Kenyan families in arid and semi-arid lands (ASALs) are among over 100,000 households set to benefit from a significant €47 million (Ksh6.1 billion) programme aimed at strengthening the resilience of pastoralists in Eastern Africa. This four-year initiative, spearheaded by the Food and Agriculture Organization of the United Nations (FAO) and the European Union (EU), is designed to support households across Ethiopia, Kenya, Somalia, South Sudan, Sudan, Tanzania, and Uganda.
Addressing Climate Change and Sustainability
The programme, titled the Pastoralism and Livestock Adaptation to Climate Change in Eastern Africa Programme (PLACE), aims to tackle the multifaceted challenges faced by pastoral communities. Rein Paulsen, FAO’s director at the Office of Emergencies and Resilience, emphasized the programme’s potential to develop sustainable, climate-resilient pastoral systems. These systems are crucial in addressing the environmental, economic, and social dimensions of pastoralism amidst a rapidly changing climate.
Paulsen highlighted the urgency of the initiative, noting the increased incidence and severity of climate-related shocks and the gradual degradation of natural resources in the region’s rangelands. “We welcome this timely programme as the region’s rangelands face increased incidence and severity of climate-related shocks and a gradual degradation of the natural resource base,” said Paulsen.
Livestock: A Vital Lifeline
Livestock is more than just a source of livelihood for over 250 million people in Eastern Africa; it is deeply embedded in the social, cultural, and spiritual fabric of the communities. Pastoralists undertake livestock keeping not only as a commercial enterprise but also as a social investment, providing ecosystem services that are challenging to quantify commercially but are invaluable in terms of cultural and environmental benefits.
Paulsen pointed out that pastoralism is at a critical juncture. Societal shifts in the region have led to fewer young people engaging in pastoralism, traditionally considered a pastoral lifestyle. Moreover, severe and frequent droughts have devastated rangelands, resulting in the loss of over 13 million livestock between late 2020 and early 2024.
Holistic Approach to Resilience
The PLACE programme adopts a holistic approach to fostering an environment conducive to comprehensive and innovative solutions. These solutions aim to enhance resilience, improve food security, and establish sustainable livelihoods. The project will be implemented across four cross-border cluster areas—the Bahr el-Arab, Karamoja, Mandera, and Mara-Serengeti Clusters—spanning Sudan, Ethiopia, Kenya, Somalia, South Sudan, Tanzania, and Uganda.
Efforts will focus on several key areas, including:
- Strengthening Land Tenure Systems: Ensuring that pastoralists have secure and recognized rights to their land, reducing conflicts and promoting sustainable land use.
- Reducing Greenhouse Gas Emissions: Implementing practices that minimize the environmental impact of livestock farming.
- Preserving Biodiversity and Natural Resources: Protecting the rich biodiversity of the rangelands and ensuring the sustainable use of natural resources.
- Building Strong Local Economies within the Livestock Sector: Promoting economic growth and resilience in the livestock sector through various innovative practices.
- Reducing Resource-Based Conflicts: Addressing and mitigating conflicts arising from competition over natural resources.
- Creating Jobs: Providing employment opportunities, particularly for youth and women, to sustain pastoralist communities.
Inclusivity and Participation
A crucial aspect of the programme is its focus on inclusivity and participation, particularly concerning gender and youth. The initiatives aim to improve living conditions, ensure fairness and inclusivity, and amplify the voices and participation of pastoralists. By engaging these communities actively, the programme seeks to foster a more equitable and sustainable future for pastoralists in Eastern Africa.
As this ambitious programme unfolds, it promises to bring transformative changes to the lives of pastoralists in Eastern Africa, enhancing their resilience against climate change and securing a sustainable future for generations to come.
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