Symbiosis Between Pastoralists and Agriculturalists Corralling Contract and Interethnic Relationship of Fulani and Nupe in Central Nigeria

Regina Fu

OAI: oai:igi-global.com:196629 • DOI: 10.4018/IJPPPHCE.2018010103

“Corralling contract” is the indigenous fertilization system commonly practiced in the African Sahel and its southern periphery. In this article, the practice of the corralling contract between Fulani pastoralists and Nupe agriculturalists in the Bida region of Niger State of central Nigeria is examined. The attempt is to find out how the farmers and herders arrange the corralling contract, how they utilize this instrument and how it influences their social relationship. Findings suggest that pastoral Fulani groups have different strategies to maintain socioeconomic relations with specific villages through the adoption of corralling contract in order to ensure resources entitlement. While some groups can well manipulate the relationships with various villages through the adoption of the corralling contract, some groups prefer a more stable situation and just got the minimum advantages. Higher social status, larger herd size and longer history of interaction which allowed trust to be built are the factors contributing to the popularity and bargaining power of a pastoral group.

Public & Sector Management Government and Law Public and Sector Management