“Struggling to Survive: Africa’s Herders Face Climate Stress, Conflict, and Land Competition”

Africa’s herders are facing increasing challenges as they try to maintain their traditional way of life in the face of rising climate stress, conflict, and competition for land. Pastoralism, the practice of livestock herding, is a vital sector in Africa, providing the continent with 75% of its milk and half of its meat, with some countries relying on it for more than one-third of their GDP.

Despite the significant economic and environmental contributions of pastoralism, herders often find themselves marginalized and their concerns overlooked by governments. The centuries-old practice of pastoralism is now under threat from a variety of factors, including climate change and competition for land.

Conflict is a major concern for pastoralists, as their traditional grazing lands are increasingly being taken over for other purposes such as large-scale commercial farming, mining, urbanization, and conservation areas. This competition for land has led to violent clashes between pastoralists and other land users, resulting in thousands of deaths in countries like Nigeria, Mali, and Burkina Faso.

Climate change exacerbates the challenges faced by pastoralists, with persistent drought, intense rainfall, and extreme temperatures making it difficult for them to maintain their herds. While climate change plays a role in these challenges, experts emphasize that social and political factors also play a significant role in the struggles faced by pastoralists.

One of the key issues facing pastoralists is land security, with many herders lacking guaranteed access to land and resources. Some countries, like Kenya and Ethiopia, have taken steps to recognize pastoral land rights, but challenges remain in defining and protecting these rights within a legal framework.

Experts call for more practical responses to support pastoralists, including raising their profile within countries and on the international stage. The recent COP summit of the UN Convention to Combat Desertification highlighted the need for marginalized groups like pastoralists to have a stronger voice in decision-making processes.

Ultimately, recognizing the cultural and economic importance of pastoralism is crucial for supporting herders in the face of increasing challenges. By listening to and learning from pastoralists, governments and international organizations can work towards sustainable solutions that benefit both herders and the environment.

This news post is sponsored by SPARC (Supporting Pastoralism and Agriculture in Recurrent and Protracted Crises) and written by freelance writer Adam Wentworth based in Brighton, UK.