Contextualising sustainable transhumant pastoralism: A systematic review

Transhumant pastoralism and sustainable development are two concepts that have long been treated as mutually exclusive elements in research on agriculture and livestock production. This study, therefore, aimed to establish the critical link between the two concepts by exploring the effects of transhumant pastoralism on economic, environmental and social sustainability, thereby conceptualising it within the broader sustainable development discourse. The study adopted a systematic literature review methodology to synthesise 145 studies related to the role of transhumant pastoralism in sustainable development in sub‐Saharan Africa. The paper employed thematic analysis to investigate the nature of transhumance and its implications for sustainability. The thematic analysis was based on the tripartite dimensions of sustainability—social, economic and environmental. The findings indicate that transhumance substantially impacts economic sustainability through the preservation of livelihoods, the creation of employment opportunities, and the generation of revenue. Nonetheless, it also poses challenges such as crop damage and the spread of zoonotic diseases, adversely affecting economic stability. Socially, transhumance promotes ethnoreligious cooperation and integration, enhancing social cohesion, but it also contributes to conflicts and security concerns. From the environmental perspective, transhumance has the potential to mitigate overgrazing and facilitate ecosystem regeneration. However, it is also linked to water contamination, deforestation, and the proliferation of invasive species. The study concluded that sustainable transhumant pastoralism must be conceptualised holistically, addressing the dimensions of sustainability simultaneously. It is recommended that effective stakeholder collaboration and comprehensive policy interventions be used to harness the benefits of transhumance while minimising its adverse effects.