Skip to main content
SpringerLink
Log in

Access to Land and Water in the Zamfara Reserve. A Case Study for the Management of Common Property Resources in Pastoral Areas of West Africa

  • Published:
Human Ecology Aims and scope Submit manuscript

Abstract

In this paper, the link between traditional rights of access to land and water and present day practices is established and illustrated. Data collected during various studies in the Zamfara Forest Reserve, northwest Nigeria, provided information on the different resources utilized (land, pastures, water) and the views and practices of different user-groups and stakeholders. The findings are discussed with a view to improving existing common property resource management (CPRM) in the area.

This is a preview of subscription content, log in via an institution to check access.

Access this article

Log in via an institution

Price excludes VAT (USA)
Tax calculation will be finalised during checkout.

Instant access to the full article PDF.

Institutional subscriptions

Similar content being viewed by others

REFERENCES

  • Abdu, P. S. (1982). Dry-season migration II. In Abdu, P. S., Bode, J., Boyd, J., Davis, G., Main, H., McCarthy, M., and Swindell, K. (eds), Sokoto State in maps. An Atlas of Physical and Human Resources, University Press Ltd., Birmingham, UK, pp. 46-47.

    Google Scholar 

  • Adamu, M. (1986). The role of Fulani and Twareg pastoralists in the Central Sudan, 1405–1903. In Adamu, M., and A. H. M. Kirk-Greene (eds.), Pastoralists of the West African Savanna, Manchester University Press, UK, pp. 55-61.

    Google Scholar 

  • Anderson, J. N. D. (1970). Nigeria. In Anderson, J. N. D. (ed.), Islamic Law in Africa. Frank Cass, London, pp. 171-190.

    Google Scholar 

  • ARCA (1995). Forest Reserve study: Ruma Kukar Janjarai and Zamfara Forests. Final report Vol. 1, The Environment: Present Conditions and Degradation Factors, Katsina Arid Zone Programme, Federal Republic of Nigeria, National Planning Comission.

  • Arnold, J. E. M., and Stewart, W. C. (1991). Common property resource management in India. Oxford tropical forest papers No. 24, Oxford Forestry Institute, Oxford, 51pp.

    Google Scholar 

  • Awogbade, M. (1983). Pastoral Fulani reaction to grazing reserve development. The case of Ruma-Kukar-Jangarai, Kaduna State, Nigeria. ODI Pastoral Network Paper 16b.

  • Barnes, D. L. (1982). Management strategies for the utilization of Southern African Savanna. In Huntley, B. J., and Walker, B. H. (eds.), Ecology of Tropical Savannas. Springer, Berlin, Ecological Studies, 42, pp. 626-656.

    Google Scholar 

  • Bassett, T. J. (1994). Hired herders and herd management in Fulani pastoralism (Northern ôte d'Ivoire). Cahiers d'études africaines XXXIV: 133-135.

    Google Scholar 

  • Boudet, G. (1984). Manuel sur les pðturages tropicaux et les cultures fourragères. Manuels et précis d'élevage No. 4, Ministère de la Coopération, IEMVT.

  • Braun-Yao, M., and Hahn-Hadjali, K. (1999). Migration und lokales ressourcenmanagement. In Schlichtung von Landkonflikten, Workshop, Berlin, Feb. 15-17, 1999, Institut für Ethnologie, Freie Universitaet Berlin, und GTZ, Eschborn (CD).

  • Bromley, D. (1991). Testing for common versus private property. A comment. J. Environ. Econ. Manage. 21.

  • Bruce, J. W. (2001). African tenure models at the turn of the century: Individual property models and common property models. Land Reform 2000/2001, 16-27.

  • Burnham, P., and Last, M. (1993). From pastoralist to politician: The problem of a Fulße 20icAristocracy.20id Cahiers d'études africaines, XXXIV, 133-135:313–357.

    Google Scholar 

  • Butcher, C. (1994). Extension and pastoral development. Past, present and future. ODI Pastoral Dev. Netw. Paper 37d.

  • Chafe, K. S. (1990). The transformation of socio-political policies of the leaders of the Sokoto Caliphate. A preliminary study of the impact of the socio-economic programmes and policies on political integration. In Kani, A. M., and Gandi, K. A. (eds.), State and Society in the Sokoto Caliphate, Gaskiya, Zaria, pp. 31-62.

    Google Scholar 

  • Crowder, M. (1962). The story of Nigeria. Faber & Faber, London.

    Google Scholar 

  • Dikko, A. U., and Bashir, D. (1994). Inventory of water sources and their qualities in Zamfara Grazing Reserve. In Bashir, D. (ed.), Baseline Information for Sustainable Rehabilitation and Management of Zamfara Grazing Reserve, UDU/JLU EEC Linkage Programme 1992/93 Research Report, Sokoto, 61-75.

  • Eckert, B., and Hoffmann, I. (1998). Statutory versus customary land allocation. Implications on land tenure and resource management. In Hoffmann, I. (ed. ), Prospects of Pastoralism in West Africa. Giessener Beitr0ea4ge zur Entwicklungsforschung. Reihe I, 25: 169-178.

    Google Scholar 

  • Fika, A. M. (1978). The Kano Civil War and British Over-Rule 1882–1940, Oxford University Press, Ibadan, Nigeria.

    Google Scholar 

  • Fraser, S. (1997). Indigenous 2018Symbiotic2019 Exchange Relations Between Cattle Herders and Farmers in the Savanna Regions of Nigeria, MSc Thesis, Department of Anthropology, University College, London.

    Google Scholar 

  • Fricke, W. (1969). Die Rinderhaltung in Nordnigeria und ihre natur-und sozialr0ea4umlichen Grundlagen, Frankfurter Geographische Hefte 46, 252pp.

    Google Scholar 

  • Gefu, J. O. (1992). Pastoralist perspectives in Nigeria. The Fulbe of Udubo Grazing Reserve, Research Report No. 89, The Scandinavian Institute of African Studies, Upsala.

    Google Scholar 

  • Gefu, J. O. (1994). An assessment of the socio-economic and resource dynamics of the Zamfara Grazing Reserve, Sokoto State, Nigeria. Unpublished research proposal, Zaria.

  • Hassan, W. A. (2000). Biological Productivity of Sheep and Goats Under Agro-Silvo-Pastoral Systems in Zamfara Reserve in Northwest Nigeria. Cuvillier, Goettingen, German, pp. 260.

    Google Scholar 

  • Hesse, C., Ezeomah, C., Hassan, U. A., and Ardo, A. A. (1998). An Assessmant of the Organisational Effectiveness of Pastoral Organisations in Northern Nigeria, A report prepared for the Department for International Development, RNC Sector Coordinator's Office, Kaduna, Nigeria.

    Google Scholar 

  • Hof, A. (2000). Developing a GIS Methodology for the Analysis of Agro-Pastoral Livelihood and Ecosystems in the Zamfara Forest Reserve, NW Nigeria, MSc Thesis, Department of Geography, University of Durham, September 2000.

  • Hoffmann, I. (2003). Spatial distribution of cattle herds as a response to natural and social environments. A case study from the Zamfara Reserve, Northwest Nigeria. Nomadic Peoples 6(2), 6-23.

    Google Scholar 

  • Hoffmann, I., Gerling, D., Kyiogwom, U. B., and Mané-Bielfeldt, A. (2001). Farmers' management strategies to maintain soil fertility in a remote area in Northwest Nigeria. Agric. Ecosystems and the Environ. 86(3): 263-275.

    Google Scholar 

  • Hoffmann, I., Schaefer, C., and Steinbach, J. (1996). The effects of R & D projects for pastoral target groups in West Africa. In Proceedings of the Working Groups Wednesday for the International Symposium on Food Security and Innovations. Successes and Lessons Learned, University of Hohenheim, Germany, March 11–13, pp. 55-74.

    Google Scholar 

  • Hoffmann, I., Willeke-Wetstein, C., and Schaefer, C. (1998). Description of a grazing ecosystem in Northwestern Nigeria, using environmental indicators. Anim. Res. Dev. 48: 69-83.

    Google Scholar 

  • Hogben, S. J., and Kirk-Greene, A. H. M. (1966). The Emirates of Northern Nigeria. A Preliminary Survey of Their Historical Traditions, Oxford University Press, London.

    Google Scholar 

  • Jodha, N. S. (1985). Market forces and erosion of common property resources. In ICRISAT: Agricultural markets in the semi-arid tropics. In Proceedings of the International Workshop, Hyderabad, Oct. 24-28, 1983.

  • Johnston, H. A. S. (1967). The Fulani Empire of Sokoto, Oxford University Press, London.

    Google Scholar 

  • Keay, R. W. J. (1949). An example of Sudan zone vegetation in Nigeria. J. Ecol. 37: 335-364.

    Google Scholar 

  • Kohnert, D. (1982). Klassenbildung im l0ea4ndlichen Nigeria. Das Beispiel der Savannenbauern in Nupeland. Arbeiten aus dem Institut für Afrikakunde 42, Hamburg.

    Google Scholar 

  • Kueppers, K. (1998). Evaluation of the ligneous strata of the vegetation of the Zamfara Reserve. In Hoffmann, I. (ed.), Prospects of Pastoralism in West Africa, Giessener Beitr0ea4ge zur Entwicklungsforschung, Reihe I, Bd. 25, pp. 41-47.

    Google Scholar 

  • Lane, C., and Moorehead, R. (1995). New directions in rangeland and resource tenure and policy. In Scoones, I. (ed.), Living With Uncertainty. New Directions in Pastoral Development in Africa, London, pp. 116-133.

  • Lugard, Lord (1965). The Dual Mandate in British Tropical Africa, Frank Cass, London.

    Google Scholar 

  • Malami, B. S., Hassan, W. A., Tukur, H. M., and Maigandi, S. A. (1998). Communal grazing of sheep and goats in the Zamfara Reserve. In Hoffmann, I. (ed.), Prospects of Pastoralism in West Africa, Giessener Beitr0ea4ge zur Entwicklungsforschung, Reihe I, Bd. 25, pp. 191-195.

    Google Scholar 

  • McIntire, J., Bourzat, D., and Pingali, P. (1992). Crop-Livestock Interaction in Sub-Saharan Africa, The World Bank, Washington, DC.

    Google Scholar 

  • Mohammed, I., and Bello, H. M. (1994). Transhumance. A rangeland resource management strategy in an endangered ecosystem. In Range Development in the Endangered Sudan Savanna in Sokoto State (Nigeria), STD 3 report 1992–1994, Giessen 1994, pp. 73-80.

  • Moorehead, R. (1997). Structural chaos: Community and state management of common property in Mali. Pastoral land tenure series, Monographs 3, International Institute for Environment and Development, London.

    Google Scholar 

  • Mueller, J. O. (1992). Der houroum von Peul-Nomaden im Sahel des Senegal nach der Bodenrechtsreform. Anmerkungen zu offenen Fragen der Nutzungsrechte auf Nah-und Fernweiden. Symposium: Mensch und Boden im Prozeß der Entwicklung. Institute for Co-operation in Developing Countries, Marburg, July 3–4, 1992.

  • Muhammad-Baba, T. A. (1990). Pastoral ascendancy in the Savannah. A sociological assessment of the impact of the 1804 jihad on pastoral Fulbe. In Kani, A. M., and Gandi, K. A. (eds.), State and Society in the Sokoto Caliphate. Gaskiya, Zaria, pp. 104-125.

  • Netting, R. (1982). Territory, property and tenure. In Adams, R. M., Smelser, N. J., Treiman D. J. (eds.), Behavioral and Social Science, National Academic Press, Washington, DC.

    Google Scholar 

  • Niamir, M. (1991). Traditional African range management techniques. implications for rangeland management. ODI Pastoral Development Network Paper 31d.

  • Noronha, R. (1997). Common-property resource-management in traditional societies. In Dasgupta, P., Maeler, K.-G. (eds.), The Environment and Emerging Development Issues, Vol. 1, Oxford, p49ff.

    Google Scholar 

  • Olofin, E. A. (1987). The legislative needs in water resource development in Nigeria. In Mortimore, M., Olofin, E. A., Cline-Cole, R. A., and Abdulkadir, A. (eds.), Perspectives on Land Administration and Development in Northern Nigeria, Proceedings of a workshop on land resources, Kano, Sept. 25–28, 1986, Department of Geography, Ahmadu Bello University, 91-97.

  • Ostrom, E. (1990). Governing the Commons. The Evolution of Institutions for Collective Action, Cambridge University Press, UK.

    Google Scholar 

  • Perrier, G. K. (1986). Limiting livestock pressure on public rangeland in Niger. ODI Pastoral Development Network, Paper 21 d.

  • Perrier, G. K., and Craig, P. S. (1983). The effects of the 2018development approach2019 on long-term establishment of a grazing reserve in northern Nigeria. ODI Pastoral Network Paper 15c.

  • Quiggin, J. (1993). Common property, equality, and development. World Dev. 21(7): 1123-1138.

    Google Scholar 

  • Report of the Committee (1998). On the Utilization of Forest Reserves in Zamfara State. Unpubl. draft, Gusau.

  • Schaefer, C. (1998). Pastorale Wiederk0ea4uerhaltung in der Sudansavanne. Eine Untersuchung im Zamfara-Forstschutzgebiet im Nordwesten Nigerias. Cuvillier, Goettingen, Germany, 217pp

    Google Scholar 

  • Schaefer, C., Hoffmann, I., Gefu, J., and Mohammed, I. (1996). Evaluation of crop production in the enclaves of Zamfara Reserve, NW-Nigeria, Part 1. Report of the STD-3 project Range development in the Endangered Sudan Savanna, Giessen.

  • Scoones, I. (1995). New directions in pastoral development in Africa. In Scoones, I. (ed.), Living With Uncertainty. New Directions in Pastoral Development in Africa, London, pp. 1-36.

  • Swallow, B. M., and Bromley, D. W. (1994). Co-management or no-management: The prospects for internal governance of common property regimes through dynamic contracts. Oxf. Agrarian Stud. 22(1): 3-16.

    Google Scholar 

  • Swift, J., and Maliki, A. (1984). A cooperative development experiment among nomadic herders in Niger. ODI Pastoral Development Network Paper 18c.

  • Sylla, D. (1995). Pastoral organisations for uncertain environments. In Scoones, I. (ed.), Living With Uncertainty. New Directions in Pastoral Development in Africa, London, pp. 134-152.

  • Thebaud, B., Grell, H., and Miehe, S. (1995). Recognising the effectiveness of traditional pastoral practices. Lessons from a controlled grazing experiment in Northern Senegal. IIED Drylands Paper No. 55.

  • Umar, B. F., Tukur, H. M., and Hoffmann, I. (2001). Establishment and management of the Zamfara Reserve, North Western Nigeria. Unpublished INCO report Development of sustainable pastoral and agro-pastoral livelihood systems in West Africa. Giessen, April 2001.

  • Van den Brink, R., Bromley, D. W., and Chavas, J.-P. (1995). The economics of Cain and Abel: Agro-pastoral property rights in the Sahel. J. Dev. Stud. 31(3): 373-399.

    Google Scholar 

  • Vedeld, T. (1992). Local institution-building and resource management in the west African Sahel. ODI Pastoral Development Network Paper 33c.

  • Watts, M. (1983). Silent Violence. Food, Famine and Peasantry in Northern Nigeria, University of California Press, Berkeley.

    Google Scholar 

  • Westoby, M., Walker, B., and Noy-Meir, I. (1989). Opportunistic management for rangelands not at equilibrium. J. Range Manage. 42(4): 266-274.

    Google Scholar 

  • Zahradeen, M. S. (1990). The acquisition of land and its administration in the Sokoto Caliphate as provided in Abdullahi Danfodiyo's Talim Al Radi. In Kani, A. M., and Gandi, K. A. (eds.), State and Society in the Sokoto Caliphate, Gaskiya, Zaria, 193-206.

  • Zillekens, K. (1985). Zum Konflikt zwischen b0ea4uerlichen und feudalen Grundbesitzverh0ea4ltnissen in Nordnigeria. Afrika Spektrum 85/1: 83-95.

    Google Scholar 

Download references

Author information

Authors and Affiliations

  1. Department of Livestock Ecology, Justus-Liebig-University, 35390, Giessen, Germany

    Irene Hoffmann

Authors
  1. Irene Hoffmann
    View author publications

    You can also search for this author in PubMed Google Scholar

Rights and permissions

Reprints and permissions

About this article

Cite this article

Hoffmann, I. Access to Land and Water in the Zamfara Reserve. A Case Study for the Management of Common Property Resources in Pastoral Areas of West Africa. Human Ecology 32, 77–105 (2004). https://doi.org/10.1023/B:HUEC.0000015212.80585.f9

Download citation

  • Issue Date:

  • DOI: https://doi.org/10.1023/B:HUEC.0000015212.80585.f9

Search

Navigation