Planning sustainable land use of woodland savannas using a Geographical Information System (Adélé Ranch, Togo)

SUMMARY

In most African woodland savannas, the planning of grassland management systems for ruminants is not always rational. As a result, a more or less serious degradation of grassland occurs, which jeopardizes the productivity and cost-effectiveness of animal husbandry. Following a brief description of problems linked to the exploitation of the grasslands of these regions, this article describes the methodology used to establish a new management model for the Adélé ranch in Togo using a Geographical Information System (GIS). The optimal stocking rate is evaluated by taking into account the minimal seasonal productivity of grass cover, a fodder intake factor and a degradation index of the exploited paddocks. The exact location of access points to new watering places is determined by calculating walking distances relative to existing watering sites and by analysing the topography around permanent streams. Analysing these field data in a CIS allows an easier conception of a pastoral management system which respects the environment and guarantees satisfactory animal performances. The advantages and the limits of the techniques are discussed by the authors who insist on the necessity of such a study to establish a computerized management system of pastoral land.

Key words:

• savannas
• land use
• Geographical Information System
• Adélé (Togo)