Policy framework for Pastoralism in Africa

within and between states, supported by locally-relevant livestock disease surveillance andcertification systems;--Prevent avoidable losses of livestock assets through approaches such as improved veterinaryservices and institutionalization of risk-based drought management systems;--Support the marketing of pastoral livestock and livestock products, with emphasis on the policyand institutional constraints which hinder efficient marketing;--Support the further development of credit and financial services for pastoralists, drawingespecially on private sector provision of livestock loans and insurance;--Recognize that livestock and plants in pastoral areas are a crucial element of Africa’s geneticresources and therefore, should be protected on that basis;--Support research and extension that responds to the needs and interests of pastoralists, andwhich draws on their extensive indigenous knowledge.Under these strategies, it is also important to recognize and avoid strategies which have beenwidely applied in pastoral areas with limited success. These programmes include: attempts tointroduce exotic livestock breeds into pastoralist areas, which are not well-adapted to localconditions; inappropriate water development, especially schemes involving boreholes and whichignore traditional livestock movements; infrastructure-based approaches to improving livestockmarketing, which overlook the underlying policy and institutional constraints such as weak localmanagement of markets, and excessive taxation.Strategy 2.1 Pastoral rangeland governanceThis strategy responds to a common threat to Africa pastoralism viz. reduced access to traditionalrangelands due mainly to land appropriation by non-pastoral actors. The strategy is central tosecuring the future of African pastoralism and relates to strategies under Objective 1 such asrecognizing the role of pastoralism, and committing to appropriate policy development withpastoralists, and recognizing the role of traditional pastoral institutions in natural resourcemanagement. Reference to the AU Framework and Guidelines for Land Policy in Africa is highlyrelevant to the strategy.The strategy is cognizant of principle 4.1.7 and the progress made on pastoral land tenure in someAfrican countries. Further adoption of these policies, with relevant local adaptation is advised. Itis further recognized that in some countries, processes of government decentralization provideopportunities for supporting locally-appropriate land tenure arrangements. However, nationallegislation also needs to protect pastoral rangelands from commercial ventures whereby pastoralland is designated to private companies by central government. In part, such appropriation isinfluenced by misperceptions of pastoral rangeland as non-productive or even vacant.The strategy also recognizes that pastoralists may not be aware of their rights under nationalconstitutions and legislation, and therefore, are not always well-equipped to engage government.This problem shows the need to build capacities and understanding both in government andwithin pastoralist communities. The legal profession also needs to be fully aware of the legislativeoptions that are available to enable pastoral land tenure. In common with other services,few legal professionals are available in pastoral areas, indicating the need for more para-legalworkers who are trained in pastoral land tenure laws and administration.Securing, Protecting and Improving the Lives, Livelihoods and Rights of Pastoralist Communities37