Flyer on African Union Policy Framework
A remarkable content
The Policy Framework is the first continent-wide policy initiative that aims to secure the rights of African pastoralists.
It makes statements about pastoralism that are long over due....
- Pastoralism helps to protect and safeguard the key
national resources found in arid and semi arid areas - Pastoralist ecosystems transcend national borders,
and movement within these systems is economically
and ecologically rational - The well established and robust livestock export trade
continues to grow and respond to new market opportunities
A roadmap to a better future
The Policy Framework has two objectives – one people focused and one livestock focused. It recommends countries redraft their national policies to:
- Recognize the role of pastoralism in national economic development
- Demonstrate their commitment to pastoralism with affirmative action
- Integrate pastoral issues into other development sectors – land and Natural Resource Management
- Acknowledge the legitimacy of indigenous pastoral institutions
- Strengthen the role and rights of women in pastoral communities
- Mainstream pastoral issues into poverty reduction programmes
- Use alternative 'mobile' models for service delivery - education and health
Animals and Rangeland
- Secure pastoral property rights
- Support mobility within and between countries
- Protect pastoral livestock assets
- Develop the marketing of pastoral livestock and livestock products
- Promote financial and insurance services tailored to pastoral areas
- Protect African genetic resources – pastoral animals and plants
- Strengthen research and extension
A platform for political commitment
The Policy Framework advises countries to develop national pastoral policies by establishing a National Steering Committee and a team of experts. It recommends they use a seven step participatory process:
Participatory Process
- Consult stakeholders and identify key problems
- Prepare working documents for further discussion
- Look at institutional and financial/budgetary options
- Refine and get approval of the national pastoral policy
- Design implementation programme and institutional responsibilities
- Enact new or repeal old pastoral-related legislation
- Disseminate information and provide training for implementation
The role of the AU
The Policy Framework for Pastoralism in Africa was drafted after an extensive consultation process. It was adopted by the Ministers of Agriculture across Africa in October 2010, and approved by the AU Executive Council at the 16th Ordinary Session of the African Union Assembly, which took place from the 30th - 31st January 2011 in Addis Ababa, Ethiopia.
The AU will work in collaboration with the Regional Economic Commissions to promote implementation of the policy framework by member states. It will also support dissemination among CSOs and pastoralists. A tracking mechanism will ensure countries report regularly on their progress.