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Pastoralist Violence in North and West Africa

Pastoralism and Violence in North and West Africa was published in the OECD Publishing
Matthew Pflaum explores how pastoralists are both perpetrators and victims of violence in North and West Africa.

PFLAUM – Pastoralist Violence in North and West Africa

Article first published online: 13 JULY 2021 – OECD Publishing

DOI: 10.1787/63dff519-en

A new OECD working paper and a series of audio clips explores how pastoralists are both perpetrators and victims of violence in North and West Africa. This paper is available in both English and French.

ABSTRACT: This study examines the geographical and temporal evolution of violence in which pastoralists are engaged. Building upon an analysis of over 36,000 violent events in North and West Africa between January 1997 and April 2020 in which 206 pastoralist groups were involved, this paper provides a regional report on wider patterns of pastoralist violence over the last two decades. Pastoralist violence has both expanded and intensified in the region, as is evidenced by the rapid increase in number of events and fatalities over the past decade. A comprehensive understanding of pastoralists’ roles in this violence is thus crucial to facilitating more effective polices towards sustainable peace.

Read the full publication at OECD Publishing