Wednesday, August 24, 2011

New Briefing on Pastoralism and Climate Change

The latest issue of Joto Afrika, a series of printed briefings and online resources about adapting to climate change in sub- Saharan Africa, focuses on "The Future of Pastoralism in a Changing Climate". Pastoralism, a free-range livestock production system, is practised in all of Africa’s dryland regions, and is the main source of food security and income for many communities. The future of pastoralism is threatened by the many manifestations and effects of climate change, including droughts, floods, more extreme weather events, invasive species and pests, and the failure of introduced exotic livestock breeds. This issue provides case studies of local knowledge in action across Africa, and success stories from research to showcase various ways of climate adaptation by pastoralists.

According to the editorial, key messages include: recognizing the multiple processes and stressors that govern pastoralists' vulnerability to climate change; protecting pastoral land and enhancing the mobility of pastoralists and their livestock; considering index-based livestock insurance schemes as one of the strategies for protecting livestock keepers against climate risks; and investing in building the capacity of livestock keepers to enhance skills and diversify enterprises and resource management.

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