Pastoral and agropastoral household economy in the region of Diffa (Niger): between poverty and vulnerability

Livestock is the main economic activity in the Region of Diffa. It employs 95% of communities
and contributes on an annual basis to 55% of the gross domestic product of the Region. This
article analyzes the economics of pastoral and agropastoral households in the region of Diffa
taking onto account environmental contingencies. A survey involving 300 households (150
households with sedentary livestock and 150 households with mobile livestock) was conducted
based a pre-established agro ecological zoning (pastoral bowls zone, Komadugu zone and Lake
Chad zone). Analysis of annual monetary income of households shows that 81% of the
interviewed were poor and that 47% of the poor were extremely poor. This income is largely
extent dominated by the agricultural sector with a significant contribution of livestock. The
study also highlights the existence of a highly significant positive correlation between monetary
income and herd size in sedentary breeder’s households in the area of pastoral bowls and for
those with mobile livestock all areas combined. By cons, no correlation for sedentary
households in the Komadugou and Lake Chad zones. Furthermore, analysis of the relationship
between livestock endowment and household size reveals the extreme vulnerability of
pastoralist households. About 74% of the herds of sedentary households in the pastoral bowls
zone are below the pastoral viability threshold. The same applies to mobile livestock with zonal
disparities.