Pastoralism pays: new evidence from the Horn of Africa

Published in October 2015, this IIED Brifing evaluates the comparative social and environmental advantages of extensive pastoral production systems. The African Union’s policy framework on pastoralism recognises the economic potential of the sector and the need for further research. However, institutionalised data collection systems in Ethiopia and Kenya still do not capture the full value of pastoralism, meaning benefits and development potential remain obscure, and so are frequently obstructed. To help fill these knowledge gaps, IIED and its partners supported nine students from universities in Kenya and Ethiopia to conduct original field studies in pastoral regions of both countries in 2015. These studies reaffirm that the true value of pastoral systems is largely overlooked. Camel milk, goat meat, draught power and other goods and services provide subsistence products and household income; they also create employment, income opportunities and access to credit along their ‘value chains’. Pastoral products contribute significant revenues to public authorities and support the provision of basic services in rural towns; with support, this productivity could grow.