Kenya is hosting a major continental forum bringing together Indigenous pastoralist leaders from across Africa, as preparations intensify for the United Nations International Year of Rangelands and Pastoralists 2026. The forum, is bringing together delegates from across the continent to push for climate justice, secure land rights, and stronger recognition of pastoralists as key custodians of Africa’s rangelands. The meeting comes ahead of UNCCD COP17, where land degradation and rangeland management will be at the centre of global discussions.
Hon. Soipan Tuya, CS Defence:
“We are strengthening local governance, securing Indigenous lands, and recognizing Indigenous peoples as custodians of natural resources. The government has also increased the representation of Indigenous and pastoralist communities in leadership positions.”
Kello Harsama, PS, State Department for asals and Regional Development:
“The government has made significant strides in improving the livelihoods of pastoralist communities. We are encouraging a shift towards agro-pastoralism to diversify livelihoods and enhance resilience.
Hindou Oumarou Ibrahim, President, Association for Indigenous Women and Peoples of Chad:
“we want to speak with one united African pastoralist voice. We want to ensure that direct funding reaches pastoralist communities, because they are the true champions of our environment.
Pastoralists should not be discriminated against. We want the world to see that pastoralists are the future and the hope for climate resilience.”
