PASTORALISM AND VIOLENCE IN NORTHERN GHANA: SOCIALIZATION AND PROFESSIONAL REQUIREMENT

The paper analyses the nature of pastoral activities and socialization processes and how these are associated with violence and crimes in Northern Ghana. The paper focuses on the professional requirements of pastoralists and how these are perceived and misinterpreted by the local people. The study combines socio-anthropological approaches of observation, focus group discussions and interviews with more structured in-depth and key informant interviews. The paper found that formal education results in a decrease in the numbers of local herdboys. Pastoral Fulani herdsmen have gradually replaced the local herdboys to herd cattle at very flexible terms of conditions. However, they have been perceived to be violent and this affects their relationship with the local people. The study concludes that the work of the pastoral herdsmen is very important for the cattle industry and there is the need to regulate their activities to ensure reduction of crop destruction and conflicts. This can promote a harmonious relationship between the pastoral Fulani herdsmen and their Ghanaian hosts. The paper recommends some kind of education for the herdsmen and the crop farmers, as well as demarcation of grazing land. There is the need to also control the free penetration of nomadic herds to control cattle rustling and cutting down of economic trees.