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Supporting Pastoralism and Agriculture
in Recurrent and Protracted Crises

Rangeland ecosystems help to maintain biodiversity and support the livelihoods of pastoralists and farmers. Agro-pastoralism is a secure and sustainable way of life for rural communities: it supports mobility, food production and the collective management of resources. Pastoralism is often the only source of income in the poorest arid and semi-arid regions globally. Yet, pastoral and agro-pastoral communities remain marginalised, and their livelihoods are increasingly under threat due to climate change, conflict, environmental degradation, changing global markets, growing populations and increasing competition for natural resources, which undermines their resilience.

We will provide new knowledge on agro-pastoral dynamics in fragile and conflict-affected states, including analysis of the impacts that shocks and threats have on different groups such as women, youth, the elderly and people with disabilities.  

Here we present some recommended resources on the theme of People and Societies specially selected by SPARC’s experts: 

 

 

 

Featured resources

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Two young Sudanese boys with livestock in the drylands (c) Mercy Corps Publications

Dynamism in the drylands of South Sudan

This report looks at volatility in South Sudan's drylands, and discusses the short-term strategies pastoralists use when responding to emerging threats and the longer-term changes to their priorities.
Huge herds of camels drink from the permanent water source at Guelta d'Archei in the Ennedi Mountains of northeastern Chad - Image by David Stanley - CC BY 2.0 Publications

Issue brief: Transboundary climate risks to African dryland livestock economies

This brief explores how policies at the sub-national, national and regional levels can help and hinder options for the management of transboundary climate risks at local, national and regional levels.
Food being cooked for students in a school in Makalondi, Tilaberri Region, Niger - Image by the Global Partnership for Education - CC BY-NC-ND 2.0 Publications

Innovation in governance: Integrating technical and contextual perspectives to address fragility

This brief is the first of two and focuses on how using process innovations can improve decision-making within complex and fragile environments in Ethiopia, Kenya, Mali, Niger and Somalia.
Researchers interview women in Hayin Ade - image by Maryam Yusuf Bayero FUDECO Publications

Livelihoods, conflict and mediation: Nigeria

This research is the first in a series of longitudinal studies into the impact of violent and non-violent conflict on lives and livelihoods, and mediation dynamics, in Nigeria and Somalia.

Latest news and features

Mary Ngok, 31, a farmer in Bor County, South Sudan. Credit: USAID / Flickr. Features

Bridging the generational digital skills and knowledge gap in South Sudan

SPARC work is exploring the sensitivities of building climate resilience and digital skills among women in South Sudan.
Delegates at the conference ‘Inclusive Investment Opportunities for Unleashing the Power of the Pastoral Sector’. Credit: Joshua Wanyama. News

Unleashing the power of the pastoral sector: new perspectives

Pastoralism is a critical part of Africa’s food system. Yet it is overlooked and urgently requires more support, according to speakers at a recent conference.
Panel at IGAD event Features

SPARC-supported research and expertise informs high-level regional conference on land and conflict in Africa

SPARC-supported research and expertise informs high-level regional conference on land and conflict in Africa, forming the basis for nascent collaboration with IGAD

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