Policy framework for Pastoralism in Africa

people. The key principles of this initiative were in line with, and contributed to, the strategicpillars of the Commission, namely promotion of peace and security, cooperation, partnershipand development, shared vision and institutional capacity strengthening.This draft Policy Framework for Pastoralism in Africa is a result of a series of consultationsand regional assessments of pastoralism conducted since mid-2007. A Specialist Taskforce wasestablished following the inception workshop in Isiolo, and the Taskforce members were activelyinvolved in articulating the issues and guiding the process and the strategy. Consultants haveundertaken the regional assessments in each of the five regions of Africa, and the regionalassessment reports were reviewed and validated in a consultation workshop held in April 2010,in Ouagadougou, Burkina Faso. These processes led to the formulation of the development ofthe draft policy framework, which was discussed and validated in a stakeholders consultationworkshop held in September-October 2010, in Nairobi, Kenya.1.1.2 Scope and justification for a pan-African pastoral policya. ScopePolicy has always been at the centre of successes and failures in the development of human communities.Similarly, policy can either promote or hinder economic and social development in pastoralareas of Africa. Specifically, the policy and institutional environment determines access to theresources of these areas and therefore, has a significant impact on equity, productivity and livelihoods.Limited or uncertain resource tenure and access to, or ownership of land, water and otherresources is a long-term, fundamental constraint for pastoralism. In addition, limited formal education,health and communication facilities, inappropriate market development, and poor accessto livestock and other services can lead to discontent, generate injustice and further promote conflict.These problems can also lead to non-sustainable resource use and environmental degradation. Incontrast, appropriate pro-pastoral policy and institutional reforms can empower pastoral peopleand promote equitable access to resources, facilities and services, and guarantee sustainable landuse and environmental management.It is increasingly accepted that livestock rearing is the dominant and rational economic enterprisein pastoral communities, but policies to address pastoral issues must go beyond those related tolivestock production, marketing and trade. Pastoralists also need supportive policies on criticalissues such as healthcare, education, land tenure, women’s rights, governance, ethnicity andreligion. Furthermore, the scope of policy in many areas, especially policies on pastoral mobility,environment and conflict, must range from local policies to regional policy harmonization acrossborders. This scope recognizes that pastoralist ecosystems often transcend national borders, andthat movement within these systems is economically and ecologically rational.b. JustificationGiven the transnational character of pastoralism and the extreme and worsening levels of foodinsecurity and vulnerability within African pastoral communities, a pan-African policy on pastoralismis long overdue. Available information indicates that pastoralists are among the most politicallyand economically marginalized communities. They have decreasing access to the natural resourceson which their livelihoods depend, and very limited access to basic socio-economic services andSecuring, Protecting and Improving the Lives, Livelihoods and Rights of Pastoralist Communities9