African women herders are charting a new course, pledging to embrace modern pastoralism as a pathway to enhanced livelihoods and community well-being across the continent. This significant commitment, however, is contingent on a crucial call to action: governments must actively support research that will foster a deeper understanding and advancement of pastoralist-led innovation.
This forward-looking vision was articulated during a debrief following an insightful learning exchange held at Kaynela Farm in Uganda’s Kayunga district on March 20, 2026. Hannah Longole, Executive Director of the Ateker Cultural Centre, a non-governmental organization based in Karamoja, emphasized the imperative to elevate the lives of pastoralists.
Embracing Modern Pastoralism: A Multifaceted Approach
Longole highlighted the ongoing need for engagement with women pastoralists across Africa, stating, “We need to continue to engage the women pastoralists in various parts of Africa for change.” She underscored that extensive efforts, both recent and prior, have been dedicated to understanding how to positively transform their lives.
A core tenet of this transition involves safeguarding and disseminating the valuable traditions and knowledge inherent in pastoralist and indigenous communities. Longole urged women pastoralists to champion sustainable development, ensuring its visibility and accessibility to policymakers within various governmental structures to garner essential support.
“As we move towards modern pastoralism, we need to advocate for land rights,” Longole asserted, emphasizing the interconnectedness of this advocacy with effective natural resource management, rangeland restoration, and a comprehensive understanding of policy’s influence on pastoralist practices.
Integrating Tradition with Innovation
Margie Lolem, a community development officer from Moroto district, provided practical guidance, suggesting that modernity in livestock rearing should organically grow from established traditional methods. She acknowledged the considerable challenges faced by pastoralists, including the pervasive impacts of climate change and the dwindling availability of grazing land. In response, Lolem advised herders to consider reducing the size of their herds.
This strategic shift, she explained, would not only help mitigate the effects of climate change but also contribute to reducing conflicts that often arise among herders over scarce resources. Lolem pointed to the Karamoja region as an example, where herders are increasingly diversifying their economic activities by engaging in livestock trade and selling dairy products such as milk, ghee, and hides. This trend, she noted, signifies a growing acceptance of modern practices.
Lolem’s recommendations extended to the adoption of contemporary technologies in livestock management. This includes embracing advanced veterinary services and implementing improved animal husbandry techniques. “For the beginning, we can combine the modernity and the traditional system of looking after animals,” she stated, noting that some pastoralist communities in parts of Western Kenya and Uganda have already successfully integrated modern pastoralism into their operations.
Amplifying Voices and Driving Change
From Benin in West Africa, Djoudi Isaa Demo stressed the critical importance of women pastoralists raising their voices. She identified awareness creation as a cornerstone of the transition to modern practices. “We have a huge job to create awareness because Africa has a very big number of pastoralists,” Demo remarked, underscoring the enduring significance of the women pastoralist charter in driving modernization efforts.
A Visit to Kaynela Farm: Inspiration and Practical Insights
The learning exchange at Kaynela Farm offered a tangible demonstration of successful agricultural enterprise. The African women pastoralists were given a comprehensive overview of the farm’s establishment a decade ago, providing them with an opportunity to witness firsthand the achievements of a female farmer and entrepreneur.
Peace Kayesu, the proprietor of Kaynela Farm, shared her vision of investing in sustainable farming while celebrating cultural heritage. She detailed how she has progressively transformed the family farm into a dynamic hub catering to culinary enthusiasts, agro-tourism advocates, and cultural aficionados. The 214-acre farm, Kayesu explained, serves as a showcase for the nation’s diversity, with strong connections to livestock management and pastoralist culture.
During their visit, the delegates explored various facets of the farm, including fish farming ponds, an aviary, goat rearing units, and cattle farms. The cattle operations featured both the indigenous Ankole breed and the more commercially recognized Friesian breed.
The tour also encompassed visits to pineapple and orange gardens, banana and apple plantations, as well as cultural tourism sites originating from Karamoja and western Uganda, offering a broad perspective on agricultural and cultural integration.
However, Kayesu also imparted vital advice to the women pastoralists, reiterating the necessity of embracing modern pastoralism and moving beyond purely traditional systems. “We have to ensure in this era we regulate the mobility of livestock to avoid conflict,” she cautioned, highlighting the shrinking availability of grazing land due to agricultural expansion and development.
Kayesu further pointed out that evolving land tenure systems now necessitate the confinement of livestock, a significant departure from traditional free-range practices. This practical insight underscored the adaptive strategies required for modern pastoralism to thrive in contemporary environments.
