Following the Afar: Using remote tracking systems to analyze pastoralists' trekking routes

B. G.J.S. Sonneveld*, M. A. Keyzer, K. Georgis, S. Pande, A. Seid Ali, A. Takele

*Corresponding author for this work

Research output: Contribution to journalArticleScientificpeer-review

18 Citations (Scopus)

Abstract

For nomadic pastoralists in arid environments, judicious migration of the herds is the principle strategy for short term survival and long term sustainability. Yet, this efficient mechanism is increasingly challenged by mounting population pressure, appropriation of land and restricted transboundary movements. Lack of information on trekking patterns and grazing areas makes it difficult for government authorities to protect the migration routes. Data are so scarce because the object of measurement is moving in directions no outsider can predict. Consequently, data collection is costly and laborious. The present study suggests the use of satellite telemetry to trace trekking routes in a near real-time mode that can operate without the presence of external observers on the ground. We report on a pilot that tests a remote tracking technique to locate the routing of a nomadic pastoralist during the dry spell, in the Afar region of Ethiopia. From a movement analysis we infer trekking routes and grazing areas as well as the spatial and temporal correlation between the vegetation cover index NDVI, and the visits by the herd. Our first results seem encouraging in that our data collection method can produce unique information relatively quickly and at low cost.
Original languageEnglish
Pages (from-to)1046-1050
Number of pages5
JournalJournal of Arid Environments
Volume73
Issue number11
DOIs
Publication statusPublished - 2009
Externally publishedYes

Keywords

  • Drylands
  • Ethiopia
  • Livestock production
  • NDVI analysis
  • Nomadic pastoralists
  • Remote sensing

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