Participatory rangeland management: A business case for Africa

Participatory rangeland management (PRM) is a transformative, community-led approach to better manage, govern, and restore rangelands. This was the key message echoing during a side event convened by the CGIAR Livestock and Climate Initiative at the CGIAR Food and Agriculture Pavilion on 3 December 2024.

PRM has proven effective in Ethiopia, Kenya, and Tanzania, with its scalability supported by IGAD for the Horn of Africa. This model, centered on community ownership and sustainability, offers a blueprint for global investment in rangeland management, placing local communities at the forefront of decision-making.

Speakers emphasized that PRM’s success relies on deep community involvement. The Keynote speaker at the session Chetan Kumar: Global Head, Forest and Grasslands Team at IUCN emphasized the need for domestic funding, quality assurance, and market-driven approaches to scale participatory rangelands management effectively. “Empowering communities to see the business value of rangelands and fostering private investment through supportive policies are key to sustainable participatory rangelands management.”

Chetan noted the importance of creating a business case for PRM, enabling communities to see tangible economic benefits from sustainable rangeland management. He advocated for domestic funding and government policies that attract private capital, emphasizing a shift from supply-driven to market-oriented approaches.

Ken Otieno, Executive Director of RECONCILE, shared experiences from Kenya, where PRM has significantly reduced conflicts between crop farmers and pastoralists. He stressed the need for participatory rangelands management plans that are inclusive and agreed upon by all stakeholders. Otieno highlighted the role of rotational grazing, institutional representation of women, and legal backing in ensuring PRM’s success.

Fiona Flintan, Senior Scientist Rangelands and Pastoralism, ILRI and Lead CGIAR Research Initiative on Livestock and Climate presented the journey of a young community rangelands champion through an engaging animation session, illustrating the potential of PRM to empower local communities. Panelists from Zimbabwe, Tanzania, and Mongolia shared experiences, underscoring the integration of community knowledge with innovative practices. For instance, Mongolia’s pastoralists formed grazing groups based on shared rangelands, transcending ethnic divisions, resulting in improved conservation outcomes.

As it emerged, PRM presents a compelling case for sustainable rangeland management in Africa and beyond. By fostering community ownership, building economic incentives, and leveraging global best practices, it promises to address challenges such as conflict, climate change, and degradation. The event concluded with a call for strengthened partnerships among governments, communities, and donors to scale this transformative approach.