Perceptions of land tenure security in pastoral areas in Marsabit, Kenya
This report focuses on the Waldaa community in the north of Marsabit, Kenya.
Abstract
Land tenure in pastoral areas is typically vested in the collective, where the rights of individuals and households to graze and water their animals exist alongside the rights of the collective. The collective sets guidelines and rules on how its members use resources. Pressures on pastoral lands are mounting from a rising population and from demand to appropriate grazing commons for other uses, such as mining and cropping. This can lead to pastoralists losing access to the graze and water they need for their livelihoods, and conflict over resources.
This report focuses on the Waldaa community in the north of Marsabit, Kenya. The findings show that for almost 50 years, the Waldaa have retained rights to their land and natural resources without legal registration. Pastoralism defies permanent designation of rights: pastoralists use complex, messy, but effective, patterns of access to grazing. Vulnerable groups, such as widows, said they enjoy equal rights within the group. When systems function, all claims and rights can be realised without infringing upon others.
The authors findings emphasise the need to adopt community based land governance and strengthen institutions to promote the inclusiveness of traditional governance. Changes should start with inclusive community discussion.
This work is part of the Supporting Pastoralism and Agriculture in Recurrent and Protracted Crises (SPARC) Programme.
Citation
Otieno K, Lumumba O, Odote C, Akinyi L and others. ‘Perceptions of land tenure security in pastoral areas in Marsabit, Kenya’ London, SPARC, 2024
Links
Perceptions of land tenure security in pastoral areas in Marsabit, Kenya