Page 11 - FMR64_Trafficking and smuggling & Climate crisis and local communities_2020_web

FMR 64 Climate crisis and local communities 11

June 2020 www.fmreview.org/issue64

Learning from the Turkana way of life grazing, communal sharing and rotational
It is a common misconception that the grazing. These restrictions are established
pastoralist communities of the world are by consensus and the elders take the lead
constantly on the move. The Turkana debunk in implementing the rules. The Turkana
this narrative. While they do move from attach a lot of importance to land and
place to place, when Turkana pastoralists consider it a blessing from Akuj (God), with
have access to water and green pasture the current generation holding it in trust
they do not keep moving on. The decision for future generations. Other pastoralist
to move is therefore not a voluntary one. communities that permit an open policy
Additionally, the decision is usually made on where individuals permit their animals
an individual basis, especially for movement to graze as they wish are often adversely
within their own country. The decision to affected. As different animals have different
cross international borders, however, is often grazing patterns, an uncontrolled system
made as a group because, as they often move will create a tragedy of the commons that
into volatile security situations, there is will have devastating effects for all. The
greater security in numbers when they move Turkana people have learned such survival
together. The community’s council of elders tactics – which are worth emulating.
plays a critical role in assessment and decision Turkana is a region that is grappling
making. The elders may send out emissaries with the harsh realities of climate change,
to neighbouring communities or countries and there is an urgent need to enable local
to inspect the pastures and report back. pastoralist voices to be heard in climate
In the Turkana context, numerous factors discussions, something that has hitherto
influence the community’s decision about been lacking. Recognition of pastoralists’
whether to move or not. Before any decision opinions on climate change and of their
is taken to move on, the depletion of local knowledge pertaining to climate adaptation
pastures is first countered by controlled has generally not been accorded international

Project Survival Media/Joe Lukhovi