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Abstract

There seems to be paradigm shift in the direction of seasonal migration among the nomadic pastoralists in southern Nigeria owing to recent social events and hostility confronting them in their communities. This study examined the new directions of seasonal migration among nomadic pastoralists, the migration pattern, distances covered during migration, period of return to the home area, factors responsible for the migration pattern, and the challenges encountered in the new area. The study relied mainly on primary data, which emanated from a survey questionnaire. The resultant data were used to elicit information on the relevant variables of the study. One hundred and twenty (120) questionnaires were randomly administered to pastoralists in thirteen (13) selected communities. The results showed that pastoralists embarked on short and long term seasonal migration, dictated by five indigenous seasons, which include Seeto, Dungu, Yawal, Dabbunde, and Cheedu respectively. Additionally, the movement of the herders was limited to locations within northern Nigeria, particularly to Gombe, Jigawa, Niger, Bauchi, and Kaduna States while some moved to the Niger and Chad Republics for pasture. Those who limited their seasonal migration to communities within northern Nigeria covered distances from 25 to 300km by foot, while those who crossed the international boundary covered distances between 500 and 600km. Finally, the study identified inadequate grazing land (40.8%), water scarcity (25%), drought/harsh weather conditions (15%) as the major challenges confronted them during transhumance. Other challenges were conflicts with the farmers (6.7%) and cattle rustlers (2.5%). The findings of this study advances/advanced our knowledge on the recent development in animal husbandry as herders limited their seasonal migration to northern Nigeria contrary to a more southward movement.

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