Abstract
In the West African Sahelian region, where people's livelihoods are based on farming and animal husbandry, irregular rain and drought are common occurrences. This study focus on the Haousa and the Foulani people living in villages found within this region. Through a deeper understanding of the livelihoods, this study aims to analyze and elucidate how people of each village recognize “crisis years” and how they cope with them. Attention is given to how the recognition and reaction to “crisis years” may be different depending on geographical location and ethnic composition of the villages. The study area includes two Haousa villages and one Foulani village located within the Tessaoua Commune in Tessaoua Prefecture of Maradi State in southern Niger. Structured interviews were conducted at 25 households per village. The interview questions mainly focused on recognition and reaction to “crisis years” among the Haousa and the Foulani people alongside basic information regarding the household. The study revealed how major “crisis years” are given a local name, and is remembered by its story being passed down through oral traditions. Recognition of “crisis years” varied between Haousa villages. The variation mainly depended on geographical location of the village and secondary occupations such as fishing and vegetable cultivation that served as a means to better cope with various “crisis”. Commonalities were found in how “crisis years” are recognized between the Haousa and Foulani people that are two different ethnicities. “Crisis years” for the Foulani people are years when there is a loss of livestock, and also, just as it is for the Haousa, depends on the amount of total crop yield. Comparison between the two ethnic groups revealed how livelihoods of the Foulani, based on livestock breeding and plant cultivation in their permanent home, are similar in form to that of the Haousa. With regards to coping activities to “crisis years”, differences were seen between “crisis years,” as well as geographic location and ethnic group. Additionally, coping activities were prioritized during a “crisis year”, depending largely on the degree of hardship experienced within each household.
