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Contextualising sustainable transhumant pastoralism: A systematic review

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  • Richard Apatewen Azerigyik
  • Justice Owusu‐Ansah
  • Michael Poku‐Boansi
  • Frank Kwaku Agyei

Abstract

Transhumant pastoralism and sustainable development are two concepts that have long been treated as mutually exclusive elements in research on agriculture and livestock production. This study, therefore, aimed to establish the critical link between the two concepts by exploring the effects of transhumant pastoralism on economic, environmental and social sustainability, thereby conceptualising it within the broader sustainable development discourse. The study adopted a systematic literature review methodology to synthesise 145 studies related to the role of transhumant pastoralism in sustainable development in sub‐Saharan Africa. The paper employed thematic analysis to investigate the nature of transhumance and its implications for sustainability. The thematic analysis was based on the tripartite dimensions of sustainability—social, economic and environmental. The findings indicate that transhumance substantially impacts economic sustainability through the preservation of livelihoods, the creation of employment opportunities, and the generation of revenue. Nonetheless, it also poses challenges such as crop damage and the spread of zoonotic diseases, adversely affecting economic stability. Socially, transhumance promotes ethnoreligious cooperation and integration, enhancing social cohesion, but it also contributes to conflicts and security concerns. From the environmental perspective, transhumance has the potential to mitigate overgrazing and facilitate ecosystem regeneration. However, it is also linked to water contamination, deforestation, and the proliferation of invasive species. The study concluded that sustainable transhumant pastoralism must be conceptualised holistically, addressing the dimensions of sustainability simultaneously. It is recommended that effective stakeholder collaboration and comprehensive policy interventions be used to harness the benefits of transhumance while minimising its adverse effects.

Suggested Citation

  • Richard Apatewen Azerigyik & Justice Owusu‐Ansah & Michael Poku‐Boansi & Frank Kwaku Agyei, 2025. "Contextualising sustainable transhumant pastoralism: A systematic review," Sustainable Development, John Wiley & Sons, Ltd., vol. 33(2), pages 2888-2901, April.
    • Handle: RePEc:wly:sustdv:v:33:y:2025:i:2:p:2888-2901
    DOI: 10.1002/sd.3273
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    References listed on IDEAS

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    1. Steve Tonah, 2002. "Fulani pastoralists, indigenous farmers and the contest for land in Northern Ghana," Africa Spectrum, Institute of African Affairs, GIGA German Institute of Global and Area Studies, Hamburg, vol. 37(1), pages 43-59.
    2. Augustine Ayantunde & Rainer Asse & Mohammed Said & Abdou Fall, 2014. "Transhumant pastoralism, sustainable management of natural resources and endemic ruminant livestock in the sub-humid zone of West Africa," Environment, Development and Sustainability: A Multidisciplinary Approach to the Theory and Practice of Sustainable Development, Springer, vol. 16(5), pages 1097-1117, October.
    3. Bukari, Kaderi Noagah & Kuusaana, Elias Danyi, 2018. "Impacts of large-scale land holdings on Fulani pastoralists’ in the Agogo Traditional Area of Ghana," Land Use Policy, Elsevier, vol. 79(C), pages 748-758.
    4. Sebastiaan Soeters & Ruben Weesie & Annelies Zoomers, 2017. "Agricultural Investments and Farmer-Fulani Pastoralist Conflict in West African Drylands: A Northern Ghanaian Case Study," Sustainability, MDPI, vol. 9(11), pages 1-19, November.
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