Policy framework for Pastoralism in Africa

2.2.1 Mediterranean and Saharan zoneThree distinct pastoral areas exist in the Mediterranean and Saharan zone, namely: the high altitudemountains; cold, low altitude areas of the Mediterranean coast; and the hot area of the Saharadesert. It is worth noting that 30 percent of semi-arid land located along the Atlantic coastal areasof Sahraouian Arab Democratic Republic and Mauritania are also used for pastoral activities.a) High altitude, mountainsThe high altitude mountainous pastoral areas are found in Morocco and Algeria. These are aridlands with steppe-like vegetation that is unsuitable for cropping activities. Annual rainfall of 100mm to 400 mm is recorded in the winter season, while the summer season is generally hot andwithout rain. This rangeland is mainly used for sheep and goat production. It is very sensitive toclimate change and is already highly degraded.b) Coastal MediterraneanThe cold, low altitude pastoral area of the Mediterranean coastal zone has somewhat similar climaticand ecological characteristics to the highland pastoral area described above. However, theweather is cold in the winter season and cool during the rest of the year.c) SaharanThe hot pastoral area of the Sahara desert is located immediately south of the Mediterranean coastalpastoral area. This pastoral area represents approximately 10 percent of the Sahara desert and asannual rainfall is around 100 mm, it is super-arid.2.2.2 Sub-Saharan tropical and equatorial zonesThe sub-Saharan tropical and equatorial zone is roughly located between the northern and southerntropics. It comprises the following pastoral areas, from north to south:--The Saharan super-arid pastoral area;--The Sahelian arid pastoral area;--The Sudano-Sahelian semi-arid pastoral area;--The Sudan and Sudano-Guinean sub-humid pastoral area;--The Guinea humid pastoral area;--The high altitude, humid forest pastoral area.a) Saharan super-arid pastoral areaThe Saharan super-arid pastoral area is a land strip situated at the southern end of the Saharadesert. It extends from Mauritania in the west to Eritrea in the east, and crosses Mali, Niger, Chadand Sudan. Camel production is the predominant livestock activity in this area, followed by smallruminants and then cattle. Camels constitute a major source of income, meat, milk and hide, andthey serve as the main mode of transport in this harsh part of Africa. Hot days (above 40°C) andcold nights (below 15°C) are common and annual rainfall is minimal (less than 150 mm). Vegetationand water resources are found around a few water points, called oases. Control over these waterSecuring, Protecting and Improving the Lives, Livelihoods and Rights of Pastoralist Communities13