The Food and Agriculture Organization of the United Nations (FAO), in collaboration with regional partners, convened a high-level technical on January 29th and 30th, 2026 in Douala to address the complex challenges of cross-border transhumance between Cameroon, Chad, and the Central Africa Republic (CAR). Recognizing that the seasonal migration of livestock is a cornerstone of the Sahelian economy, stakeholders emphasized that the practice transcends mere agricultural production. In the face of increasing environmental pressures, the meeting served as a critical platform to transition transhumance management from a localized agricultural concern to a central pillar of regional security and territorial stability.
For decades, the migration of pastoralists from Chad and Cameroon into the CAR during the dry season has been marred by escalating cycles of violence. As climate change accelerates resource scarcity in the Lake Chad Basin, the competition for dwindling water and grazing land has turned traditional corridors into volatile flashpoints. These recurring conflicts between herders and farmers often stem from crop destruction and disputed land use, frequently resulting in fatalities and the displacement of rural communities. By focusing on formalizing these migration routes, FAO aims to mitigate these “pastoralist-farmer” tensions and foster social cohesion across borders.
Beyond the immediate threat of physical violence, recent health concerns such as the recent outbreak of Rift Valley Fever (RVF) near the Cameroon-CAR border served as a stark reminder of how unregulated livestock movements can facilitate the rapid spread of zoonotic diseases. These health crises not only decimate herds but also pose a direct threat to human populations. Stakeholders argued that strengthening regional cooperation is essential for establishing robust epidemiological surveillance systems that can track and contain disease spillover along transhumance tracks.
The consensus reached in Douala underscores a paradigm shift in regional policy: managing transhumance is no longer an optional endeavor but a prerequisite for peace. By integrating food security strategies with diplomatic and security frameworks, Cameroon, Chad, and the CAR are moving toward a unified approach to territorial management. Success in this initiative will require sustained political will and the implementation of shared regulatory frameworks to ensure that the search for pasture does not come at the cost of human life. Ultimately, safeguarding these ancient migratory paths is fundamental to ensuring the long-term resilience and stability of the Central African region.
