The consequences of climate change and insecurity are affecting pastoralists’ mobility. Their traditional means to search for natural resources and decide on their migration, are made uncertain, expensive and risky. However, livestock mobility in arid areas is essential for their survival, and is a key feature in pastoralists’ food security.
STAMP project proposes to make satellite data available to pastoralists to identify where water and pasture are located within 10 meters. With simple phones, pastoralists can talk in local languages with GARBAL service’s call operators (by calling 37 333 for 25 XOF/min) or send USSD requests (at #222# for 75 XOF/request) in order to instantly obtain information about: (i) the availability and (ii) the quality of biomass, (iii) surface water availability, (iv) herd concentration around these resources and (v) Market prices for livestock and staple grains along the transhumance corridors. In addition to provide decision – making support information for their migration, STAMP new phase will offer advisory services on pastoral family farming management, including on animal health, and offers a tailor-made financial product adapted to pastoralists’ needs especially to improve their access to inputs. As the majority of pastoralists are not banked, it is indeed difficult for them to have access to any funding to develop their activities, this innovative solution will help them sustaining their livelihoods and will contribute to the economic recovery of the targeted areas by stimulating the value chains.
STAMP project relies on a combination of satellite data and information collected by pastoralists themselves in their vicinity; all more crucial than each other, to anticipate their movements, save time and money and, consequently, improve their livestock productivity.