Lands of the Future: Anthropological Perspectives on Pastoralism, Land Deals and Tropes of Modernity in Eastern Africa

Pastoral communities in Eastern Africa are under threat from outside commercial interests, which have displaced indigenous dwellers from pastoral territories. This volume presents case studies that illustrate the struggles and strategies of those who face dispossession and discredit ideological false modernist tropes.

Format: Paperback / softback
Length: 396 pages
Publication date: 13 October 2023
Publisher: Berghahn Books

The pastoral communities in Eastern Africa's rangelands, forests, and riverine landscapes are facing a growing threat. This threat is exacerbated by states that believe that outsiders can better utilize the lands than the indigenous people who have lived there for centuries. As a result, external commercial interests have displaced indigenous dwellers from pastoral territories. This volume presents case studies from Eastern Africa, based on extensive long-term field research, that vividly illustrate the struggles and strategies of those facing dispossession and challenge ideological false modernist tropes such as 'backwardness' and 'primitiveness.'

The dispossession of pastoral communities in Eastern Africa is a complex issue that involves a range of factors. One of the primary drivers of this dispossession is the expansion of commercial agriculture and livestock ranching. As the demand for food and animal products increases globally, so too does the pressure to cultivate and graze on land that is traditionally used by pastoralists.

This expansion has led to the eviction of many indigenous people from their ancestral lands, as commercial interests seek to maximize their profits. In some cases, pastoralists have been forced to abandon their livelihoods altogether, leaving them with little means of support.

Another factor contributing to the dispossession of pastoral communities is the influence of state policies. Many states in Eastern Africa have adopted policies that prioritize the development of agriculture and infrastructure over the protection of pastoralism and indigenous rights. These policies often involve the eviction of pastoralists from their lands and the resettlement of them in other areas, often without their consent.

Furthermore, the increasing globalization of the economy has also played a role in the dispossession of pastoral communities. As multinational corporations seek to expand their operations in Eastern Africa, they often prioritize the interests of their shareholders over the needs of local communities. This has led to the exploitation of natural resources, the degradation of the environment, and the displacement of indigenous people.

Despite these challenges, there are also efforts underway to address the dispossession of pastoral communities in Eastern Africa. One of the most significant is the work of indigenous organizations and advocacy groups, which are working to protect the rights of pastoralists and promote sustainable land management practices. These organizations are also working to raise awareness about the issues facing pastoral communities and to mobilize support for their cause.

In addition, there are efforts by the international community to address the dispossession of pastoral communities in Eastern Africa. The United Nations, for example, has adopted a number of resolutions and policies that prioritize the protection of indigenous rights and the sustainable use of natural resources. The World Bank and other international financial institutions have also developed programs that support the development of sustainable pastoralism and the protection of indigenous lands.

However, the challenges facing pastoral communities in Eastern Africa are complex and multifaceted, and there is still much work to be done. The dispossession of pastoral communities is not just a matter of land rights, but also of cultural identity and heritage. As pastoralists have been living on and managing the land for centuries, their way of life is deeply intertwined with the land and the environment.

Furthermore, the dispossession of pastoral communities often has negative impacts on the environment and the broader society. As pastoralists rely on the land for their livelihoods, they are often the best stewards of the land and the environment. When they are forced to abandon their lands, the land is often left in a state of degradation, with little or no vegetation cover and increased soil erosion.

In conclusion, the dispossession of pastoral communities in Eastern Africa is a complex issue that requires a multifaceted approach. While there are efforts underway to address this issue, there is still much work to be done to protect the rights of pastoralists and promote sustainable land management practices. The international community must also play a role in supporting these efforts and promoting the sustainable development of pastoral communities in Eastern Africa.

Weight: 552g
Dimension: 227 x 151 x 23 (mm)
ISBN-13: 9781805391203