There are over 2.5 million ha of arable land in the Niger Basin with 85% of the cultivated area dependent on rainfed farming. However, only 20% are exploited. Scattered over more than 1.5 Million km2 distributed over nearly 13◦ latitude, the 50 million herders of the basin maintain 138 million livestock units (Diop et al. 2009a). The north–south distribution of species is a function of their resistance to drought and their ability to exploit natural rangelands. Camels constitute the dominant form of breeding in the north of the basin and may be found up to 13◦N. At lower latitudes, zebu (Bos cattle are found. Below 8◦N latitude, are the indicus) cattle and smaller ruminants. There are small ruminants, mostly goat Bos taurus and sheep, across the basin (Plate 4). There are two major livestock production systems in the basin: nomadic herders, who live on Sahelo-Saharan fringes and who have large herds of zebu cattle, and sedentary herders. 4.Grazing in the Niger Basin (WWF–Canon/John E Newby) Fishery Potential The River harbours 36 families and nearly 250 species of freshwater fish, of which 20 are found nowhere else on Earth. Eleven of the 18 families of freshwater fish (Plate 5) that are endemic to Africa are represented in the Niger River (WWF 1986). Plate 5. One of the Fish species in the Niger River ( 27/7/2016) Navigation In many the Niger River is used for navigation, depending on time and location. Between Guinea and Mali however, there is no commercial traffic. From August to January, the Niger is navigable from Koulikoro to Gao. The Inland Delta is navigable for small fishing boats throughout the year. In the wet season, boats are the most popular transport method in the delta. Mopti on the Bani tributary serves as main port in the Inland Delta. Downstream of the delta, navigation on the Niger is limited until Timbuktu. From Timbuktu to Niamey, navigation is possible, although difficult in some parts due to rocks and rapids.
There are over 2.5 million ha of arable land in the Niger Basin with 85% of the cultivated area dependent on rainfed farming. However, only 20% are exploited. Scattered over more than 1.5 Million km2 distributed over nearly 13◦ latitude, the 50 million herders of the basin maintain 138 million livestock units (Diop et al. 2009a). The north–south distribution of species is a function of their resistance to drought and their ability to exploit natural rangelands. Camels constitute the dominant form of breeding in the north of the basin and may be found up to 13◦N. At lower latitudes, zebu (Bos indicus) cattle are found. Below 8◦N latitude, are the Bos taurus cattle and smaller ruminants. There are small ruminants, mostly goat and sheep, across the basin (Plate 4). There are two major livestock production systems in the basin: nomadic herders, who live on Sahelo-Saharan fringes and who have large herds of zebu cattle, and sedentary herders. 4.Grazing in the Niger Basin (WWF–Canon/John E Newby) Fishery Potential The River harbours 36 families and nearly 250 species of freshwater fish, of which 20 are found nowhere else on Earth. Eleven of the 18 families of freshwater fish (Plate 5) that are endemic to Africa are represented in the Niger River (WWF 1986). Plate 5. One of the Fish species in the Niger River ( 27/7/2016) Navigation In many the Niger River is used for navigation, depending on time and location. Between Guinea and Mali however, there is no commercial traffic. From August to January, the Niger is navigable from Koulikoro to Gao. The Inland Delta is navigable for small fishing boats throughout the year. In the wet season, boats are the most popular transport method in the delta. Mopti on the Bani tributary serves as main port in the Inland Delta. Downstream of the delta, navigation on the Niger is limited until Timbuktu. From Timbuktu to Niamey, navigation is possible, although difficult in some parts due to rocks and rapids.
AFROSAI%20PAPER%202016.%20HK%20AYUBA%20(1).docx