Abstract

This project proposal is the outcome of a subregional workshop organized in July 1998 with the support of the IDRC (065269/98-5159). The overall objective is to enable Sahelian populations to access pasture resources and use them more effectively during the dry season with the help of new information and communication technologies (ICTs). To this end, an assessment will be carried out of the state of local knowledge and the means of communication commonly used by local populations in Sénégal, Mali and Burkina Faso in the management of pasture resources. The identification of relevant know-how will be reinforced by the introduction of modern tools such as geographic information systems (GIS), the global positioning system (GPS), and thematic maps of seasonal movements of livestock. Based on the results obtained, effective methods of livestock farming incorporating ICTs will be identified and confirmed, not only to help reduce conflicts between growers and breeders and animal pressure on pasture lands, but also to enhance the productivity of traditional livestock farming, with the direct consequence of increasing family income.

Post-Project Summary

The researchers carried out a field survey of 207 migrant herders from 87 villages in Burkina Faso, Mali and Sénégal, followed by an experimental intervention in three pastoral units in Sénégal (Tessékéré, Kouthiaba and Thiel). The researchers combined local knowledge gained from the survey with modern knowledge of pastoral monitoring and management based on new information and communication technologies (ICT), mainly, geographic information systems (GIS), global positioning systems (GPS), and satellite maps. They designed innovative products with the participation of pastoral communities, and made them available online. Three "cyber shepherds" or community access points were installed in community centres (veterinary services, rural advisory services) to provide the herders with an opportunity to access pastoral information. Cell phones and GPS units were distributed to the pastoralists to allow them both to exchange information and follow their herds. Meetings and training sessions were organized to show the participants how to use GPS, cell phones, thematic maps (maps showing vegetation and land occupancy) and the Internet (cyber shepherd). Access to ICTs and exchange of pastoral information helped improve decision-making by the committee to combat brushfires, relieve the isolation of inaccessible pastoral units, and reduce the digital divide in rural communities. The project resulted in two veterinary theses, three project reports, two master's theses in geography, a website hosted by the Centre de suivi écologique (CSE) and a project paper translated into the Pular language. The project results were otherwise disseminated through presentations at two scientific councils, five sub-regional and international conferences, and four articles in the local press.

Recipient Institution(s)