MULTI-STAKEHOLDER FORUMS FOR CO-MANAGEMENT OF PASTORALISM IN NIGER

Multi-stakeholder forums are part of the family of cooperative management approaches. The Nigero-German Development programme 'Fight against Poverty' (LUCOP) has applied this approach to the pastoral zone in Niger. Stakeholders at three forums representing resident and non-resident resource users have made commitments of behaviour and action in favour of consensual management of natural resources and pastoralism. The approach, after two years of implementation, has proven successful so far in securing mobile pastoralism and also presenting a framework for more small-scale and localized action. The question of sustainability remains open. Presented here are some of the key results from follow-up surveys and impact assessments of the forums.