Stewards of the Land: African Pastoralists Unite in Nairobi to Shape Global Climate Agenda

  As the world grapples with the escalating dual crises of climate change and biodiversity loss, a vital but often overlooked group is stepping into the spotlight. This week, Nairobi has become the epicenter of a continental movement as approximately 100 delegates representing indigenous pastoralist communities from every corner of Africa—North, West, Central, Southern, and East—converge at the Kenya School of Monetary Studies.

  The five-day African Indigenous Pastoralists Gathering, running from January 25 to 29, 2026, marks a historic effort to unify the voices of the 258 million people who depend on pastoralism across the continent.

        

    Pastoralists amongst other stakeholders during the gathering 

        

   A Proactive Stance Ahead of IYRP 2026

   The meeting serves as a critical strategic precursor to the United Nations’ International Year of Rangelands and Pastoralists (IYRP 2026) and the upcoming UNCCD COP17. Organizers, including IMPACT Kenya, the African Forum of Pastoralists (AFPAT), and Kenya’s National Drought Management Authority (NDMA), recognize that for too long, global policies affecting rangelands have been crafted without the input of those who live on them.

  The primary objective is clear: to forge a shared African pastoralist agenda that ensures these communities are no longer spectators in international climate and development discussions, but lead architects of the solutions.

   The Unsung Heroes of Carbon Sequestration

   Pastoralism covers nearly 43% of the African landmass. Beyond being an economic lifeline, it is an ecological necessity. Pastoralists manage vast rangelands that serve as massive carbon sinks, playing a fundamental role in global carbon sequestration. Furthermore, they are the custodians of over 80% of the continent’s livestock genetic resources.

  Despite these contributions, the pastoralist way of life is under siege. Shrinking grazing lands, rising land-use conflicts, and the intensifying frequency of droughts are threatening traditional governance systems and economic stability.

    Amplifying the Marginalized

   A central pillar of the Nairobi gathering is the inclusion of youth, women, and persons with disabilities. These groups often bear the brunt of climate shocks but are the least represented in policy-making. By documenting lived experiences and stories of resilience, the delegation aims to unlock much-needed climate finance and social protection measures tailored to the unique needs of nomadic and semi-nomadic populations.

    From Policy to the Pen

  The summit is designed to be more than just a series of boardroom discussions. On January 28, the delegates will travel to Suswa, Narok County, for a field visit to indigenous pastoralist communities. This "boots-on-the-ground" approach is intended to ground the high-level policy talk in the reality of daily life, showcasing pastoralism as a proven model for biodiversity conservation and a rich cultural identity.

       A Unified Vision

  As the meeting draws to a close, the goal is to leave behind a robust, connected network of pastoralist organizations and government partners. By presenting a united front, Africa’s indigenous pastoralists are sending a clear message to the global community: sustainable land management and climate resilience cannot be achieved without the people who have protected these landscapes for generations.

  With the IYRP 2026 on the horizon, the Nairobi gathering represents a turning point—a moment where the "guardians of the rangelands" reclaim their seat at the global table.