The last decades have seen increasing efforts to better understand pastoralist livelihoods and apply a more holistic perspective in pastoralism-related interventions. Increased dialogue with and among pastoralist communities has been established. However, these efforts need strengthening to make a real impact on pastoralists’ livelihoods and allow pastoralists to better voice their concerns.

The objective of the Pastoralist Knowledge Hub is to fill the gaps identified over the past years, especially the lack of global policy discussions on pastoralism and the need to bring attention to the challenges faced by pastoral communities. By systematizing available information, literature and knowledge as well as technical tools, assessments and research results, the Hub also aims to better inform evidence-based decision making at all levels.

The Pastoralist Knowledge Hub will therefore serve both as a repository of technical excellence on pastoralism and pastoral people’s livelihoods, and as a neutral forum for exchange and alliance building among pastoralists and stakeholders working on pastoralist issues.

FACTS AND FIGURES
# About 1 billion animals worldwide are herded by pastoralists. These include sheep, goats, cattle, camels, yaks, horses and reindeer.
# 65% of meat, and 70% of milk sold on local markets in the Sahel region come from pastoral systems.
# Pastoralists are key to the food security in such areas as drylands, highlands, wetlands, and shrublands where crop production is difficult.
# Pastoralists promote rangeland health by improving soil fertility, conserving biodiversity, managing fires and accelerating nutrient cycling.
# Pastoral# ists follow customary and community-based rangeland management practices over a range of land tenure types.
# Pastoralists employ strategic mobility to adapt to variable climatic conditions.
# Pastoralism is not just a livelihood, but also a cultural system closely linked to its natural environment. Pastoralists have a treasure of local and indigenous knowledge.
Pastoralist women have varied roles in the pastoral household, caring for livestock, land and sometimes finances.