Assessing the policy frame in pastoral areas of Sub-Saharan Africa (SSA)

Abstract

Drylands cover about 40 per cent of Africa’s land mass, mostly along the belt that includes the Sahel region on the western flank and the Horn of Africa on the eastern. These are home to tens of millions of pastoralists, for whom small ruminants, cattle, and camels provide a main source of livelihood. The region is characterised by marked rainfall variability and intense environmental change; the increasing economic and institutional uncertainties associated with the penetration of the market economy and the incorporation of grazing lands into the wider political and commercial arena also impinge on the livelihoods of herding communities. Extensive livestock production contributes significantly to local food security, national economies and regional integration, and shapes the socio-cultural patterns of distinct communities. However, the recent history of policy development in Sub Saharan Africa (SSA) is one of misplaced modernization efforts, and dispossession and dislocation of pastoralists. Most policies, laws, investments and programmes have failed to harness the potential of pastoral systems, instead engaging in dismantling the mobility practices and social networks that make them viable. The marginalisation of pastoralists in national politics and mainstream society is evident in most SSA countries; poverty rates are higher, while levels of investment and service provision are often much lower than the national average. Despite growing calls for change, inclusion and investment, the situation in most of sub-Saharan Africa’s drylands has worsened, and prospects for development have given way to humanitarian and security crises. There is growing political will, scientific literature and civil society efforts to overcome misconceptions and mistakes. However, translating good intentions and innovative thinking into effective institutional arrangements and governance practices seems challenging, as in most SSA countries the policy framework dealing with pastoral areas remains entangled in poor understanding, biased perspectives, bureaucratic approaches, and distorted interests.