The government of Chad has taken steps to address the issue of early transhumance, which causes damage to crops and leads to conflicts between farmers and herders. In a circular note, Vice Prime Minister Limane Mahamat, who is in charge of territorial administration and decentralization, has instructed provincial and local authorities to take necessary measures to prevent early transhumance and ensure the security of herders and farmers. This move aims to promote peaceful coexistence between the two groups.
According to the government, early transhumance is a recurring problem in Chad, resulting in crop damage and clashes between farmers and herders. These conflicts often lead to loss of life, destruction of property, and social cohesion. The authorities believe that coordinated action is necessary to prevent such incidents and ensure a smooth 2026-2027 campaign. The circular note emphasizes the importance of adhering to the calendar and designated passage corridors.
The Vice Prime Minister has instructed authorities to take specific measures to prevent early transhumance. These include disseminating information on the opening dates of transhumance corridors and entry into agricultural zones through various channels. Authorities are also required to sensitize traditional leaders, religious leaders, and farmer and herder organizations to respect the calendar. Additionally, they must establish a progress report on harvests and provide regular updates to adjust entry dates for herds if necessary.
The government has also emphasized the need for enhanced surveillance along entry points and transhumance corridors, in collaboration with defense and security forces and local committees. Authorities are required to arrest herds that enter early, redirect them to designated waiting areas or pastures, and escort them to designated corridors. Furthermore, they must restore and maintain passage corridors, water points, and rest areas, and ensure access to water and pasture in waiting areas.
To address conflicts between farmers and herders, the government plans to reactivate or establish local mixed committees for conflict management. These committees will be set up in each department and sub-prefecture. The authorities also aim to ensure prompt compensation for crop damage through contradictory and conciliatory processes, and if necessary, judicial processes. Perpetrators of violence, crop destruction, or fraudulent introduction of herds will face sanctions as provided by law.
The government has instructed provincial authorities to organize preparatory meetings for the 2026-2027 campaign, bringing together administrators, technical services, security forces, and representatives of farmers and herders. The authorities must also coordinate with neighboring provinces and countries to manage cross-border flows. Regular reports will be submitted to the ministry, detailing incidents, measures taken, and challenges encountered.
The measures taken by the Chadian government aim to mitigate the effects of early transhumance and promote peaceful coexistence between farmers and herders. By enforcing the calendar and designated passage corridors, the authorities hope to reduce conflicts and ensure a smooth 2026-2027 campaign. The success of these measures will depend on effective coordination and implementation by provincial and local authorities.
Key points
- The Chadian government has issued a circular note instructing authorities to take measures to prevent early transhumance and ensure security for herders and farmers.
- Early transhumance causes crop damage and conflicts between farmers and herders, resulting in loss of life, destruction of property, and social cohesion.
- The government aims to promote peaceful coexistence between farmers and herders through coordinated action and enforcement of the calendar and designated passage corridors.
