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This paper makes a case for increased policy attention to pastoralists in Sub-Saharan Africa (SSA). The paper presents:estimates of the numbers of agro-/pastoral populations globallytheir livestock and their contribution to national economiesthe incidence of poverty among agro-/pastoral populations.The author examines the causes and dynamics of poverty among pastoral populations in Africa drawing on the sustainable livelihoods framework and focusing on vulnerability to shocks. Traditional livelihood and risk-management strategies appear to be increasingly ineffective and pastoralists progressively more vulnerable to droughts, market exclusion, epidemics and violent conflicts, as well as being negatively affected by increasing human and livestock pressure on fragile drylands.The key policy question identified is whether it is preferable to invest in pastoral development or whether it is more appropriate to support exit- strategies for pastoralists. The report argues for a complementary strategy. On the one hand, pastoralism is the best, if not the only, means to make productive and sustainable use of natural resources in arid and semi-arid areas while on the other hand increasing human and livestock pressure on the drylands needs to be addressed by strategies that support adoption of alternative income generation activities by some agro-/pastoral people.The final part of the paper examines some policy options to sustain pastoral development. The main focus is on policies mitigating vulnerability of pastoral people to shocks. A review of policy responses by various countries in SSA shows some interesting and innovative approaches including:effective drought management policies and the adaptation of pastoral people to market opportunities in Kenyacost-effective policies in Chad which combine animal and human health service delivery to pastoral people in remote areasthe incorporation of specific pastoral livelihood and employment promotion issues into the national employment policy in Tanzania.The report urges decision-makers to continue experimenting and to refine and adapt policies to the specific features of the different pastoral situations.
