Mapping herd routes to improve pastoralist livelihoods

Livestock routes are essential to herders in eastern Africa, who use them to access water, feed and markets. But political and economic marginalisation is putting pressure on the natural resources that pastoralists rely on, causing conflicts and loss of value. Mapping current land uses has improved stakeholders’ understanding of how to protect the mobility of livestock and people as is required for sustainable pastoral systems. A 4-page “Outcome Story” of the CGIAR Research Program on Dryland Systems “Maps of livestock routes show the way to improved livelihoods for pastoralists” (2016) bring the following key messages:

• Blocked livestock routes threaten livelihoods
• Mapping routes with national governments leads to renewed commitments
• Protection and services result in triple wins: increased incomes, fewer conflicts and boosted trade.

Posted on 26 January 2024 in Pastoralism & Natural Resources, Pastoralism & Peacebuilding, Pastoralism, Mobility & Land Tenure, Pastoralist Livelihoods & Nutrition