Effects of forage harvesting on environmental, agricultural, pastoral and trading activities in the sahelian regions of Niger

Abstract

In the Sahel, to meet the growing demand for animal products, pastoralists mainly use natural forage on the ground and harvested. This practice mainly affects peri-urban ecosystems. This study aims to evaluate the visible effects of forage harvesting on the environment and on rural activities in peri-urban areas. A population perception survey on the effects of straw collection, combined with the measurement of organic matter, the forest inventory, the counting of bare surfaces and ravines on one hectare in two repetitions, was carried out in collection sites of 12 villages in the Maradi and Tillabéry regions. The results showed that the improvement of animal feed, the diversification of source of income and materials of the confection of habitats are the advantages of the gathering of fodder. Land degradation, loss of plant biodiversity and soil depletion were the adverse effects of forage collection, which was more pronounced in Tillabéry than in Maradi. The development and promotion of fodder crops makes it possible to meet the growing demand for fodder in urban markets and reduce forage collection on peri-urban routes.