Pastoralism remains the lifeline for more than 20 million people in Eastern Africa, sustaining communities with food, cultural identity, and ecological resilience. Yet this way of life is under threat. From shrinking grazing lands and land grabs to systemic discrimination, pastoralist communities face mounting challenges that jeopardise both their livelihoods and survival.
To bring these urgent issues to the forefront, a new research report, Why We Need Pro-Pastoralist Policies, is being launched at a public dialogue featuring pastoralist leaders, scholars, and advocates. The event will highlight why pastoralism must be protected and promoted as the world approaches the 2026 International Year of Rangelands and Pastoralists (IYRP).
The panel will explore how African governments and the European Union can act decisively to protect pastoralist rights, secure mobility, and invest in policies that safeguard these vital livelihoods and ecosystems. With rangelands covering nearly half of Africa’s land area, the stakes for biodiversity, climate resilience, and food sovereignty are high.
“Pastoralism matters — not only to those who depend on it directly but to the ecological health and future food security of the continent,” said organisers of the launch.
Distinguished Panel
The event will bring together influential voices from pastoralist movements, academia, and advocacy networks:
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Joseph Oleshangay – Maasai lawyer and defender of land and human rights (MISA)
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Michael Odhiambo – Member of Policy Working Group, IYRP 2026
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Million Belay, PhD – General Coordinator, Alliance for Food Sovereignty in Africa (AFSA)
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Naipanoi Ntutu – Maasai youth activist, Loliondo, Tanzania (MISA)
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Nkasiogi Lekakeny – Maasai woman leader, Ngorongoro, Tanzania (MISA)
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Saverio Krätli – Editor of the journal Nomadic Peoples
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Priscilla Claeys – Associate Professor, Coventry University (Moderator)
A Call to Action
As momentum builds toward the 2026 IYRP, the launch calls on policymakers, donors, and civil society to ensure that pastoralist communities are not left behind in the global transition to climate and biodiversity action.
“Stand with pastoralists — join us for this vital dialogue,” the organisers urged.
