[The following report does not necessarily reflect the views of Barh Koh ESDA]

ISIOLO, 13 July 2007 (IRIN) - Pastoralism is under threat – from climate change, shifting global markets and increased competition for land and other natural resources – even though it generates substantial income in areas where conventional farming is not possible.

Those who believe that pastoralism - based primarily on raising livestock in arid and semi-arid lands (ASAL) – can last into the 21st century, argue that increased urbanisation will mean a greater demand for livestock products – and hence, a greater role for pastoralists. Those who do not regard pastoralism as a viable long-term lifestyle argue that globalisation, increasing competition for land resources due to population growth, and climatic factors such as desertification and prolonged droughts in ASAL areas, mitigate against its survival. Either way, at least 40 percent of Africa's land mass is dedicated to pastoralism, with significant variations among countries.

In Kenya, for example, government statistics indicate that pastoral areas occupy at least 80 percent of the land mass, home to about 10 million people and 90 percent of the country's wildlife.

Harsh environment: It is also not in doubt that pastoralists inhabit some of the most fragile and harsh environments in Africa, their existence often characterised by a high degree of mobility, without regard to official borders. In many African countries, efforts to accommodate pastoralists when developing new forms of government have not always succeeded. Investment in infrastructure, education, health and other vital services for pastoralists is comparatively low, resulting in a tendency towards a dependence on emergency aid while failing to address the root causes of pastoralists' distress. African Union and UN experts on pastoralism say reducing pastoral poverty is crucial for the achievement of the Millennium Development Goals (MDGs) as pastoralists form large parts of the population in many African countries.

Representatives of pastoralists from 15 African countries, who met on 9-11 July in the town of Isiolo, eastern Kenya, discussed the way forward for pastoralism in Africa during deliberations aimed at laying the groundwork for the formulation of a continental pastoral policy framework. The workshop, and a series of others planned, will culminate the possible adoption of a policy on pastoralism in Africa during an AU heads of state summit next year.