Pastoral lands and the green transition: opportunities and challenges

The “green transition” – the global response to the climate and biodiversity crises – is generating demand for land to implement renewable-energy and carbon-sequestration projects. Rangelands have been attractive to investors because of their large extent, their high potential for wind and solar energy and for carbon sequestration and storage, and the perception that they are currently misused and easily available. In theory, green-transition projects could benefit pastoralists, but many projects alienate pastoralists’ land, undermine their rights and weaken their livelihoods. A few projects – including in Kenya – have been implemented in ways that respect or strengthen pastoralist rights, engage pastoralist communities in meaningful consultation and ensure equitable benefit sharing. These experiences demonstrate that pastoralists are not inevitable victims of the green transition and need not be excluded from green transition opportunities. A just green transition depends on upholding pastoralist rights, enabling their effective participation, and ensuring equitable allocation of benefits.

Pastoral lands and the green transition

Posted on 28 June 2026 in Pastoralism & Climate Change, Pastoralism & Extractives