Land is vulnerable to degradation, hence farmers know their survival depends on keeping soil healthy. Animals and trees help in prevention of land degradation.
Manure is a pretext for farmers, hence farmers without animals have symbiotic relationships with pastoralists. Pastoralists benefit from farmers crop residues and give farmers manure in return. Manure is important for good millet and food production.
Communities Associations
Communities set up associations to assist in implementing the symbiotic relationships. After the rainy season the herder agree with the farmer to leave the manure on the farm and agree to stay there for a few days to weeks.
When the trees grow more than 9 branches, farmers are allowed to cut up to 3 branches following reforestation rules. Arrangements between farmers and herders are made on family basis. Trees fix nitrogen in the air, provide shade and fodder to animals helping farmers manage.
Breaking down of manure helps fasten the land revitalization process. Crop residue from trees are processed through rumination and turned into milk for pastoralists.
