Description of the subject. In the Uvira region, natural pastures are decreasing due to the illegal occupation of land by armed groups and the fragmentation of land for agricultural use and housing construction. This restriction leads to a decrease in the natural food resources for cattle.

Objective. This study identifies and analyzes the major challenges of reducing grazing areas on which the mobility of transhumant cattle depends in the territory of Uvira, South Kivu province, in the DRC.

Methods. A participatory approach through 18 individual interviews and 6 focus group discussions was conducted in the Uvira territory with 66 survey units involved in the cattle transhumance sector. The data were analyzed and presented in tables and figures as results.

Results. The factors restricting natural pastures are related to land management, social, and security. These factors lead to a decrease in forage, low milk production, and low income from economic activities linked to cattle transhumance.

Conclusion. Fragmenting, seizing land, and building on pasture areas destroys the mobility of transhumant cattle and its associated economies. Therefore, the development of artificial pastures (grassed night paddocks, permanent forage blocks) and the practice of conservation and valorization of agricultural and industrial products (silage, barn construction, and feed storage) will allow for smoother cattle transhumance in the Uvira area.