Preserving Pastoralism in the Face of Climate Change

My colleagues and I convened for an afternoon consultation with the Food and Agricultural Organization (FAO) team in Brussels to discuss food security within the framework of the Intergovernmental Authority on Development (IGAD) member states, encompassing Djibouti, Eritrea, Ethiopia, Kenya, Somalia, South Sudan, Sudan, and Uganda. The data presented during the session was sobering, prompting me to reflect on Joe Abercrombie’s quote, “Pike had taught them a lesson – if enough people got angry enough, they could change things. Now anger was the answer to everything.”

Abercrombie's quotation encapsulates the frustration and despair experienced by many confronting hunger, poverty, and injustice in Africa and beyond. It suggests that violence and rebellion might be the only means to challenge the prevailing order and demand change. Yet, this outlook implies a loss of hope in peaceful, constructive solutions. While anger can serve as a potent motivator, it also harbours the potential for further suffering and destruction.

Despite not wholly subscribing to this pessimistic view, specific questions linger. Can anger catalyse positive outcomes devoid of its destructive tendencies? Is there such a concept as constructive anger? Some philosophers contend that well-managed outrage can serve as a driving force for positive change. Aristotle, for instance, posits that the right kind of anger can be a virtue, suggesting that those who fail to express anger when warranted may be deemed foolish.

In line with Aristotle’s idea, Africa's failure to stand up against injustice stirs a profound anger within me. The continent experiences a disproportionate impact of climate change. Moreover, while Africa is the most significant carbon sink, companies like Tesla profit from carbon credits amounting to billions more than the entire continent, further exacerbating the power imbalance. Yet, climate change has uprooted over 25 million people within the region.

In addition, Africa still needs to contain conflict. Instead, the continent that hosts the youngest population remains eternally vulnerable. The COVID-19 pandemic has left around 50 million without access to food, exacerbating existing challenges. Furthermore, the continent loses a staggering 4 million tons of cereal annually due to inadequate post-harvest measures, enough to feed 30 million people. Food aid exceeds $2.5 billion annually, indicative of the dire situation. Yet the continent needs less than one billion dollars to build resilient storage systems.

Last year's drought resulted in the loss of 13 million animals among pastoralist communities in the region, illustrating the dire consequences of climate change on their traditional way of life. Despite their significant contribution to the GDP—up to 60% from livestock—pastoralists receive scant support for climate adaptation and resilience. President Ruto has on several occasions advocated for pastoralists, highlighting their vulnerability to climate change impacts, yet concrete mechanisms for assistance remain elusive.

Pastoralism, a lifestyle finely attuned to harsh and fluctuating environments, is integral to Africa's cultural and economic fabric. However, climate change poses an existential threat to pastoralists, with rising temperatures, erratic rainfall, and desertification diminishing water and pasture availability, exacerbating poverty and hunger, and undermining human rights. Marginalised and excluded from decision-making processes, pastoralists face displacement and insecurity.

In the interim, several interventions can be undertaken. First, it is imperative to uphold pastoralists' rights, ensuring access to essential resources such as land, water, and mobility while actively involving them in governance and developmental processes. Second, efforts should focus on strengthening pastoralists' resilience and adaptation capacities. This can be achieved by leveraging their traditional knowledge, diversifying their income streams, and enhancing their access to markets, services, and infrastructure.

Thirdly, fostering regional cooperation among pastoralist communities is crucial. This entails harmonizing policies and laws across borders and establishing effective transboundary management mechanisms to promote peace and security in the regions where they operate. Fourthly, substantial investments in research and innovation are needed to develop sustainable solutions for pastoralism. Additionally, it is essential to raise awareness among policymakers, donors, and the broader public about the importance of pastoralism and its challenges.

Lastly, promoting climate-smart livestock production practices can mitigate the impacts of climate change on pastoralist communities. This involves acknowledging and rewarding pastoralists for contributing to ecosystem services and carbon sequestration efforts. Through these concerted efforts, we can ensure the resilience and continuity of pastoralism in the face of evolving environmental challenges.

Preserving pastoralism is paramount in mitigating the adverse effects of climate change on vulnerable communities across Africa. As we navigate the complexities of environmental degradation and social injustice, it is crucial to recognize pastoralists' invaluable role in maintaining ecological balance, cultural heritage, and economic stability. By upholding their rights, enhancing their resilience, fostering regional cooperation, investing in innovation, and promoting sustainable practices, we can ensure that pastoralism thrives despite the challenges posed by climate change. Through collective action and unwavering commitment, we can secure a sustainable future for pastoralist communities and safeguard the diverse tapestry of life in Africa.