The Regional Strategic Framework: Rangeland Management in Arid and Semi-arid Lands (ASALs) of the IGAD Region (RRMSF) (2020) is composed of four main sections. Section one presents definition of rangelands, background information on characteristics of rangelands, and their global extent. This section also presents an overview of the rangelands of the IGAD region highlighting the spatial coverage, socio-economic and ecological significance, the justification and objective of RRMS, as well as the methodological approach used in the development of the Strategic Framework. Section two covers the situation analysis and overview of the main challenges and threats to sustainable rangeland management in the region. Section three presents a review of global, continental and regional policies and agreements related to rangeland management. Section four contains the strategic actions designed to realize the overall goal of sustainable rangeland management in the ASALs of IGAD region. Rangelands in the IGAD region are the backbone of livestock industry and contribute significantly to the member countries’ national GDP by providing various economic and livelihood opportunities. However, rangelands in the IGAD region are facing a number of challenges. These include inadequate policies; declining range condition and productivity due to degradation and land fragmentation; poor regulation of access to rangeland resources; insecure land rights and tenure; restricted cross-border and inter-community herd movement; inadequate research, extension and human resource capacity to support implementation of rangeland management programms; poor knowledge management system; low investment in sustainable rangeland management skills; and frequent droughts and climate change. The broad objective of the Strategic Framework is to achieve sustainable rangeland management by addressing challenges facing rangelands in the IGAD region through harmonization of policies and practices among Member States, as a way of complementing the efforts of the IGAD Member States in sustainable rangeland management. Strategic Objective 1: To improve policy and legal framework for rangeland management by supporting processes towards requisite policy environment and institutional support. This is expected to be achieved through implementation of existing policies or formulation of new ones. Strategic Objective 2: To strengthen organizational capacity for rangeland management through staffing, budgeting and equipping Departments and Agencies responsible for rangeland management, both at national and sub-national levels, this include as recognition and facilitation of traditional institutions. Strategic Objective 3: To improve rangeland health and productivity through reseeding and management of invasive species and re-introduction of native species, grazing management through participatory rangeland management planning and sustainable land management (SLM) practices. This is expected to result in increased rangeland plant cover and diversity; reduced soil erosion and vegetation degradation; improved range condition resulting in increased availability and improved quality of pasture. Strategic Objective 4: To strengthen governance of rangeland resources through recognition and mainstreaming of customary institutions and development of legislation to enable enforcement of by-laws. This is expected to ensure regulated access and responsible use of rangeland resources. Strategic Objective 5: To secure land rights and tenure regimes in the rangelands through formulation of land policies and enactment of relevant land laws. Emphasis is given to the consolidation of rural land laws and regulations, leveraging on the existing customary institutions to develop rangeland rights; and development and implementation of frameworks for regional and national land policies. Strategic Objective 6: To regulate rangeland use through land use policies and planning. This entails formulation of land use policies and requisite laws by Member States; designation of livestock corridors; and capacity building for rangeland managers. Strategic Objective 7: To establish and/or operationalize trans-border within countries, transhumance agreements and inter-community resource sharing mechanisms for free, safe and peaceful sharing of rangeland resources. Strategic Objective 8: To improve research, extension, human resource capacity and knowledge management through support of research activities and training of various cadres of rangeland management personnel. Strategic Objective 9: To promote investment in sustainable rangeland management by creating various incentives. Strategic Objective 10: To strengthen drought risk management and climate change adaptation and mitigation through appropriate drought risk management and interventions.
2020-01-01