This paper is based on three iterative rounds of data collection. First, 32 qualitative interviews and six focus group discussions were conducted with randomly selected Ghanaian (16) and Togolese (15) respondents in Bawku (5), Chereponi (16), Garu (5) and Pulmakom (5) between 13 and 18 December, 2023. Interviews concentrated on the political economy of the cattle market by asking respondents how important the cattle trade is to the community, who is involved and what role these actors play.

Second, a household survey was conducted in Ghana’s North East and Upper East regions among 150 Ghanaian and 150 Togolese respondents in January and February 2024. The Ghanaian respondents were randomly sampled, whereas the Togolese respondents were identified by randomly selected villages in Ghana with large Togolese populations. The survey sought to understand the cattle markets and place them in the wider political economy and local authority structures of the area.

Third, an additional round of qualitative data collection took place from 6 to 20 October 2024, involving 30 one-on-one qualitative interviews in north-eastern Ghana. The interviews specifically focused on actors in the cattle markets: butchers, rugas, hired herders and cattle dealers in Tamale, Chereponi, Saboba, Karaga, Gushiegu, Yendi, Widana, Pusiga and Walewale. The goal of these interviews was to fill knowledge gaps identified in earlier rounds of data collection.