How have Fulani communities related to agricultural peoples in western Africa?

The relationship between Fulani communities and agricultural peoples in western Africa has historically been defined by a mix of economic interdependence, social separation, and political transformation.

As pastoralists, the Fulani traditionally grazed their herds on land between agricultural villages. This created a symbiotic economic relationship where the Fulani exchanged dairy products at local markets for the cereal foods and manufactured goods produced by sedentary cultivators. Over time, many Fulani groups maintained a degree of separation, living under their own leaders and remaining aloof from the social and political life of the farmers, though they increasingly paid rent for grazing rights and provided military services to settled authorities.12

This dynamic evolved in several ways:
* Sedentarization: Some Fulani became sedentary and turned to cultivation, often due to the depletion of their herds, though they frequently retained their cattle.1
* Cultural Absorption: In regions like northern Nigeria, interaction led to significant cultural integration, with many Fulani adopting the Hausa language and culture.1
* Political Dominance: In the 19th century, some Fulani groups established empires, instituting themselves as a ruling aristocracy over other populations following a series of holy wars intended to purify Islam.12