January 29, 2025 (NAIVASHA, Kenya) The IGAD Centre for Pastoral Areas and Livestock Development, with the financial support of Swedish International Development Cooperation Agency (SIDA), held a two-day validation meeting for the assessment report on cross-border people and livestock movement.

In his opening remarks on behalf of Dr. Dereje Wakjira the ICPALD Director, Animal Health Expert Dr. Wamalwa said, “transhumance is an indigenous coping mechanism necessitated by climate change variability…eventually, the livestock narrative will change from being viewed as a source of conflict to being viewed as a source of pride and wealth”.

Speakers from the Ethiopia, South Sudan and Uganda delegations expressed gratitude to IGAD for coordinating projects that address challenges in the livestock sub-sector, acknowledged the current livestock/pastoralism advocacy efforts targeting relevant policy makers in the livestock sector, and pointed out the need to change the livestock narrative from socio-cultural emphasis to economic emphasis.

The report which was reviewed highlighted transhumance activities; migratory routes; shared resources; institutional arrangements; formal and traditional response mechanisms of host communities; challenges and gaps on transhumance mobility in the SEM project areas. The participants validated the report with revisions and inputs in the areas of key findings, gaps, challenges, and recommended areas for improvement.

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Additional Resource: SEM Project Brief