Conflicts related to cross-border transhumance have become more frequent and violent in recent years. A lot of people have the perception that these conflicts are caused by Fulani herdsmen in the country but, that is not always the case.
Some of these stories are untrue giving indication that transhumance is killer and patronized in all kinds of atrocities in the country.
At a workshop on the study of the perception on transhumance, organized by the Farmers Organization Network in Ghana (FONG) with the support from ROPPA and its partners; SNV, RBM, APESS, Ghanaians have the perception that herdsmen associated with Transhumance carry out atrocities and alleged crimes such as rape, murder, defilement, arson, destruction of crops and so on.
“Generally, people think people in the transhumance system are mostly Fulani who are associated with crimes like rape, defilement, arson, destruction of properties and law violators, Nana Osabarima Mmirrikussi Okasum Apori, the Chairman for the workshop affirmed.
Some of the Fulani cause mayhem in the country but not to the extent to which people have perceived them to be. “Transhumance are perceived as people who are wicked, criminals. They have been stigmatized by the community members which should not be so”, Nana acknowledged.
Transhumance contributes to the economic and nutritional development of the people in the country. Therefore, it is essential to formulate policies that would bring peaceful co-existing among the transhumance and the farmers in the country.
Nana said transhumance will end on the day that the government would enforce anybody who intends to rear livestock to develop their source of feed.
Proposed recommendation by the Stakeholders.
According to the stakeholders’ consultation, it was recommended for the stakeholders, especially the media to educate and sensitize the general public on the perception of transhumance.
Proper transhumance facilities such as watering points along the corridors and grazing reserves should be established for the transhumance.
According to the stakeholders, drones should be used for effective monitoring and surveillance of animals and transhumance mobility in the country.
Advocated issues.
Stakeholders advocated for the need to push for the ratification of the ECOWAS protocols and their effective implementation to address the challenges associated with transhumance.
A functional desk should be established at the appropriate ministry for transhumance in Ghana.
