Why did nomadic herders move south during the Sahel dry season?

Nomadic herders in the Sahel region, including areas of southern Mauritania, move south during the dry season primarily to search for pasture and water for their livestock.

Because the Sahel is a semiarid zone with a short, limited rainy season, the land often lacks sufficient vegetation to support grazing animals throughout the year. During periods of drought or the extended dry season, these migrations become essential for survival, as herders must relocate their animals to areas where forage remains available to prevent heavy losses of livestock.12