Participatory approach to common use grazing management in dry area developing countries

Abstract

Most rangelands in developing countries are grazed in common, usually overgrazed and severely degraded, producing much less forage than potential. Use rights vary depending upon the region: from completely free access (open to everyone) to exclusive use by tribes, communities or extended families. Livestock numbers are usually not controlled unless by government intervention. Indigenous management systems that were once sustainable such as the 'Herne system common to the Middle East have broken down for various reasons, but mostly because of increased population pressure or inappropriate government policy and land tenure. Range research and development has focused on range restoration, either by direct seeding or transplanting shrubs, but most fail because of inadequate management once the area is improved. Overgrazing and continuous grazing are usually the causes of degradation, but other factors include over-harvesting for fuelwood and temporary cultivation. These problems are being addressed by ICARDA, which serves all the dry-area developing countries for the rehabilitation and management of rangelands. A participatory approach to grazing management used for rangelands by ICARDA.The International Center for Agricultural Research in the Dry Areas (ICARDA), in collaboration with national agricultural research organizations, has developed and used a participatory approach since 1989 in-range research and development. This continues as a central theme within the overall core project 'Rehabilitation and Improved Management of Rangelands in Dry Areas.' The goal of this project is to halt desertification, restore the productivity of rangelands, and improve pastoralist income. Most of our experience with the participatory approach was through two agropastoral projects funded by the Swiss Agency for Development and Cooperation (SDC), and the Mashreq/Maghreb (M & M) project funded by the International Fund for Agricultural Development (IFAD) and the Arab Fund for Economic and Social Development (AFESD). From these projects, rangeland restoration technology was developed. However, it soon became evident that management, not restoration technology, was most needed. Restored land rapidly degraded without proper grazing management. For management to change, stakeholder participation was essential. Involving farmers and communities fully in the development and research process leads to success. Government institutions must also participate as partners in the process to empower the herders, and provide the community with assurance that their efforts and investments are Grassland: