Perception of climate change among Sahelian pastoralists and strategies for adapting to environmental constraints: The case of the commune of Filingué in Niger

Abstract

The objective of the study was to understand the vulnerability of livestock farms to environmental changes in the urban commune of Filingué in Niger. In order to determine, on the one hand, the perception of climate change by livestock farmers and its consequences, and on the other hand, their adaptation strategies, 240 heads of households were surveyed, i.e. 30 people in each of the eight villages selected. The methodology consisted of an exploratory study to select the villages, an in-depth survey phase with the administration of questionnaires to pastoralists and agropastoralists, and individual and group interviews to gather additional information. The results revealed that climate change was perceived as a phenomenon that affected livestock husbandry practices, which are highly dependent on the environment. Livestock farmers noted an increase in temperature (24% of respondents), longer droughts (58%) and a higher frequency of high winds (18%). These factors negatively affected the pastoral activity of the commune and made it very vulnerable. To cope with them, and in particular to mitigate the effects of droughts, the strategies adopted by the herders included the use of transhumance (25%), feed purchase (22%), destocking of animals (15%), and fodder storage (15%). Livestock farmers also used a mixture of bran with millet hulls or cardboard in case of hardship at the time preceding the harvest (23%). These endogenous strategies need support to make them more effective.