The pastoral surveillance bulletin for April–May 2025 in Mauritania, published by Action Against Hunger and its partners, reports a concerning situation as the lean season approaches. The degradation of natural pastures and drying of water points, particularly in eastern regions (Hodh El Chargui and Hodh El Gharbi), are increasing pressure on pastoral resources. Transhumance movements have begun earlier and more intensely than usual, often hindered by land disputes and high livestock concentrations in certain zones. The body condition of livestock is generally fair, though some disease outbreaks have been reported. Market trends show rising prices for both livestock and staple foods, to the disadvantage of herders. Although the security context remains relatively stable, the food situation of pastoral households is increasingly fragile.

State, Pastoralism, Livestock, Natural ressources, Security, Education, Gold, Human security, Social, Civil Society, Marché

The February–March 2025 Pastoral Monitoring Bulletin, published by Action Against Hunger, highlights key challenges for pastoralism in the Sahel. This transition period between the cold and hot dry seasons is characterized by the drying up of temporary water points and widespread bushfires that have reduced forage availability. Nevertheless, pasture remains generally sufficient. Seasonal transhumance movements are mainly downward, but abnormal or forced movements linked to insecurity are also reported. The body condition of livestock ranges from fair to satisfactory, although suspected disease outbreaks are noted. Cereal and livestock prices are mostly rising, but terms of trade remain unfavorable for herders in many areas. Livestock theft, limited market access, and the arrival of refugees are further complicating conditions in certain regions.

State, Pastoralism, Livestock, Natural ressources, Security, Conflict, Education, Gold, Human security, Insécurité

The pastoral monitoring bulletin for February–March 2025, published by ACF, VSF-B, RBM, and RECOPA, assesses the pastoral situation in Burkina Faso. This period marks the transition between the cold and hot dry seasons, with widespread drying of temporary water points and declining natural pastures, worsened by bushfires. Transhumance movements, especially toward the south, are disrupted due to ongoing insecurity, closure of pastoral corridors, and tensions with crop farmers. The body condition of livestock is fair overall, although some animal diseases have been reported. Market access remains limited in several areas, with rising food prices and deteriorating terms of trade. The security context continues to restrict movement, while the presence of internally displaced persons (IDPs) adds further pressure on already strained resources.

State, Pastoralism, Boundary, Livestock, Natural ressources, Security, Education, Development, Gold, Human security, Marché, Transhumance

This monitoring bulletin, published in April 2025 by Action Against Hunger (ACF), evaluates micro-enterprises supported in the moughataa of Bassikounou, Mauritania, under a project for the socioeconomic inclusion of Malian refugees and host communities. The report highlights slight improvements in profitability, particularly in agriculture and crafts, but also reveals entrepreneurs' heavy reliance on external aid, limited access to formal financing, and persistent economic fragility. Key challenges include high costs and scarcity of raw materials, limited use of management tools, and underdeveloped local financial mechanisms. The bulletin recommends strengthening personalized support, structuring community financing systems, and building local partnerships. It also suggests innovative strategies such as resilience funds and collective input purchasing to improve sustainability and autonomy.

Power, Agriculture, Economic Development, Natural ressources, Education, Development, Gold, Aid, Private sector, Funding

The Pastoral Surveillance Bulletin for Northern Côte d'Ivoire (No. 2, Dec. 2024 – Jan. 2025) provides insights into pastoral dynamics in Bounkani and Tchologo regions. While pasture resources are generally sufficient, pressure has increased due to the influx of refugees, cross-border herd movements, and forced relocations. Livestock body condition is fair, with notable deterioration among large ruminants. Animal disease cases are rising. Farmer-herder conflicts and cattle thefts have intensified, alongside growing insecurity. Livestock prices remain low compared to cereals, weakening pastoralists' purchasing power. Despite market accessibility, the scarcity of fodder and veterinary services compounds vulnerabilities. The bulletin recommends improved coordination among state actors, NGOs, and local communities to support resilience, manage tensions, and protect livelihoods.

State, Livestock, Natural ressources, Security, Conflict, Education, Gold, Human security, Social, Researh

This report examines the social and cultural factors sustaining female genital mutilation (FGM) in Chad's Mandoul region, where prevalence exceeds 80% in certain areas. FGM is often viewed as a vital initiation rite tied to female identity, influenced by social norms, religious beliefs, and ethnic traditions. Despite legal prohibition since 2002 and its inclusion in the 2017 Constitution, the practice continues, frequently in clandestine settings. Health consequences include obstetric complications and sexual dysfunctions. The report emphasizes the need for locally adapted approaches involving communities, religious leaders, and healthcare professionals to challenge the social norms supporting FGM. It recommends awareness campaigns, particularly in schools, and training for local stakeholders to encourage the abandonment of this practice.

Culture, Cultural identity, Governance, Women, Health, Female genital mutilation

The joint pastoral surveillance bulletin by Action Contre la Faim (ACF) and Vétérinaires Sans Frontières Belgium (VSF-B) for February–March 2025 reports an overall satisfactory pastoral situation in Niger. Pastures remain widely available, surface water is sufficient, and markets are accessible. However, livestock body condition has slightly declined and suspected cases of animal diseases persist, though less than in previous periods. Prices of livestock and cereals have decreased, leading to a mild deterioration in terms of trade for herders. Incidents of bushfires, livestock thefts, and inter-community conflicts have also declined. The report recommends increased vaccination, awareness campaigns on transhumance, and better youth engagement to sustainably manage pastoral resources. Efforts should focus on improving disease surveillance, supporting pastoral markets, and sharing strategic information across communities.

State, Boundary, Livestock, Natural ressources, Security, Justice, Education, Gold, Information, Marché

From November 29 to 30, 2023, the Peace and Security Centre of Competence Sub-Saharan Africa of the Friedrich-Ebert-Stiftung (FES) organized a regional workshop in Dakar focusing on crises in West Africa. Gathering academics, researchers, and civil society actors from eight countries, discussions addressed democratic, security, and institutional challenges in the region. Participants highlighted the negative impact of crises on political stability, governance, and regional integration, particularly within ECOWAS. The workshop emphasized the need to rethink democratic models, considering local contexts and the aspirations of populations. Recommendations were made to strengthen the rule of law, promote inclusive governance, and revitalize regional cooperation to build more resilient and legitimate institutions.

Governance, Democracy, Crisis, Regional integration

Niger is facing a complex humanitarian crisis characterized by insecurity, food shortages, epidemics, flooding, and high malnutrition rates. In 2025, 2.2 million people—8% of the population—are projected to be in acute food insecurity. Armed conflict, administrative barriers to humanitarian access, and the suspension of USAID funding are worsening the situation. Acute malnutrition remains alarming: 1.7 million children are expected to be affected, including 412,000 with severe acute malnutrition. The most impacted regions are Diffa, Tahoua, Maradi, and Tillabéri. ACF operates in these areas with an integrated, multisectoral approach including health, nutrition, WASH, and food security, with special focus on displaced populations and pastoralists. Despite strong impact, only 12% of the response needs are currently funded. The report calls for urgent, coordinated, and adequately resourced action to prevent a worsening of the crisis.

Natural ressources, Security, Education, Family, Food security, Gold, Human security, Information, Insécurité, Malnutrition