During the dry season, the cattle and goats are taken to other areas where they dig large wells in order to water them. These areas are sometimes crop land for nearby farmers. Although some crops may be eaten or trampled by the herds, no ill-feelings linger, since the manure left behind provides fertilizer for the next season's crops. For the nomadic Fula, cattle are their most important possessions since they symbolize wealth and status. The Fula consume milk daily as their main food.
Milk is very important to their diet, since they eat little meat and few vegetables.
Butter and goat cheese are often traded at the markets for grain and other items. Millet is used each day in a porridge for the evening meal. During the dry season, the Fula live in portable shelters made of flexible twigs covered with leaves and grass mats. Temporary corrals for the herds surround each hut. Boys over 15 years old do their work under the direction and supervision of their fathers.