DYNAMICS OF HERBACEOUS MASS DEGRADATION ON NATURAL RANGELANDS AND PEASANT INNOVATIONS FOR SUSTAINABLE MANAGEMENT OF PASTORAL RESOURCES IN THE NIGERIEN SAHEL

The Sahelian steppe areas are ecosystems favorable to the development of herbaceous vegetation intended for livestock feed in extensive farming systems. This study aims to assess the dynamics of herbaceous biomass degradation and to identify farmers innovations in managing pastoral crises. Investigations monitoring the dynamics of herbaceous biomass degradation and farmers innovations in managing pastoral crisis were conducted in three eco-climatic areas in the central west of Niger. To do this, a 2,500 m² vegetation unit was delineated and protected in each eco-climatic area to monitor the dynamics of herbaceous mass degradation. The results highlight a rapid degradation of herbaceous vegetation in all eco-climatic areas starting in december, with a capacity ranging from 0.05 to 0.15 TLU/ha/year (Tropical Livestock Units). Transhumant shepherds, livestock owners, and pastoral civil society are the main acto rs involved in the sustainable management of grazing ecosystems. Operators have developed strategies for managing pastoral crisis, even though some innovations exacerbate problems related to pastoral land. For sustainable and efficient management of sahelian grazing ecosystems, pastoral and agropastoral farmers must be fully involved both upstream and downstream in programs to optimize pastoral resources. Keywords: grazed ecosystems, forage herbs, pastoral crisis, Sahel