Ian Scoones and Andrew Adwera of the Future Agricultures Consortium report from a March 2009 meeting of over 50 pastoralists from across southern Ethiopia and northern Kenya. Gathered in the Borana lowlands at the ‘University of the Bush,’ they debated key pastoral development issues and the question of innovation in pastoral systems.
Meeting in several languages, participants shared definitions of ‘innovation’ and exchanged information on actual innovations they knew or had been involved in. They also formed groups to map innovation systems related major problems they face – such as drought and climate change, animal diseases, water shortage, range management and conflict.
Looking forward, participants identified four key factors that are essential for successful innovation in
pastoral areas:
- Education – but it must be relevant, appropriate and accessible, compatible with mobile pastoral lifestyles.
- Investment – but it must be locally driven and controlled.
- Organisation – but it must not be inward-looking, and facilitate networking and linkages outside pastoral communities to gain access to new ideas and support.
- A supportive political and policy context – but it requires local organisation and leadership to ensure pastoral voices are heard.
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