TheImprovement ofTropical and Subtropical Rangelands

GRAZING MANAGEMENT 137
flooded and, as a result, the lowlands can support livestock only
during periods when the swamps dry out. Infestation by various
parasites and insects associated with the swampy conditions is a major
cause of animalloes. The reduction of grazing areas during the
period of inundation prompted overgrazing around villages. The insecurity
of livestock herds outside the Inland Delta Region during the
wet season, from July to November, had increased this deterioration
of rangelands. Since the Inland Delta Region had great potential
for rice cultivation, many conflicts occurred between farmers and
pastoralists.
Shehu Hamadu developed the laerimo system as a strategy to
solve a number of problems in hie kingdom. There are several characteristics
of the laerimo system. For example:
• Grazing zones were allocated for milch cows and were placed
under the control of the community.
• Large grazing areas were allocated for use by dry herds, which
come from everywhere.
• Tranahumance was established to reduce disease hazards.
This was pouible only when Shehu Hamadu organized troops to protect
pastoralists in regions not controlled by the kingdom of Masina.
• Rules were formulated to regulate the use of the rangelands
and reduce conflicts.
The laenmo system was readily accepted because it was sanctioned
by Islam, and Shehu Hamadu ruled his country according to
the tenets of the Qur'an and the Hades. Some of the results of the
laerimo system can be seen even today. Among them are:
• Respect for the organizational structures developed by Shehu
Hamadu endures because these structures have religious support and
the organization responds to the needs of the people in the area.
• A high-intensity land 1188 pattern is in operation that includes
the entire range of available resources.
• The calendar for the use of rangelands and the migratory
routel established in the time ofthe Dina (laenmo) are still respected.
• A strong sense of ownership has developed among pastoralists
who control the use of their communal herimas. Pastoralists also are
in charge of improving these lands.
• Land is allocated for the production of rice, which is the
major staple food in the Inland Delta Region.
Pastoralists living in the Inland Delta Region consider the laerimo
system as essential for the use of the resources, and are strongly