Towards coordinated and sustainable governance of cross-border transhumance between Cameroon, Chad and the Central African Republic

From 29 to 30 January 2026, the city of Douala hosted a major interministerial workshop dedicated to the management of cross-border transhumance between Cameroon, Chad and the Central African Republic (CAR).

Transhumance, an ancestral practice, remains at the heart of pastoral life: a balance between culture, mobility, and sustainable natural resource management

©FAO

Organized within the framework of the Support Project for the Regulation of Cross-Border Transhumance in Central Africa (PARTTAC), this meeting marks a key step in validating a common strategy for managing transhumance considering the growing challenges linked to pastoral mobility in the subregion.

A strategic issue for Central Africa

Transhumance—an ancestral practice and an integral part of pastoral life—plays a major socioeconomic role in the three countries. It contributes to food security, income generation and climate resilience amidst multiple pressures: shrinking pastoral spaces, wildlife and flora conservation challenges, land-use conflicts, persistent insecurity, climate change effects and governance difficulties.

“Transhumance, as an ancestral and rational mode of managing pastoral resources, contributes significantly to the sustainability of livestock systems,” emphasized Gérald Tchatchoua Toko, Programme Officer, speaking on behalf of the FAO Representative in Cameroon. This perspective highlights the extent to which well-organized pastoralism is a strategic lever for the socioeconomic and environmental balance of Central Africa.

A workshop focused on regional cooperation

Chaired by Mrs. Ngo Ongla Annie Claire, Director of Pastures, Animal Feed and Livestock Infrastructure, representing the Minister of Livestock, Fisheries and Animal Industries (MINEPIA), the workshop was held under strong institutional authority. It brought together a wide range of actors, including sectoral administrations, local authorities, pastoral organizations, regional institutions, technical and financial partners, and a panel of experts.

Participants reviewed the common strategy for managing transhumance among the three countries and examined the progress and limitations of the CAR–Chad action plan with a view to fully integrating Cameroon. Clarifying institutional responsibilities was a highlight of the discussions, as it is essential for effective cooperation and reinforced operational coordination in the field.

In her opening remarks, Mrs. Ngo Ongla Annie Claire praised the collective mobilization, noting that the presence of all stakeholders reflects regional commitment to a more regulated and better-controlled transhumance. Discussions underscored the urgency of a stronger coordination mechanism, effective data sharing, and improved visibility on livestock movements.

Participants also highlighted persistent challenges related to the development and securing of pastoral corridors, the lack of regulatory harmonization, and the need to strengthen security cooperation through joint patrols, forward posts and innovative technological tools such as drones.

At the end of the two-day workshop, several key recommendations were formulated. These include establishing a common framework to harmonize transhumance practices, leveraging existing studies and diagnostics, and securing pastoral routes. Participants also proposed creating a regional observatory on transhumance and organizing a roundtable to finalize national and subregional action plans. These conclusions will inform discussions at the upcoming High-Level Dialogue scheduled in the coming weeks.

A regional dynamic now underway

By bringing together public administrations, pastoral communities, experts and technical partners, the Douala workshop strengthened a regional dynamic in favor of peaceful, secure and sustainable transhumance.

Thanks to PARTTAC, funded by the European Union and implemented by FAO in collaboration with the concerned governments, the subregion now has a structured strategic framework to sustainably regulate and manage cross-border pastoral movements.

The joint commitment of Cameroon, Chad and CAR reflects a shared ambition: to build modern pastoral governance based on dialogue, regional cooperation and the sustainable preservation of natural resources, for the benefit of pastoral and agropastoral communities.