Factors influencing migration & settlement of pastoralists in Nairobi

Pastoralism faces numerous challenges, including land-use and land-tenure change that diminish grazing land and conversion of traditional grazing lands into other uses such as settlements. Urbanisation is one of the key drivers of pastoral system dynamics. Understanding such dynamics in the face of compounding factors such as frequent droughts linked to climate change is key in guiding policy formulation and interventions aimed at achieving sustainable pastoral production.

The study “Factors influencing migration and settlement of pastoralists in Nairobi City, Kenya”, by Walter Magero Wafula et al, published in Pastoralism 12:2 (2022), cast light of drivers of urban pastoralism, and on opportunities and challenges encountered by pastoralists in the city. It found that the search for pasture and water resources and for alternative markets, especially during droughts, are the main reasons for pastoralist to migrate to the city. Educated herders were more likely to do so, as they pursue wage employment. Pastoralists in the city have more livelihood opportunities, but also face challenges such as road accidents involving livestock, frequent land displacements to pave way for real-estate development, and livestock poisoning from sewage and garbage.

The authors see a need for policy and regulatory interventions to recognise pastoralism alongside other forms of urban farming and to address challenges facing sustainable pastoral production in cities.

Posted on 15 May 2022 in Pastoralism & Marketing, Pastoralism, Mobility & Land Tenure, Pastoralist Livelihoods & Nutrition