Livestock is a vital lifeline for over 250 million people in Eastern Africa; it is deeply woven into the social, cultural, and spiritual fabric of these communities.
It is on this knowledge that a new program was launched to enhance food security and resilience in the region.
The FAO Initiative
The Food and Agriculture Organization of the United Nations (FAO) and the European Union (EU) recently signed a €47 million four-year program, “Pastoralism and Livestock Adaptation to Climate Change in Eastern Africa Programme” (PLACE). This initiative aims to directly benefit over 100,000 households across Ethiopia, Kenya, Somalia, South Sudan, Sudan, Tanzania, and Uganda.
PLACE is designed to tackle the challenges of developing sustainable, climate-resilient pastoral systems amid rapidly changing environmental conditions.
FAO’s Director of the Office of Emergencies and Resilience, Rein Paulsen says: “The EU has been a longstanding partner in Eastern Africa, especially in enhancing the resilience of pastoral livelihoods.”
He exports the program’s importance as the region’s rangelands face increasing climate-related shocks and natural resource degradation, threatening the pastoral way of life.
Without doubts, the program will adopt a holistic approach to foster an environment conducive to innovative solutions for resilience, food security, and sustainable livelihoods. It will be implemented across four cross-border clusters: Bahr el-Arab, Karamoja, Mandera, and Mara-Serengeti, covering Ethiopia, Kenya, Somalia, South Sudan, Sudan, Tanzania, and Uganda.
PLACE Inherent Benefits
Enhanced Food Security
– By strengthening pastoral systems, the program aims to ensure a stable and reliable food source for communities reliant on livestock.
Increased Resilience
– Pastoralists will be better equipped to withstand climate-related shocks and stresses, reducing vulnerability and improving their ability to cope with adverse conditions.
Sustainable Livelihoods
– The program focuses on creating long-term, sustainable livelihood options for pastoral communities, reducing their dependence on external aid and fostering economic independence.
Climate Adaptation
– PLACE promotes climate-resilient practices, helping pastoralists adapt to changing environmental conditions and mitigate the impacts of climate change.
Social and Cultural Preservation
– Supporting pastoral livelihoods helps preserve the social, cultural, and spiritual practices tied to livestock rearing, maintaining the community’s heritage and identity.
Environmental Protection
– The initiative encourages sustainable land management practices, which can help prevent overgrazing, reduce land degradation, and protect natural resources.
Community Empowerment
– By involving local communities in the program’s implementation, PLACE empowers them to take ownership of their development, fostering a sense of agency and participation.
Improved Cross-Border Collaboration
– The program’s cross-border approach encourages cooperation and shared learning among countries, enhancing regional stability and collective resilience efforts.
This programme under the purview of PLACE will not only support the communities in navigating the challenges posed by climate change but also guarantee a sustainable future for the pastoral way of life in these parts.
https://www.fao.org/newsroom/detail/fao-and-eu-sign-47-million-euro-programme-to-enhance-resilience-and-food-security-for-pastoralists-in-eastern-africa/en
