Present Desired Future

Issues with pastoralist and agro-pastoralists in relation to natural resource management

Presented at the Beating Famine ConferenceWorld Agro-forestry Centre

Nairobi, Kenya10-13 April 2012

Presented by: Susan KarimiProgramme Manager- Pastoralists

LivelihoodsWorld Vision -East Africa Regional

Office

Major Characteristics of the pastoralists system

• In East Africa, mainly found in Kenya, Tanzania, Uganda, Somalia and Ethiopia.

• Population of 20 million pastoralists and agro-pastoralists.

• Inhabit ASAL areas• Mobility for pasture and water• They are an important link across the major

farming systems in East Africa, due to the continually rising demand for livestock products.

Issues in Pastoral System on Natural Resource Management

• Land Degradation through:Desertification Over-grazing Carrying Capacity; Water and wind soil erosion

The state of most pastoral lands in East Africa............

Issues in Pastoral System on Natural Resource Management cont’

• Drought; Diminishes rangeland productivity, Adversely affects feed quality and species

diversity. Causes changes in the composition and size of

the herd. If it continues to the extent of rangeland

desiccation, pastoralists abandon the area.

Issues in Pastoral System on Natural Resource Management cont’

• Sedentarization of pastoral communities:Intensive grazing around settlementsGrazing around water pointsSedentarization without proper alternatives

Issues in Pastoral System on Natural Resource Management

• Land encroachment: Competition for the better quality rangelands

Imbalanced grazing management

• Land fragmentation:

• Lack of innovation:

Steps taken

• Training in natural resource management• Reseeding • Fodder harvesting

Critical lessons .............

• Give communities control over natural resources including forests

• Establishment of resource management groups for efficient land management

• Modern scientific approaches • Better managed pastoralism • Encourage eco-tourism • Research and extension support for pastoral

systems