Since 2012, Mali has slowly slid into chaos as Islamic terrorist groups linked to al-Qaeda have gained ground. Over the years, the violence has swept from the country’s north. With many young people, mostly Fulani herders, now also struggling with unemployment, they are turning to the jihadist groups and joining their ranks in a bid to escape poverty.

Usman Mohamadu walked over 300 miles in 10 days to sell his cattle for a fortune in a country very fond of red meat. The second part of our special report on Fulani nomads

An AFP team met the Fulanis through a series of original reports. The nomads have to adapt or fight if they don't want to disappear. Here's a selection of the top pictures from this special report.

Who are the Fulani today? AFP followed these semi-nomadic people for several weeks and in several countries in the African continent. An excerpt here from AFP's work in Mali.

Usman Dan Fodio is considered a saint in Nigeria and all over west Africa. This learned Fulani established the Sokoto califate, the biggest in Africa, in the 19th century. Today, his legacy is contested. The fourth part of our special report on Fulani nomads

The Fulani, freedom-loving nomads in the Sahel desert, are fighting for survival in the face of overpopulation, urbanisation, global warning and radicalisation.

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As droughts occur more frequently in Niger, and access to water has become sparse. The centuries-old nomadic life of Fulani Wodaabe herders is now threatened by climate change.This is the third part of a special report on the Fulani people in Nigeria, Mali and Niger.

Diplomat, mediator, influential businessman… the king of the Lagos Fulanis, Mohammed Bambado, is omnipresent in Africa's biggest city. The last part of our special report on Fulani nomads.

AFP News Agency - Armed men attacked Paul James' father at 5 am. The herder was stabbed, beaten and shot in the head. His crime? Settling on coveted land. The first part of our special report on Fulani nomads

In Benin, boys move toward manhood in a test of endurance by the sting of a whip.