Nelly Bassily | July 20, 2009
For more information on pastoralism, visit the following websites:
-World Initiative for Sustainable Pastoralism: http://www.iucn.org/wisp/
-Pastoralist Communication Initiative: http://www.pastoralists.org/
-CTA article entitled “Cyber Shepherds and livestock in the Sahel”: http://ictupdate.cta.int/en/Dossiers/Les-cyber-pasteurs-gèrent-le-bétail-au-Sahel
Here are some Farm Radio International resources on the subject of pastoralism:
–“West Africa: Pastoralists meet new challenges – in the field and the market” (FRW #52, January 2009)
–Camels provide farmers in drylands with milk and income (Package 76, Script 4, October 2005)
–The role of native breeds in maintaining livestock health: Story ideas for the radio (Package 63, Script 3, April 2002)
–Livestock management practices to cope with climate change (Package 84, Script 7, August 2008)
–A mystery at the dairy: The importance of proper sanitation when working with animals (Package 63, Script 6, April 2002)
Finally, here are some questions to begin a discussion or debate on the importance of livestock rearing and pastoralism in your area:
-What percentage of the local population makes its living through pastoralism?
-What types of investments does your national government make in livestock rearing?
-Are there pastoralist networks in your region? What sort of services do they offer to herders?
-What kind of access do pastoralists have to livestock markets? Can they obtain information on market prices to empower them in sales negotiations?
-What sort of income-generating activities do pastoralist women engage in?
-How do pastoralists in your region ensure adequate access to water and pasture during dry periods?
-What other steps do pastoralists take to ensure their livelihoods (such as diversifying the age and species of their livestock)?
-How are conflicts between herders and farmers resolved? What are the best mediation strategies to assure food security for both groups?