FAO, EU launch €47m programme for E. African pastoralists

The Food and Agriculture Organisation (FAO) and the European Union (EU) have launched a €47 million programme to support pastoralists in Eastern Africa.

The four-year initiative, titled “Pastoralism and Livestock Adaptation to Climate Change in Eastern Africa Programme (PLACE),” aims to create sustainable, climate-resilient pastoral systems.

Rein Paulsen, FAO’s Director of Emergencies and Resilience, highlighted the programme’s importance, stating that it addresses increased climate-related shocks and resource degradation in the region’s rangelands.

With livestock serving as a lifeline for over 250 million people, pastoralism faces challenges from societal shifts and severe droughts, leading to the loss of over 13 million livestock since late 2020.

The PLACE programme targets four cross-border clusters in Ethiopia, Kenya, Somalia, South Sudan, Sudan, Tanzania, and Uganda, focusing on environmental sustainability, economic development, and social inclusion.

The initiative aims to directly benefit over 100,000 households by strengthening land tenure, reducing greenhouse gas emissions, preserving biodiversity, and creating jobs.

By prioritising gender and youth inclusion, the programme seeks to enhance resilience, improve food security, and establish sustainable livelihoods for Eastern Africa’s pastoral communities.

Attribution: FAO