Title

New Pastoralism
Socio-economic impact of violence and illicit economic activities in Africa
Thursday, September 10, 2015
Nairobi, Kenya

Preliminary findings of research on the causes of conflict and its consequences on development in three regions in Africa (Sahel, Horn and Great Lakes regions) are indicating that violent conflicts involving pastoralist communities have become widespread in many African countries particularly in the Sahel and Horn of Africa regions. In addition it has been found that other systems that promote violence have found a way to harness this system, leveraging on the transnational nature, for their own benefit.

The existence of pastoralism as “a social and economic system based on raising and herding livestock”, has not received enough attention in the policy space, even though pastoral communities have a long history of conflict and the intensity of conflicts is increasing with the contest for scarce resources emanating from pressures of climate and environmental changes.

Realizing that peace is a critical condition for sustainable growth, the Capacity Development Division of ECA will hold an inception meeting on the 10th of September 2015, in Nairobi, Kenya, to examine the underlying issues and challenges of pastoral communities as well as opportunities for harnessing the system for development.  This meeting will be held back to back with the Ad-Hoc Expert Group Meeting on the Horn of Africa.  This meeting will be the basis for a publication on the New Pastoralism in the Horn of Africa and the Sahel.