Who are Pastoralists?

Pastoralists are nomadic peoples that can be found all in the arid areas of the world that are not favorable to growing crops. They raise livestock, moving them from pasture to pasture as seasons change to ensure that their herds have forage. Pastoralists have immense value on the landscape. Through their traditional mobile grazing patterns, they are able help maintain biodiversity of the lands they graze by preventing the encroachment caused by a lack of grazing. Another valuable thing that pastoralists literally bring to the table is high quality foods. These pastoralists utilize livestock to convert indigestible cellulose into quality protein for their communities.  

Despite their vital role, pastoralists face increasing challenges from climate change, land fragmentation, and restrictive policies that threaten their essential mobility and traditional practices. Supporting these resilient communities is crucial for maintaining the ecological health of drylands and ensuring the future security of global food production.

Written by Will Amonette