By Ramatoulie Jawo
The Minister of Environment, Climate Change, and Natural Resources, Rohey John Manjang, has responded to concerns raised over the environmental impact of transhumance activities in The Gambia.
Speaking over the weekend, Minister Manjang addressed a question from the National Assembly Member for Central Badibou, Hon. Sulayman Saho, who inquired whether she was aware of the environmental hazards caused by sheep herders crossing into The Gambia. He further asked what measures could be taken to address the issue, given its negative impact on both nature and local communities.
In her response, Minister Manjang explained that transhumance refers to the seasonal movement of livestock and herders in search of pasture and water. She emphasized that while ECOWAS promotes the free movement of people and goods, this also requires proper coordination to manage resources and prevent conflicts.
The Minister outlined the necessary procedures for herders entering The Gambia. She stated that they must first obtain clearance from the Department of Livestock Services, with conditions in place to prevent environmental damage, such as prohibiting the cutting of tree branches or vegetation for animal feed. She stressed the importance of coordinating with regional forestry officers before entering forests and that the cost of restoring any environmental damage should be covered by the herders, with penalties for violations.
“Upon entry into the country, the herdsmen must be given clearance by the department of livestock services with the following conditions, no tampering with the vegetation especially cutting of branches or tree animal feeding, liaising with the regional forestry officers before entry into the forests must not be less than the cost of restoring any damage caused, A severe penalty should be levied for violation of the above by the herders and must not be less than the cost resorting any damage cause,” she said.
While transhumance falls primarily under the Ministry of Agriculture, Minister Manjang acknowledged that the Department of Forestry is also concerned about the strain it places on forest resources. She noted that transhumance activities involve both local and cross-border herders, including those from Senegal.
Historically, The Gambia and Senegal have negotiated protocols to allow for the seasonal movement of livestock across their borders. Minister Manjang emphasized that these agreements help to minimize potential conflicts by providing herders with official recognition, which helps alleviate tensions with border authorities and local communities.
She further mentioned that the issue of regulating transhumance was a key point discussed at the Senegalo-Gambian Permanent Secretariat meeting. The Ministry of Environment is committed to collaborating with the Ministry of Agriculture and their counterparts in Senegal to implement these agreements and manage transhumance more effectively.
Following an extensive discussion, Hon. Sulayman Saho moved for the National Assembly’s Select Committee on Environment and Agriculture to investigate the matter and report back to the plenary. The motion was approved by the members.