Inadequate governance of cross-border rangelands is threatening pastoral livelihoods across the Horn of Africa, according to experts at a regional workshop in Naivasha. Data indicates that over half of Africa's livestock is in East Africa, with Ethiopia, Kenya, and Somalia holding 55 percent of the IGAD region's animal resources. Despite this, a recent severe drought led to the loss of 13 million animals, valued at over one billion dollars, and left five million children malnourished.
Guyo Roba, Head of the Dryland Development Unit at IGAD’s Centre for Pastoral Areas and Livestock Development, explained that regulatory barriers prevent feed trade between countries, with each nation facing a feed deficit of nearly 50 percent. He noted that feed produced in Kenya is considered contraband in Ethiopia, highlighting the lack of coordinated rangeland management.
The workshop, organized by the African Union–Interafrican Bureau for Animal Resources, concluded that achieving feed security requires stronger partnerships between governments, communities, and markets. Participants advocated for practical regional policies and greater private sector involvement in feed production. The discussions are expected to lead to the formation of an African Union food security coordination task force.
Guyo Roba, Head of the Dryland Development Unit at IGAD’s Centre for Pastoral Areas and Livestock Development, explained that regulatory barriers prevent feed trade between countries, with each nation facing a feed deficit of nearly 50 percent. He noted that feed produced in Kenya is considered contraband in Ethiopia, highlighting the lack of coordinated rangeland management.
The workshop, organized by the African Union–Interafrican Bureau for Animal Resources, concluded that achieving feed security requires stronger partnerships between governments, communities, and markets. Participants advocated for practical regional policies and greater private sector involvement in feed production. The discussions are expected to lead to the formation of an African Union food security coordination task force.
