Pastoral Land Use Changes in Northern Kenya and the Implications on Pastoralism and Biodiversity Conservation

The research analysis focused on land use changes due to settlement and decentralization of governance systems in pastoral regions of northern Kenya. It details how decentralization has replaced or weakened existing traditional resource management institutions and the effects of this on range resources management. It also explores how pastoralists have adapted to changes in the availability of dry and wet season grazing and watering areas as a result of these changes. The research also analyses the pressures facing pastoralism as a viable production system in contested areas and details the unique characteristics that make nomadic pastoralism a viable subsistence production system in the dry lands of Africa.

The paper focuses specifically on sub humid highlands in arid and semi arid pastoral grazing zones that are also areas of high biodiversity and explores the implications of pastoral resource tenure security on the survival of pastoralism. The objective of the research is to understand what sorts of interventions might enhance tenure security and prevent loss of crucial mobility for risk management and asset protection for pastoralist communities. This is important for the sustainability of pastoralism and biodiversity in dry lands. The research illustrates the effects of competing policies on pastoral land use in northern Kenya and how pastoralists have responded and adapted to these influences and pressures.