Agent-Based Model for Analyzing the Impact of Movement Factors of Sahelian Transhumant Herds

Abstract

Abstract Transhumants move their herds based on strategies simultaneously considering several environmental and socio-economic factors. There is no agreement on the influence of each factor in these strategies. In addition, there is a discussion about the social aspect of transhumance and how to manage pastoral space. In this context, agent-based modeling can analyze herd movements according to the strategy based on factors favored by the transhumant. This article presents a reductionist agent-based model that simulates herd movements based on a single factor. Model simulations based on algorithms to formalize the behavioral dynamics of transhumants through their strategies. The model results establish that vegetation, water outlets and the socio-economic network of transhumants have a significant temporal impact on transhumance. Water outlets and the socio-economic network have a significant spatial impact. The significant impact of the socio-economic factor demonstrates the social dimension of Sahelian transhumance. Veterinarians and markets have an insignificant spatio-temporal impact. To manage pastoral space, water outlets should be at least $$15\ km$$ 15 k m from each other. The construction of veterinary centers, markets and the securitization of transhumance should be carried out close to villages and rangelands.

Keywords

• Multi-agent system
• Agent based modeling
• Distributed artificial intelligence
• Sahel
• Pastoral mobility