Divagation caprine, genre et divergence des perceptions: Une analyse des dynamiques socio-économiques et des relations de pouvoir dans la gestion de l'élevage extensif à Kasongo (RD Congo)

Abstract

This study analyzes the socio-demographic dynamics, goat farming practices, and the divergence of perceptions among management stakeholders, focusing on the central issue of free-roaming/wandering (divagation). The results confirm the predominance of extensive livestock systems (free-roaming: 65.4%; Open-Sky housing: 54%), which are the main source of agro-pastoral conflicts (crop destruction at 84.6%) and direct economic losses, with the risk of theft being significantly higher in open-air conditions. On the social level, the study highlights a structural gender inequality with marked female underrepresentation (88.5% men among managers). Crucially, the Multiple Factor Analysis (MFA) reveals a highly significant polarization of perception and practices, structured around two distinct poles: Herders (Pole of Suffered Impacts) and Managers (Pole of Environmental Causality). These divergences, coupled with the influence of hierarchical status on reported practices, underscore the imperative of adopting intervention strategies tailored to each level and urgently promoting secure housing practices to minimize losses.