mode of existence is threatened by various demographic, socio-economic, ecological and political factors. The Fulanis have for several decades concentrated their activities in the northern dry savanna and arid regions of the country but with increased human and animal population leading to scarcity of grazing resources, agricultural farm expansion leading to encroachment of grazing zones and recurrent drought, a large majority of them migrate to the southwest Nigeria. The security of their livelihoods in this region, where they are regarded as migrants, is the determinant of their continued socioeconomic impact in Nigeria. This study presents empirical evidence from southwest Nigeria on issues relating to the security of their livelihoods with an understanding that their migrant status will affect secured access to basic natural resources which are fundamental to the survival of their herds and as well, sustainance of their households’ livelihoods. Qualitative and quantitative data were collected from 120 Fulanis pastoralists from three States of the region (Ogun, Oyo and Ekiti States) on livelihoods activities, grazing locations and indicators of livelihoods security. Focus group discussions (FGDs) were conducted in the Fulanis settlements to obtain information using a semi-structured checklist. Fulanis’ livelihoods were assessed based on the DFID’s asset framework. Data collected were subjected to descriptive and inferential statistics for presentation and inferences respectively. The assets assessment shows that Fulanis in the region have unsecured livelihoods especially the natural, financial and physical assets. They also lack secured access to grazing resources and watering points. From a Principal component analysis, the key issues found significant to the security of their livelihoods in southwest Nigeria are property rights regimes, which designate land rights and determine access to grazing and water resources; herd health condition, collective action, children education, women empowerment and social asset. It is therefore recommended that the governments recognize the potential of the migrant Fulanis and grant secured rights and access to natural resources for grazing and watering which are the fundamental to the security of their livelihoods in Nigeria. There is also the need for improvement in physical asset in order to achieve improvements in the living status of the Fulanis.

Key issues in livelihoods security of migrant Fulani pastoralists: Empirical evidence from southwest Nigeria