Ecological and Economic Consequences of Reduced Mobility in Pastoral Livestock Production Systems

Abstract

Case study of Rendille pastoralists in Marsabit District of Kenya is used to demonstrate the economic and ecologic impact of reduced mobility. Historical information, aerial surveys, and ecological surveys and mapping exercises were used as data sources. Conclusions find long-term trends of increased sedentarization, reduced number of significant movements of settlements and a contraction of home range, particularly during the dry season. The authors discuss constraints to livestock productivity and risk-reducing adaptive strategies that result from decreased mobility, as well as some long-term demographic and economic changes that are occuring and are likely to change the system of production.