The Ministry of Irrigation and Low Lands (MILLs) stated that the Pastoralists Day witnessed the active involvement of the cooperation of East African stakeholders. This move is expected to have significant implications for fostering social, cultural, economic, and diplomatic ties within the region. The event will take place in Addis Ababa from January 26 to February 1, aims to address pastoralists’ issues, improve their livelihoods, and explore the tourism and investment potential of pastoralist areas.
Furthermore, Ethiopia is set to host the “Horn of Africa Pastoralist Expo” in February 2024 emphasizing the collaborative efforts of the Intergovernmental Authority on Development (IGAD) and promoting regional unity and progress.
MILLs State Minister Endrias Geta (PhD) told the Ethiopian Press Agency (EPA) that the 19th Pastoralists Day with East African representatives’ attendance will be fruit full.
Noting that previously the day was marked at the national level, he revealed that this year festival is conducted uniquely with the involvement of pastoralist representatives from neighboring countries as well as high-level government officials, diplomats and others.
According to Endrias, the festival aims to create networking opportunities among East African pastoralists, strengthen cultural and economic ties, and provide a platform for discussing shared concerns such as drought and other challenges. Apart from improving the livelihoods of pastoralists’ communities, such event has a great contribution to exploiting tourism and investment potentials in the pastoralists’ areas and supporting the development of the country.
Since the livelihoods of pastoralists are not limited by borders and boundaries, meticulous preparation has been made to ensure the economic benefit of pastoralist communities. Camel riding and camel milk tasting shows took place in the festival and some 250 pastoralist representatives, diplomats, and agricultural experts are also expected to be in attendance. The event enables to create networking among East African pastoralists, the state minister elaborated.
“Furthermore, the participants would strengthen their cultural and economic ties and obtain the opportunity to discuss their common concerns including drought and other problems.”
Besides promoting the pastoralist areas’ tourism and investment opportunities; the festival would also facilitate experience sharing and enhance the business ties in the sector. The participation of East African stakeholders in the Pastoralists Day and the Horn of Africa Pastoralist Expo holds several economic benefits for the region.
The involvement of high-level government officials, diplomats, and agricultural experts from neighboring countries will create a platform for fostering economic cooperation and trade. It provides an opportunity for pastoralist communities to showcase their products, such as livestock, textiles, handicrafts, and agricultural products, leading to potential business partnerships and increased trade within the region, he remarked.
Moreover, the exposure of pastoralist areas and their tourism and investment potential during the events can attract domestic and foreign investors. The festival serves as a gateway to showcase the untapped opportunities in the pastoralist regions, encouraging investment in infrastructure development, agribusiness, ecotourism, and other sectors. This, in turn, can stimulate economic growth, job creation, and income generation for the local communities.
Apart from these, the event will draw attention to the unique cultural heritage, landscapes, and traditional practices of the pastoralist communities. This can enhance the tourism sector in the region, attracting domestic and international visitors interested in experiencing the rich cultural traditions and natural beauty of the pastoralist areas. Increased tourism can contribute to local economic development through the creation of tourism-related businesses, accommodation providers, and the preservation of cultural practices.
The involvement of East African stakeholders in this event will also foster regional integration and cooperation. Through addressing common challenges, sharing experiences, and promoting dialogue, the events contribute to building stronger economic ties and mutual understanding among countries in the region. This collaboration can lead to the development of joint projects, regional initiatives, and policy frameworks that support economic growth, stability, and sustainable development in the pastoralist areas.
Hon.Salah Maalim Alio Regional Minister for Lands, Physical Planning, Housing, Urban Development, Circular Economy, Solid Waste Management and Sanitation-Mandera County Government in Kenya is amongst the participants and panelistson the event. Approached by The Ethiopian Herald through Email, he said that the Expo is not just a national event adding that it will represent a significant regional milestone for the region.
As to him, the expo will showcase the collaborative efforts of the Intergovernmental Authority on Development (IGAD) in fostering unity and progress. The involvement of IGAD’s Land Governance unit underscores the significance of this expo, elevating it from a national celebration to a platform for shared experiences, learning, and dialogue on crucial issues facing pastoral communities across borders learning and dialoguing on Pathways for Resilience in Pastoral Settings through Sustainable Land Governance.
Mentioning that this expo marks the 19th National Pastoralist Day event and stands as a testament to Ethiopia’s commitment to regional integration, he noted that the expo becomes a vital space for exchanging knowledge, fostering cooperation, and laying the groundwork for future collaborations among IGAD member states.
“The initiative’s focus on inclusive and conflict-sensitive land use planning has proven instrumental in transforming pastoral landscapes. Through participatory approaches, gender-responsive alternative dispute resolution, and collaboration with local and national governments, IGAD is driving positive change in the region among many other themes including supporting and nurturing pastoral land governance, heritage and indigenous practices in a dynamic economic and political environment.
Apart from this, alternative dispute resolution (ADR) and or traditional dispute in organizations and communities, youth and land governance as well as strengthening the promotion of customary land tenure and securing the indigenous knowledge within it are amongst the IGAD’s focus points.
In the expo panel discussion sessions on inclusive land use planning, gender-responsive dispute resolution, and leveraging youth potentials in land governance will also highlight IGAD’s commitment to holistic and sustainable interventions. The session will also provide a unique opportunity for stakeholders to share successes, approaches, and lessons learned, create a foundation for future initiatives that can promote resilience, sustainable livestock systems, and inclusive land governance, he noted.
“As the team leader of the delegation from Mandera County Government and a panelist at the expo, well experience gained and shared insights will undoubtedly contribute to the region’s development. The event’s regional impact lies in its potential to mobilize stakeholders, foster increased investment in inclusive land use planning, and address critical issues like tenure security, food security, and climate resilience, Salah explained.
The participation of stakeholders, experts, and policymakers from different countries fosters knowledge exchange, sharing of best practices, and capacity building. This can lead to the transfer of skills, technologies, and innovative approaches in areas such as sustainable land use planning, livestock management, agribusiness, and pastoralist livelihood diversification. The acquisition of new knowledge and skills can enhance productivity, efficiency, and competitiveness, ultimately benefiting the economic development of the region.
Additionally, the event will provide networking opportunities for pastoralist communities, entrepreneurs, and investors. Through interactions, participants can establish business connections, explore potential partnerships, and access new markets. This can enable pastoralist communities to expand their customer base, improve market access, and increase their incomes by reaching broader regional and international markets.
The participation of East African stakeholders in the Pastoralists Day and Expo therefore, will signify a significant step toward regional collaboration, unity, and progress. These events provide platforms for shared experiences, dialogue, and learning, with a focus on addressing challenges faced by pastoral communities across borders. By leveraging land governance, inclusive planning, and sustainable practices, the region aims to build resilience, improve livelihoods, and foster economic growth. The successful implementation of these initiatives will require ongoing collaboration among governments, organizations, and communities, ensuring a prosperous future for pastoralist communities in East Africa.
Overall, the economic benefits of the participation of East African stakeholders in the Pastoralists Day lie in the potential for increased trade, investment, tourism development, knowledge exchange, business networking, regional integration, and cooperation. These benefits can contribute to poverty reduction, improved livelihoods, and the overall economic prosperity of the region.
BY HIZKEL HAILU
The Ethiopian Herald January 28/2024
