Pastoralist and agro-pastoralist population distribution across Africa

This dataset provides comprehensive geospatial estimates of pastoralist and agro-pastoralist populations across Africa, derived through multi-criteria analysis combining aridity indices, livestock production systems, and demographic data. The dataset includes raster layers, vector shapefiles, and statistical summaries covering 54 African countries. Population estimates were generated using both WorldPop and GPW v4 datasets, with systematic exclusion of urban areas and high-density settlements. The data distinguishes between agro-pastoral populations (combining livestock and crop farming) and pastoral populations (livestock-only systems) within arid and semi-arid zones. Total estimates range from 202-253 million people across Africa, with detailed breakdowns by country and administrative levels. The dataset addresses a critical gap in demographic data for mobile and semi-mobile populations often underrepresented in traditional census approaches.