Chapter 2.3 - Trust Building and Mobile Pastoralism in Africa

Abstract

Approximately 50% of Africa’s surface area consists of grassland. Mobile pastoralism—the movement of livestock according to the seasonal availability of pasture—is a traditional and widespread form of livelihood in semiarid regions. Mobile pastoralism has been neglected by policy makers, and mistrust is rife between pastoralist communities and governments, between pastoralists and sedentary farmers, and between different pastoralist groups. Increasing population pressures and climate change have led to widespread degradation of grasslands, particularly in already-dry areas. Conflict over access to grazing and water has increased, and insecurity has further hampered development. This section of the chapter offers examples from Darfur in Sudan and Kaduna State in Nigeria to illustrate why conflict mitigation and land restoration need to be implemented concurrently to ensure the sustainable management of grassland in these areas. An example from Baringo County in Kenya illustrates some success with this integrated approach.