Illustration of West African agro-pastoralists managing livestock on fertile land

Unlocking the Secrets of Sustainable Farming: How Local Knowledge is Shaping the Future of Agriculture in West Africa

Elliot Brynn in Climate & Environment June 2025 • 4 min read.

"Discover how agro-pastoral communities are using their deep understanding of forage resources to revolutionize livestock production and adapt to climate change."

Agriculture, the backbone of many economies, is facing unprecedented challenges. Climate change, resource scarcity, and the need for sustainable practices are reshaping the industry. However, amidst these global concerns, a wealth of knowledge lies within local communities, particularly in the agro-pastoral systems of West Africa. This region, characterized by its harsh climate and reliance on livestock, provides a compelling case study for how traditional ecological knowledge can revolutionize modern farming.

This article explores the groundbreaking research into the forage resources utilized by agro-pastoralists in West Africa. It examines how these communities, who have been farming for generations, are uniquely positioned to navigate the complexities of sustainable agriculture. Their deep understanding of forage plants, livestock behavior, and seasonal changes offers valuable insights for scientists, policymakers, and anyone interested in a greener future.

By focusing on the specific criteria used by agro-pastoralists to value their natural forage resources, this piece highlights a path toward climate-resilient agriculture. It demonstrates the importance of recognizing and integrating local knowledge into broader strategies for environmental conservation, livestock production, and ultimately, community well-being.

The Vital Role of Forage Resources: A Foundation for Sustainable Livestock Production

Illustration of West African agro-pastoralists managing livestock on fertile land

The foundation of sustainable livestock production lies in understanding and effectively managing forage resources. In West Africa, where water is scarce and climate variability is high, the availability of forage directly impacts the success of farming. The research underscores the critical role that forage plays in the local agricultural systems. It provides the means for feeding livestock, adapting to seasonal changes, and building long-term resilience.

Agro-pastoralists have developed a nuanced understanding of these resources over generations. They assess forage based on several criteria, including palatability, nutritional value, and seasonal availability. These criteria influence their decisions on which plants to prioritize, how to manage grazing, and how to prepare for challenging periods like the dry season.

Palatability: The taste and appeal of a plant to livestock, which affects how much they consume.
Nutritional Value: The essential nutrients (proteins, carbohydrates, and vitamins) provided by the forage, critical for livestock health and productivity.
Seasonal Availability: Whether the forage is accessible and abundant during specific times of the year.
Impact on Livestock: How the forage affects milk production, growth, and overall health.

The study revealed that local communities prioritize herbaceous forage plants like grasses and forbs for the rainy season when these plants are fresh, nutritious, and highly digestible. During the dry season, when these resources are limited, they rely on woody vegetation, crop residues, and the leaves of trees. This dynamic understanding is critical in ensuring that livestock receive adequate nutrition year-round, and this knowledge is the key to ensuring the survival of livestock.

Embracing the Future: How Local Knowledge Can Lead the Way

The research demonstrates the incredible value of integrating local ecological knowledge with scientific approaches. This study not only informs but also empowers. It provides a compelling framework for building climate-resilient and sustainable agricultural systems by recognizing and valuing the deep understanding of the communities closest to the land. As we confront the challenges of climate change and resource scarcity, embracing traditional knowledge is not just a respectful act but a necessary strategy for ensuring a thriving agricultural sector and a healthier planet. This approach promises to create lasting impacts in farming, and the legacy will inspire generations to come.

About this Article -

This article was crafted using a human-AI hybrid and collaborative approach. AI assisted our team with initial drafting, research insights, identifying key questions, and image generation. Our human editors guided topic selection, defined the angle, structured the content, ensured factual accuracy and relevance, refined the tone, and conducted thorough editing to deliver helpful, high-quality information.See our About page for more information.

This article is based on research published under:

DOI-LINK: 10.1186/s13002-018-0261-4, Alternate LINK

Title: Investigating Criteria For Valuation Of Forage Resources By Local Agro-Pastoralists In West Africa: Using Quantitative Ethnoecological Approach

Subject: Complementary and alternative medicine

Journal: Journal of Ethnobiology and Ethnomedicine

Publisher: Springer Science and Business Media LLC

Authors: John-Baptist S N Naah

Published: 2018-10-23

Everything You Need To Know

What are the primary forage resources utilized by agro-pastoralists in West Africa, and how do they differ between the rainy and dry seasons?

Agro-pastoralists in West Africa primarily utilize herbaceous forage plants, such as grasses and forbs, during the rainy season due to their fresh, nutritious, and highly digestible qualities. In contrast, during the dry season, they depend more on woody vegetation, crop residues, and tree leaves. This seasonal adaptation is crucial for maintaining livestock nutrition year-round. A more exhaustive list of forage can be produced through collaboration with the local community utilizing the land. That list would require constant updates as the climate changes.

How do agro-pastoral communities in West Africa assess the value and suitability of forage resources for their livestock?

Agro-pastoral communities assess forage resources based on criteria such as palatability (the taste and appeal to livestock), nutritional value (proteins, carbohydrates, and vitamins), and seasonal availability. They also evaluate the impact on livestock, considering factors like milk production, growth, and overall health. It is key to note that, while not explicitly mentioned here, this is the local communities assessment and may not meet the standards of a scientific chemical analysis.

In what ways can integrating local ecological knowledge from West African agro-pastoralists improve broader strategies for environmental conservation and sustainable agriculture?

Integrating local ecological knowledge from West African agro-pastoralists can significantly enhance environmental conservation and sustainable agriculture by providing insights into climate-resilient practices. Their deep understanding of forage management, livestock behavior, and seasonal changes offers valuable strategies for building sustainable agricultural systems. Recognizing and valuing this knowledge is essential for developing effective environmental conservation efforts. This integration fosters community well-being by empowering the communities and ensuring their traditional practices are considered. More can be considered beyond the information given here if we look at the social implications of land usage and how it affects other communities that may have land rights.

What role does understanding and effectively managing forage resources play in ensuring sustainable livestock production in West Africa, particularly in the face of climate change?

Understanding and managing forage resources is fundamental to sustainable livestock production in West Africa because the availability of forage directly impacts the success of farming. Agro-pastoralists have a nuanced understanding of forage palatability, nutrition, and seasonality which has been developed over generations. This understanding is critical for feeding livestock, adapting to seasonal changes, and building long-term resilience in the face of climate change. It allows them to make informed decisions on plant prioritization and grazing management. It is important to know that these methods are constantly evolving, and the research provided here reflects a snapshot in time.

What are the benefits of integrating local knowledge with scientific approaches in agriculture, and how does this approach contribute to building climate-resilient agricultural systems?

Integrating local knowledge with scientific approaches in agriculture can lead to the development of climate-resilient and sustainable agricultural systems by recognizing and valuing the deep understanding of communities closest to the land. This integration not only informs scientific approaches but also empowers local communities, providing a compelling framework for building climate-resilient agricultural systems. By combining traditional practices with modern science, this approach ensures a thriving agricultural sector and a healthier planet. This concept can even be applied in the fields of engineering and manufacturing, even though the main focus here is on agriculture.