L'archipel peul

Even when settled, the Fulani have such an intense relation with raising cattle that it tends to transfigure reality. Since this people arrived on the Adamawa Plateau, the position of pastoralism in their society has changed, periods of herding being followed, in an almost cyclic rhythm, by trends toward depastoralization. The importance of raising livestock varies as a function of lineage stratification. Furthermore, the geographical distribution of the Fulani around the political center is linked to pastoralism. A cross-selectional analysis of the Ngaoundéré lamidat brings to light this opposition between center and periphery : by the percentage of Fulani herders also reflects each cross-section's ecological context. Though still defining themselves as a pastoral people, the Adamawa Fulani now engage in many other activities. In rural areas, agriculture is pursued, often along with herding. Trading, especially if related to cattle, is also attracting more and more people. The Fulani also value religious knowledge to varying degrees. (Résumé d'auteur)