The Zamtapo project by HEKS/EPER works closely with local authorities, sedentary farmers and pastoralist networks in Nigeria and proposes an innovative methodology which aims at securing the traditional cattle corridors as well as supporting conflict resolution mechanisms along the rehabilitated areas.

As a result of recurring droughts in Niger, formerly complementary economic practices by small farming and herding families are becoming increasingly conflictual. Growing pressure on natural resources means that farmers are no longer keeping corridors open for the passage of livestock and are acquiring ever more land that had previously been reserved for animals. This is forcing herders to drive their cattle over cultivated land.

The intervention aims at restoring traditional pastoral corridors and adjacent natural resources (grazing land and water ponds) to allow for free cattle and herder movements in a densely populated area of southern Niger. HEKS/EPER finances negotiations between farming and herding families on the establishment of clearly marked corridors and grazing lands for cattle herds. The strengthening of decentralized rural community structures is also part of this exercise.

Other important action priorities are drinking water supply and sanitation systems, irrigated vegetable cultivation during the dry period, moringa cultivation, processing and marketing, reclamation of farming and pasture land through soil revitalization and erosion control measures such as reconstitution, protection and sustainable management of endangered resources like the Doum palm.