LÉO – The first ordinary session of the Sissili Provincial Consultation Framework (CCP) was convened on Tuesday, October 17, 2023, under the chairmanship of High Commissioner Tewendé Isaac Sia. The central subject of the session was the current state of transhumance in the province of Sissili. The Burkina Information Agency confirmed the details of the meeting.

According to News Releases by Burkina Information Agency, Participants were briefed on the state of transhumance in the province, including conflict management and prevention related to the utilization of natural resources. The information was disseminated by Yaya Tabouré, the provincial director responsible for animal resources in Sissili.

According to Mr. Tabouré’s presentation, Sissili serves as both a receiving and transit zone for transhumants, largely owing to its wealth of natural resources and close proximity to Ghana. However, these resources have recently been under stress due to human activity and climate change effects.

Mr. Tabouré indicated that there is a chaotic occupation of pastoral lands in the province such as cattle tracks, grazing areas, and pastoral territories. He emphasized that this often leads to conflicts between stakeholders and called for actions to enhance peace and social cohesion.

In 2022, the provincial directorate of animal resources documented approximately 52 land conflicts in Sissili. These conflicts were mostly tied to issues such as field damage, obstruction of livestock pathways, water access points, and theft and slaughter of animals.

The attendees were also presented with tools for tracking transhumance, including the monitoring system established by the “Dinadane” assistance project, as well as national and sub-regional laws governing both national and cross-border transhumance.

The meeting concluded with a set of recommendations, which included raising awareness among stakeholders to secure transhumance documents, promoting the cultivation of feeder crops, strengthening community dialogue between Ghana and Burkina Faso, and securing pastoral zones.

High Commissioner Sia defined the CCP as an advisory and guiding framework on transhumance matters. He stated its purpose is to assist the province in situation analysis, strategy formulation, and implementation concerning the organization and smooth management of transhumance and all associated activities.

The High Commissioner expressed his gratitude to all those who contributed to the provincial consultation session.