Transhumant Arab Tribes Move between Alliances and Conflicts in Central Chad

From the Field
The Salamat Sifera and Djaatné in the Batha Region
By Dangbet Zakinet
English

In the Sahel and Sahara, farming, pastoralism, and security issues have taken center stage. Mobile animal husbandry—considered an archaic system by some—allows herdsmen to access scattered resources and maintain alliances with farmers. The system also delivers economic benefits. In Chad and other essentially pastoral and farming countries, nomadic pastoralists and farmers have had tense relationships in recent years because of disruptions to resource access. This article compares two types of nomadic Arab tribes in Central Chad: the Salamat Sifera and the Djaatné; the former is more mobile, and sees fewer conflicts than the latter. The author explains the situation.

Keywords

  • Chad
  • Batha
  • pastures
  • herdsmen
  • farmers
  • traditional chiefdom
  • resource access
  • alliances
  • conflicts
Go to the article on Cairn-int.info