Pastoralism: Access to Land and Ecosystem Functions and Services in the Congo Basin

Abstract Pastoralism is a cornerstone of livelihoods and subsistence for millions in sub-Saharan Africa, particularly in arid and semi-arid regions, where rainfall variability limits other agricultural activities. It supports over 20 million people and underpins livestock economies in several African countries, contributing significantly to global agricultural production and food security. Beyond its economic importance, pastoralism plays cultural and ecological roles, reinforcing social bonds, maintaining biodiversity, and promoting ecosystem health through natural grazing patterns. In recent years, climatic conditions, coupled with insecurity in the Sudano-Sahelian zone, have led herders to move increasingly southwards, some even settling in forest areas. This sedentarization is not without consequences for the forests. This chapter reviews the history of pastoralism in the Congo Basin, the factors of adaptation, and their role in ecosystem functions and services. Despite these challenges, pastoralism remains vital for ecosystem services, providing forage, water, and medicinal plants essential for livestock and herders. Rangelands, including grasslands and savannas, sustain millions of animals and hold cultural and spiritual significance for pastoral communities. Grazing patterns can promote vegetation regrowth and soil health, while pastoral rangelands act as carbon sinks in the savanna zone, mitigating climate change. Although the importance of pastoralism, when it is practiced without respect for load capacities and the absence of management rules, causes abusive cutting of trees and leads to land degradation and deforestation, pastoralism remains a major socioeconomic issue that must be taken into account in the governance of natural resources.