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Pastoralists conquering markets in Niger

 | Pro-ARIDES

In Niger, pastoral livestock farming is the main economic activity and source of income for pastoralists. Their main sources of income are the sale of live animals through destocking (sale of unhealthy, late-growing or poorly performing animals) and the sale of dairy by-products (curdled milk, butter, cheese, etc.).

Income from these sales is generally used to purchase grain, livestock feed, equipment and/or to pay certain social charges (taxes, litigation, ceremonies/marriages). It should be noted that food products are sometimes acquired through a barter system. Extensive livestock farming does not make much profit from animal by-products, due to the mobility of pastoralists. Thus, the seasonal nature of their movements sometimes limits their access to the market at times when demand for these dairy products is not high. In addition, some pastoralists have little mastery of dairy processing and preservation techniques. In addition, climate change and insecurity are transforming this form of extensive livestock farming, bringing it closer to large cities, which represent a halo of resilience. These large cities can offer opportunities in terms of access to complementary feed and increased sales of dairy products. This will help improve terms of trade and enhance the growing demand for these by-products.