Customary land governance among Afar pastoralists in Ethiopia

In Amibara District of Afar National Regional State, Ethiopia, a study was conducted among Afar pastoralists to explore the customary organisational structure and the rules and regulations used by the local communities in managing natural resources. In the article “Customary land governance and conflict resolution among the Debne and Weima Afar clans, northeast Ethiopia”, published in Nomadic Peoples 28 (2), https://doi.org/10.3828/whpnp.63837646691053, Dejene Debsu describes how the clan system provides the basis for the Afar social and political organisation. Claims to land are made at subclan and lineage levels.

Customary institutions have faced challenges from the formal government institutions and interventions, such as the introduction of mechanised agriculture in the Middle Awash Valley and sedentarisation policies, which led to fragmentation of the pastoral commons and weakening of the customary legal system. Currently, the government administration largely functions using the clan structure, as it has more legitimacy than the State. The clan system continues to play a dominating role when it comes to social organisation, resource management and resolving conflicts over pastoral resource use. Under a supportive policy environment, hybrid institutions could contribute to improving rangeland management and peacebuilding, especially in border areas.

Posted on 23 September 2024 in Pastoralism & Natural Resources, Pastoralism & Peacebuilding, Pastoralism, Mobility & Land Tenure