Pastoralism: Progressing Policies that favour Pastoralists. 5. Climate Change
This briefing was based on a series of 8 Pastoralism Information Notes
Abstract
Climate change will have serious impacts on pastoral areas, including increased severity of drought. Yet discussion of the impacts has often been simplistic and polarised between those who predict catastrophe and those who point to pastoralists' ability to adapt, if the policy context allows. At the same time, there is controversy over the contribution of pastoralism to greenhouse gas emissions.
Boosting livestock production may be the only alternative to crop production for millions of poor farmers across Africa as climate change leaves land unsuitable for cultivation, yet remain viable for raising animals which are more tolerant to heat and drought. In addition to providing a buffer against the risks of climate change, livestock would enable farmers to take advantage of the increasing demand for meat and dairy products in Africa.
This briefing was based on a series of 8 Pastoralism Information Notes produced under the overall supervision of John Morton of the Natural Resources Institute, University of Greenwich. Each briefing presents the context, policy implications, ways forward and evidence of change.
Citation
WRENmedia, Eye, UK, 2 pp.
Links
(PDF, 949KB)