Herders’ Haven or Farmers’ Foe? Exploring Multi-Stakeholder Perspectives on Grazing Reserves and Transhumance Corridors

Richard Apatewen Azerigyik (), Michael Poku-Boansi and Justice Kuffour Owusu-Ansah
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Richard Apatewen Azerigyik: Department of Planning, Faculty of Built Environment, Kwame Nkrumah University of Science and Technology, Kumasi 00233, Ghana
Michael Poku-Boansi: Department of Planning, Faculty of Built Environment, Kwame Nkrumah University of Science and Technology, Kumasi 00233, Ghana
Justice Kuffour Owusu-Ansah: Department of Planning, Faculty of Built Environment, Kwame Nkrumah University of Science and Technology, Kumasi 00233, Ghana

World, 2024, vol. 5, issue 3, 1-24

Abstract: This study assesses the role of grazing reserves and transhumance corridor systems in enhancing sustainable transhumant pastoralism, drawing on the collaborative planning theory as its theoretical framework. This research aims to understand how these land management strategies impact the sustainability of pastoral practices from the viewpoints of various stakeholders, including farmers, herders, policymakers and local community leaders. This study adopted a mixed-method research design and an exploratory sequential mixed-method approach. Based on the research approach, this study first gathers data through key informant interviews and, subsequently, cross-sectional surveys of 254 crop farmers and 82 herders in the Sekyere Kumawu and Sekyere Afram Plains Districts of Ghana. The findings indicate mixed perceptions among stakeholders regarding delineating grazing reserves and transhumance corridor systems. While most farmers and herders recognise the potential benefits of delineating grazing reserves and corridors in reducing conflict and promoting environmental sustainability, concerns persist about land rights and the flexibility of resource use. While herders see these policies as providing secure grazing territories, farmers fear losing land for agricultural expansion. This study also notes a “paradox of pastoral land tenure”, where herders gain access to grazing resources but face mobility restrictions. Socioeconomic factors like age, education, experience, and association membership significantly influence stakeholders’ perceptions, particularly among herders directly dependent on these resources. These findings underline the complexities in policymaking for land use, emphasising the need for inclusive and well-informed approaches.

Keywords: transhumance pastoralism; sustainability challenges; stakeholder perceptions; inclusive policy implementation (search for similar items in EconPapers)
JEL-codes: G15 G17 G18 L21 L22 L25 L26 Q42 Q43 Q47 Q48 R51 R52 R58 (search for similar items in EconPapers)
Date: 2024
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