Exploring the Nomadic Heritage of the Fulani in Africa’s Sahel Region
The Traditional Lifestyle at the Sahara’s Southern Border
Nestled along the southern fringes of the Sahara Desert, millions across approximately 20 nations in West and Central Africa continue to uphold a centuries-old way of life rooted in nomadic pastoralism. Each year, these communities undertake extensive migrations across the increasingly harsh and arid landscapes of the Sahel, seeking fresh pastures and reliable water sources as seasonal conditions shift. Their migratory routes stretch across a vast corridor from Senegal’s western coast to Sudan’s eastern shores, often spanning hundreds of miles.
The Fulani: Custodians of a Rich Cultural Legacy
A significant portion of these migrating groups are Fulani, an Indigenous people whose cultural identity has been shaped by their traditional herding practices. The Fulani are a diverse and widespread community, with many members now exploring new directions beyond their ancestral routes. Their cultural fabric is woven with centuries of pastoral traditions, which have historically united them across borders and regions.
Visual Portraits of Fulani Life
Photographs capture the vibrant essence of Fulani communities: young girls from the Mbororo subgroup in northern Cameroon participating in their annual migration, and elders tending to livestock-goats, sheep, donkeys, and cattle-amidst the rugged terrains. These images reflect a community deeply connected to their land and livestock, embodying resilience and cultural continuity.
Transition from Nomadism to Modern Livelihoods
In recent generations, the Fulani’s traditional herding lifestyle has evolved. Many have transitioned into farming or settled in urban centers, seeking new economic opportunities. For instance, in Guinea’s Fouta Djallon highlands, Fulani families now cultivate crops while allowing their herds to graze freely. Similarly, in Sierra Leone, Fulani entrepreneurs influence local trade and political landscapes, demonstrating adaptability and influence beyond pastoralism.
Challenges Amplified by Climate and Conflict
In Nigeria, where the Fulani population has surged, competition for land and water has intensified, especially as climate change prolongs dry seasons. These herders navigate increasingly hostile environments, leading to conflicts over resources. The Sahel’s climate crisis has extended drought periods, making traditional migration routes more perilous and forcing communities into new, often insecure, territories.
Political Representation and Regional Disputes
Despite often being minorities within their host countries, Fulani leaders have risen to prominence, with at least five having served as heads of state across Africa. Their political influence underscores their importance in regional stability and development. However, ongoing disputes over land rights and regional security continue to threaten their way of life.
Displacement and Humanitarian Crises
In regions like the Chad Basin-spanning Chad, Niger, Nigeria, and Cameroon-conflicts driven by extremist groups such as Boko Haram have displaced countless Fulani families. Camps like Taal have become temporary homes for those fleeing violence, illustrating the complex challenges faced by pastoral communities caught in regional conflicts.
Forced Migration and New Realities
Fleeing violence in countries like Burkina Faso, many Fulani have sought refuge in neighboring Ghana, transforming their nomadic existence into a struggle for survival in unfamiliar environments. Young children, like nine-year-old Adam Gaya in Niger, continue their daily routines amid these upheavals, highlighting the resilience of these communities.
Diversity Within the Fulani Identity
The term “Fulani” encompasses a broad spectrum of groups, each with unique customs and histories. According to Hindou Oumarou Ibrahim, a Fulani Mbororo woman and community leader, these groups are akin to branches on a tree-each with distinct traditions but united by a shared ancestral connection to the land. In West Africa, for example, groups like Futa Toro and Fouta Djallon are well-known, while in Central Africa, the Mbororo represent a vital branch of the Fulani family.
Environmental Contributions and Sustainable Practices
Despite their nomadic lifestyle, Fulani herders play a crucial role in maintaining ecological balance. Their livestock’s manure enriches soil fertility, and their selective pruning of trees encourages healthy growth and reduces fire risks. Such practices demonstrate how pastoralism is inherently adapted to the Sahel’s fragile ecosystem, contributing to land regeneration and sustainability.
The Future of Fulani Nomadism
Photographer and National Geographic Explorer Robin Hammond has documented the lives of Fulani communities over six years, capturing their vibrant culture and the hardships they endure. His images reveal a community that, while proud of its traditions, faces mounting threats from climate change, land privatization, and regional conflicts. Hammond emphasizes that many herders are simply striving to survive amid these challenges, urging a nuanced understanding of their plight.
Conclusion: A Resilient Culture Amidst Change
The Fulani’s story is one of enduring resilience and adaptation. As they navigate a rapidly changing landscape-climate shifts, political upheavals, and social transformations-they continue to embody a rich cultural heritage rooted in mobility and harmony with nature. Recognizing their contributions and challenges is essential to fostering sustainable solutions that honor their way of life and ensure their future in Africa’s Sahel region.
This article is adapted from the July 2025 issue of National Geographic magazine, supported by the nonprofit National Geographic Society’s mission to explore and protect our world.
