Pastoral Situation of Goundam – September 2017

The Goundam circle, due to the wealth of its pastoral resources, is coveted by several pastoralists, hence intense pressure from animals on the resources, which causes a pastoral crisis every year which causes enormous animal mortality.

The cumulative rainfall recorded at 261 mm in 16 days, its poor distribution in time and space; suggest the observation below. Pastures are very sparse in some areas and non-existent in others (see resource table). They are of low density in the circle, currently subject to strong pressure (animal concentrations). The water level in the ponds is lower than last year at the same time. Only a few temporary ponds can retain water until March. The weakness of the flood gives no hope for flooded pastures. In the bourgoutières, insufficient rain has not allowed the regeneration of bourgou shoots.

These days, there are very few departures observed; rather, there are returns to the land after the rainy season. The poor management of pastoral land and the insecurity that forces concentrations that promote the degradation of resources are leading us towards a pastoral crisis that requires a response.

Thus, the actors gathered under the aegis of Action Against Hunger took stock of the current situation, the projected situation and proposed solutions to mitigate the risk factors.