African countries have been urged to harness science and technology to protect rangelands, strengthen livestock resilience and safeguard pastoralism as a major source of livelihoods and economic activity.
Food and Agriculture Organisation (FAO) animal health and livestock production specialist Moses Olenesele said technology could help detect climate and environmental threats early, allowing authorities and communities to respond before grazing areas are severely affected.
Dr Olenesele was speaking on Thursday October 1, 2026 during celebrations of the International Year of Rangelands and Pastoralists 2026 in Longido District, Arusha Region. ‘Technology is particularly important in addressing climate change early-from monitoring weather conditions and rainfall patterns to detecting grass and plant diseases and invasive species before they affect the remaining rangelands,’ he said.
He said population growth, invasive species, land encroachment and the expansion of agriculture into dryland areas were placing increasing pressure on rangelands and threatening the foundation of pastoral economies.
Dr Olenesele said technology could improve rangeland productivity and resilience while protecting ecosystems that support livestock, wildlife, tourism, water resources and rural communities.
‘Rangelands do not support pastoralists alone. They also support wildlife and other ecosystems, while contributing to tourism and the wider national economy,’ he said.
He called for stronger collaboration among governments, researchers, environmental and climate experts, pastoral communities and other stakeholders to improve rangeland management.
‘This is not the responsibility of one institution. Through collaboration among governments, researchers, climate and environmental experts, communities and other stakeholders, we can protect and improve our rangelands so that they continue to benefit us,’ he said.
The celebrations were accompanied by a livestock vaccination campaign targeting goats, sheep and dogs as part of efforts to promote sustainable pastoralism and improve animal health.
Pastoralism Livestock Adaptation to Climate Change in Eastern Africa (PLACE) project coordinator Malogo Kongola said the celebrations were intended to highlight the contribution of pastoralism to food security, environmental management and economic growth.
He said pastoralists needed secure access to grazing areas and water, supported by policies and laws that promote sustainable rangeland management.
‘Pastoralism contributes to the production of meat, milk, hides and other livestock products. Countries therefore need strategies that support pastoralists while improving and protecting rangelands,’ Mr Kongola said.
Longido District livestock officer Godwin Shirima said the celebrations coincided with a campaign to vaccinate 5,000 goats and sheep and 200 dogs against diseases including peste des petits ruminants (PPR) and rabies.
He said vaccination would help reduce livestock deaths, disease transmission and treatment costs, protecting pastoralists from losses and improving the profitability of livestock keeping.
‘When livestock deaths and treatment costs decline, production costs also fall, enabling pastoralists to earn more from their livestock activities,’ Mr Shirima said.