Policy framework for Pastoralism in Africa

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policies and legislation, and further development of regional policies to enable regional movementsand livestock trade.4.1.5 The importance of regional approachesRelevant to all four preceding principles is recognition that pastoralism has special potential tobenefit from regional approaches to policy reform and harmonization. This potential stems fromthe cross-border nature of many pastoralist communities, and fits well with the existing oremerging policy frameworks of RECs.4.1.6 Managing risksThe worsening impact of natural disasters, especially droughts, is contributing to the increasinglevels of destitution in pastoral areas. Although risk-based approaches to managing drought, suchas drought cycle management, were developed many years ago in East Africa these approacheshave not been institutionalized. Emergency aid responses to drought are still dominated by foodaid. The policy framework aims to promote risk management rather than emergency response forpastoral areas.4.1.7 Acknowledge and build on existing policy processesPolicy on pastoralism has been evolving over many years, with a considerable body of negativeand positive experiences to draw on. The AU policy framework recognizes the need to incorporateand support existing or emerging policies at national and regional levels which to varying degrees,all aim to: enhance the political representation of pastoralist women and men; integrate pastoraldevelopment policy into national and regional policy frameworks; promote sustained conflictresolution; legitimize alternative models of service delivery in pastoral areas; maximize efficientlivestock production by enabling pastoral mobility and securing access to rangelands; managerisk by institutionalizing drought management; and, support the marketing of livestock andlivestock products.4.1.8 Updating the policy frameworkThe policy framework recognizes that pastoralism is changing in the face of complex trends, someof which are predictable and others which are uncertain. As a new framework, it is anticipatedthat over time the framework will be updated to take account of emerging trends and opportunities,and the lessons of applying the framework. The principle of pastoralist involvement in policydevelopment (item 4.1.2) is seen as central to the process of revising the framework.4.2 Framework objectives and strategiesThe objectives of the policy framework are shaped around two main areas:- - First, the framework acknowledges the complex and the multidimensional nature of pastoralism,but also, the limitations of governance frameworks and policies including inappropriatepolicies in some cases, and weak policy coordination. This is a generic set of policy constraintswhich can be related to misunderstandings about pastoralism as a way of life and productionSecuring, Protecting and Improving the Lives, Livelihoods and Rights of Pastoralist Communities31
system, and in turn, reflect under-representation of pastoralists in policy and legislative reformprocesses. Therefore, Objective 1 of the framework covers issues of pastoral political representation,the legitimacy of traditional pastoral institutions, government commitment to propastoralpolicies in general, integration of these policies into national frameworks, the rolesand rights of women, and related issues.--Second, a more specific area dealing with the core economic activity in pastoral areas livestockproduction – and approaches to protect and develop livestock assets, and further integrate thetrade of livestock and livestock products into domestic, regional and international markets.This livestock-focused objective in the framework emphasizes the importance of mobility tomake efficient use of rangeland resources, and the ecological and economic logic of enablingin-country and regional mobility. The objective also covers the need for risk-based approachesto drought management in pastoral areas, and related strategies for protecting core livestockassets during drought as a means to encourage rapid post-drought recovery.Objective 1Secure and protect the lives, livelihoods and rights of pastoral peoples and ensure continent-wide commitmentto political, social and economic development of pastoral communities and pastoral areas.This objective focuses on policy and institutional strengthening processes, and support to goodgovernance which aims to:--Further recognize the role of pastoralism in development.--Demonstrate further commitment to pastoral development policy and related budgetarysupport.--Fully integrate pastoral issues into national and regional decision-making processes.--Acknowledge the legitimacy of traditional pastoral institutions.--Strengthen the roles and rights of women in pastoral communities.--Mainstream pastoral issues in poverty reduction programmes.--Ensure policy support to models of basic service delivery which are designed specifically to suitthe context of pastoral areas.Strategy 1.1 Recognize the role of pastoralism in developmentAs described in section 2.3, pastoralism makes considerable economic contributions to Africancountries, but these contributions are not always fully understood or acknowledged in nationaldevelopment policy of pastoral areas policies. Pastoralists make use of scarce vegetation and waterresources available in hostile and marginal arid and semi-arid lands, to produce meat, milk andother animal products. Pastoralism helps to protect and safeguard certain national resources existingin these ecosystems. Yet, pastoralists live under enormous stress and constitute the most vulnerablesegment of Africa’s population. Policies directed at pastoral development often emphasizetechnical issues but overlook crucial social, economic, environmental and political measures whichcould empower pastoral communities to manage their resources better for their own benefit andthat of the countries concerned.While some progress towards supportive policies for pastoralism is evident at national and regionallevels, there is still a considerable need for improving understanding of African pastoralism in termsof its economic and ecological rationale, and the rights of pastoralists to access their rangelandsand pursue a livelihood of their choice.32 Policy framework for Pastoralism in Africa
Page 2 and 3: DEPARTMENT OF RURAL ECONOMY AND AGR
Page 4 and 5: 2.4 Social and cultural contexts 18
Page 6 and 7: AbbreviationsAUAUCAU/DREAAU/IBARCAA
Page 8 and 9: traditional pastoral institutions i
Page 10 and 11: people. The key principles of this
Page 12 and 13: devising effective governance frame
Page 14 and 15: 2.2.1 Mediterranean and Saharan zon
Page 16 and 17: equatorial humid forest. Pastoral a
Page 18 and 19: pastoral areas include the use of l
Page 20 and 21: to pasture and water resources are
Page 22 and 23: In Burundi where population pressur
Page 24 and 25: all passed legislation specifically
Page 26 and 27: with resident farmers. These proble
Page 28 and 29: issues, they are meant to bring the
Page 30 and 31: i) Climate changePastoralist produc
Page 34 and 35: The process for reaching a common u
Page 36 and 37: iv. The need to acknowledge the leg
Page 38 and 39: within and between states, supporte
Page 40 and 41: many African countries have already
Page 42 and 43: Strategy 2.6 Protect African geneti
Page 44 and 45: --enactment of new and revision or
Page 46 and 47: iii. Policy information delivery an
Page 48: 6. ConclusionSustainable pastoral r

Policy framework for Pastoralism in Africa

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