Managing biodiversity for improved livelihoods in pastoral areas

Recent research by ASARECA, ILRI and other partners in eastern and central Africa has revealed the huge potential of drylands in attaining food security. It looks at dryland biodiversity and how this supports the livelihoods of pastoralists who manage the biodiversity and do not live from livestock alone. It found that policymakers tend to undervalue the economic value of the livelihood options from use of biodiversity. It offers guidelines for development options in situations that range from highly populated wetter areas near markets to the usually most neglected drier areas with low population density and far from markets. The final report Natural Resource Management and Biodiversity Conservation in the Drylands contributes to better understanding of regional policy issues and potential reforms that would favour sustainable biodiversity management while enhancing pastoral livelihoods. The main findings and implications can be found in the policy brief Drylands development, pastoralism and biodiversity conservation in Eastern Africa.

Posted on 15 May 2012 in Pastoralism & Natural Resources, Pastoralist Livelihoods & Nutrition