Since 2020, West Africa has been experiencing political turmoil characterised by a series of coups d’état, which led to the emergence of two blocs: the coastal countries, which are still members of the Economic Community of West African States (ECOWAS), and Burkina Faso, Mali and Niger, who founded the Alliance of Sahel States (AES) in 2023 and withdrew from ECOWAS in January 2025.
As a result, relations between West African nations have deteriorated significantly, with increased focus on national sovereignty and security, rather than regional stability through cooperation and integration. This comes at a time when shared challenges urge greater collaboration. Chief among these challenges are climate change and the expansion of jihadist activity, both of which profoundly impact pastoralism, a customary practice common to all West African countries.
Combining literature review with primary data collected from Nigerien civil society organisations working on pastoralism and agriculture, as well as from current and former transhumant pastoralists from Benin, this Insight explores the potential of pastoralism in contributing to peace, stability and the sustainable mitigation of climate-related challenges in the region.
The paper investigates the core issues involving and affecting present-day pastoralism in the Sahel and argues that states’ failure to address the marginalisation of pastoralism has contributed to the spread of Jihadist armed groups in West Africa.
This dynamic has further marginalised (Fulani) transhumant pastoralists, exacerbated local tensions (including those between herders and farmers), and disrupted traditional pastoral practices and the nature of transhumance. Climate change compounds these challenges by increasing resource scarcity, weakening pastoralist resilience, threatening food security and aggravating instability.
In contrast to their label as a vector for violence and conflict, this Insight argues that pastoralism could be part of solutions for peace and sustainability. It offers socio-economic benefits and connection in rural and remote areas, helps secure and occupy remote land otherwise left uncontrolled to illegal and criminal activity and supports sustainable food production adaptable to the realities of the demographically and environmentally changing (semi-) arid West African context.
The paper ends with recommendations to address both the pastoralist and security crises in the region, through the (re-)investment in rural and pastoralist infrastructures and renewed regional collaboration. In addition, pastoralism should receive equal consideration to agriculture in governance and decision-making at the local, national, and regional levels.
This publication has been produced with the financial assistance of the European Union. The contents of this document can under no circumstances be regarded as reflecting the position of the European Union.
