Pastoralists Rights are enshrined in the Constitution of the Federal Democratic Republic of Ethiopia. However the articulation of these fundamental rights lacks legal instruments and mechanisms for their realization. This was the central message of a Panel Discussion on the “Future of Pastoralism in Ethiopia” that was held on June 22, 2007 at the Sheraton Addis. It was organized by the House of Peoples’ Representatives and the UN OCHA Pastoralist Communication Initiative. The Panel discussion was the first of a series of debates on pastoral issues that UN OCHA-PCI plans to organize with the relevant government agencies and the private sector to foster better understanding of pastoralism and stimulate healthy dialogue between policy makers and pastoralist representatives and other stakeholders. It was attended by around 200 government officials, parliamentarians, pastoralist representatives and members of the civil society as well as academics and researchers, who hotly debated the issues set out by the presenters.
Mohamoud Abdullahi of the Ethiopian Civil Service College gave a presentation on: “Past and Present Policies on Pastoralism”. He argued that there is a clear departure from the past in the FDRE constitution in terms of recognizing pastoralist rights, cultures and their way of life. These collective rights, enshrined in various articles of the constitution (Articles 39, 43, 45-48 and 92(3)), include rights to communal land, to economic development and self-government. Despite the recognition of these rights in the Constitution, however, Mahmoud pointed out the lack of mechanisms or legal instruments for enforcing these rights.
Mahmoud also highlighted the move towards more “pastoralist friendly” policies in the new government development strategy, “Plan for Accelerated Development and Eradication of Poverty” (PADEP). This strategy focuses on building pastoralist institutions, improving their livelihoods and provision of basic services. Saying this, there is also a contradiction in the policy document. While it states that pastoral development will be based on traditional pastoralist systems, it also talks about sedenterization along riverbanks. While it stipulates the development of livestock through range resources it also mentions irrigation schemes as key to pastoral development and settlement as a key assets.
Abdi Abdullahi, former Executive Director of Pastoralist Concern Association of Ethiopia, spoke about the “Current Trends and the Future of Pastoralism in Ethiopia, Observations from the Somali region”. He focused on his personal observations in pastoral areas and the future trajectory pastoral development could take in Ethiopia. He stated there are positive changes in the pastoral areas such as increased urbanization, more demand for education and vibrant markets. On the other hand Abdi raised concerns about encroachment on pastoral lands and intensified farming, conflict and lack of security.
