Value of Pastoralism (page 21)
Pastoralism: hidden asset in the drylands
Many policymakers in East Africa believe that pastoralism is economically inefficient and environmentally destructive. Yet this is not based on evidence. There no consensus on a dynamic economic model of pastoralism, and there are no mechanisms to inform government decision-makers of its comparative advantages over alternative land uses. The IIED Issues Paper Pastoralism: drylands’ invisible […]
Arid waste? Reassessing dryland pastoralism
East Africa harbours a huge hidden asset: its millions-strong herds of dryland livestock managed by pastoralists. Many policymakers in the region regard pastoralism as archaic and economically inefficient – perceptions that are not evidence-based, yet drive much regional policy. New findings show that pastoralism has immense potential value for reducing poverty, managing the environment, promoting […]
Pastoralists: wildlife conservationists in Tanzania?
The way that Maasai pastoralists manage natural resource has a big influence on landscapes and wildlife habitats in northern Tanzania. This comes out of a study by Fred Nelson Natural conservationists? Evaluating the impact of pastoralist land use practices on Tanzania’s wildlife economy as part of IIED’s project on “Total economic value of pastoralism”. Pastoralists follow […]
Changing face of pastoralism in Kenya
Pastoralism accounts for about 10% of Kenya’s gross domestic product (GDP) and 95% of family income among pastoralists, according to estimates from Kenya’s Ministry of Agriculture. However, some experts say the economic contribution of pastoralism to national economies is even higher when its indirect benefits were taken into account. “The failure of national statistics to […]
Total economic value of Kenyan pastoralism
Undervaluation of pastoralism had led to inappropriate policies and the promotion of alternative production systems that make less economic sense, cause more environmental damage and are making pastoralists destitute. The World Initiative for Sustainable Pastoralism (WISP) compiled data on the total economic value (TEV) of pastoralism in Kenya, collected through the IUCN project “Kenya’s drylands: […]