SEASONAL MANAGEMENT PRACTICES OF SOME SELECTED CAMEL PASTORALIST HERDS AT KATSINA STATE COMPONENT OF NIGERIA – NIGER CORRIDOR

Abstract

This report is aimed at providing an information on the management practices of migrant pastoralists that inhabit the Nigeria–Niger Corridor. The pastoralists’ domain are located within the two Local Government Areas (LGAs) – Mashi and Mani of Katsina State. However, the vast grazing area they migrated to during the rainfed season is Dan Aunai Grazing Area located at Dutsi LGA of Katsina State respectively. Due to the seasonal variations, the management practices varied between dry and wet/rainfed seasons. The pastoralists are adapted to all seasonal changes and the camels too are
adapted simultaneously. Among the variations in the management practices included the availability of feeds in the wet/rainfed season, increased in milk production, sufficient water due to running streams and manifestation of parasites. Meanwhile, during dry season it included the shortage of feed and water, less infestation of parasites and most importantly it’s the breeding season which falls between November to February. The report revealed the routine practices experienced by the herders under pastoral production system in which the camel herders in the area are fully adopted to