EAC nomads urged on embracing pastoralism for development

Herders within the East African Community, including Uganda, Kenya, Tanzania and South Sudan, have been urged to embrace pastoralism for development.

Denis Mulongo Maholo, the assistant commissioner animal nutrition and the national focal point for United Nations Convention for Combating Desertification (UNCCD) at Uganda's agricultural ministry [MAAIF], made an appeal to the pastoralist youth on November 20, 2025, at Hotel Leslona in Moroto town.

Speaking as a chief guest at the commemoration of the Range Land Day, he enumerated the significance of embracing pastoralism for development.  

The event united over 150 youths from South Sudan, Kenya, Uganda and Tanzania, sharing experience on range lands and pastoralism.

He said pastoralism is a livelihood that most people in the cattle corridor depend on, among the East African countries.

“I want to call upon the herders to co-operate and cause development,” Maholo said, adding that pastoralism means looking after animals with aim of improving lives.

He asked the herders to consider embracing harmony amongst the communities, adding that without peace, development cannot occur in the cattle corridor.

However, Maholo said several challenges, such as climate change, were affecting the herders.

Other challenges include land degradation and wildfires that have forced migrations to other places in search of pasture and water.

Maholo attributed the increased population pressure on land to the rampant segmentation.

He appealed to the herders in the East African cattle corridor to ensure pastoralism thrives for development.

“The Government is behind the development of the cattle corridors,” Maholo said, adding that dams have been excavated for watering animals, health centres, roads, and schools have been established for socio-economic transformation in these areas.

A consortium of partners hosted the two-day (November 19-20, 2025) event under the theme: Advancing Youth Voices, Peace, Climate Justice and Resilience.

Assistant Commissioner Denis Mulongo Maholo in charge of animal nutrition during the crosss-border meetng in Moroto. (Credit: Olandason Wanyama)

Rangelands year

The United Nations General Assembly at its 76th session declared 2026 as the International Year of Rangelands and Pastoralists (IYRP). The Food and Agriculture Organisation (FAO) is the lead agency for celebrating the Year in collaboration with other relevant stakeholders.

The IYRP2026, according to FAO, provides a unique opportunity to raise awareness of the importance of rangelands and pastoralists, advocating for increased responsible investment and adapted policies for the pastoral sector.

It calls for policies that secure pastoralists’ access to land and natural resources, support mobility, and promote customary and inclusive governance, while encouraging adequate investments in rangeland management, ecosystem restoration, animal health services, and equitable value chains.

The Year also aims to foster inclusive policy dialogue and collaborative engagement to improve pastoralist livelihoods and sustainable rangeland management. Rangelands and pastoralists have great potential to contribute and deliver on the Sustainable Development Goals (SDGs). 

Youth speak

Thaddeus Clamian, who hails from Ngorongor district in Tanzania, acknowledged the effect of climate change.

He added that its effects were threatening pastoralism, asking the Government to invest heavily in the livelihood.

“Climate change has eroded the chances of development,” Clamian said, adding that the land tenure system was not in favour specifically of the mobile pastoralists.

He said the right of occupancy was challenging, an issue why conflicts are still rife in the cattle corridor.

Clamian asked the East African Community member states to find means of having a legal framework that recognises the right of occupancy, adding that in the future will have reduced conflict among the herders.

Kaabong district youth councillor Moses Lokwang said the commemoration is timely and that he appreciates the existing peace in the Karamoja region. He, however, said there is a need to support the communities in the cattle corridors.

Another national youth councillor, Timothy Lokiru from Nakapiripirit district, urged the Governments in East Africa to embrace pastoralism because it contributes highly to the gross domestic product.

Pastoralism remains a basis of livelihoods across the rangelands of East Africa. These arid and semi-arid areas span millions of hectares, accounting for 70 per cent of Kenya’s land, Uganda’s an estimated 40 percent and Tanzania’s 70 percent.